Windscreen wipers

[Ianmc]

Z3 recently went in for an oil service, all good but garage advised that the near side wiper was slightly catching on the bonnet. Wipers work fine, but good spot as you don't hear it when driving the car. Fitted new arms and blades yesterday as old arms looked "very original". Unfortunately, problem still remains. Bonnet gaps look correct so think there must be wear in the spindle? Any experience of this out there please?

 

[Sean d]

Its very common and most of us seem to suffer with it, there has been some speculation as to the cause but I don't think there is a determinate answer

 

[Ianmc]

If it is wear, it looks like the wiper console needs to be replaced (part number 61608400000). Price looks north of £200. Wonder if the console can be properly fixed? Unlikely I suspect.
This Z3 has just reached 80K miles (so not really high mileage). Recall my MC had the wiper console replaced in 2005 under the BMW approved used car scheme (would have been similar mileage then), but has been fine since (now 235K miles).
Good news is that fitting a replacement seems a straightforward job?

 

[abh29]

Had ours about 6 years ---always caught on bonnet. Never considered doing anything about it.

Odd the X1 also catches

 

[t-tony]

My Z3 had the same fault, again was like it when I bought it and when I sold it!

Tony.

 

[Ianmc]

I like the leave alone option (they all do that sir!) but it's not right, I can't live with cars that are "not right". Sad I know. Fortunately this mild OCD only apples to cars in my case.
Will get confirmation of the cause, think there are at least 4 "swivel pins" on the console, then replace if necessary. Unlikely, but maybe some adjustment is possible. Thanks for sharing your experiences, I had not realised that this was a regular Z3 issue, live and learn.

 

[t-tony]

I like the leave alone option (they all do that sir!) but it's not right, I can't live with cars that are "not right". Sad I know. Fortunately this mild OCD only apples to cars in my case.
Will get confirmation of the cause, think there are at least 4 "swivel pins" on the console, then replace if necessary. Unlikely, but maybe some adjustment is possible. Thanks for sharing your experiences, I had not realised that this was a regular Z3 issue, live and learn.

Hi Ian, on my Z3 it was the main wiper spindle bush which was worn out. I had this before on a Volvo too. Unlikely that you will be able to buy just that part (if that's what it is) these days you buy a complete "rack" sometimes even come with the motor attached !

Tony.

 

[Faheem]

My Z3 had the same issue when I replaced the blades, Brian suggested bending the arm very slightly to stop it from catching and it hasn't caught on the bonnet since.

 

[DavidM]

Maybe a silly question - can the arms be moved on their spindles so that on their return they avoid reaching the paintwork - I suppose this depends also on how much flexibility there is at the other end of the wiper sweep - if that makes sense?

 

[t-tony]

What happens is that when you turn on the wipers the initial "kick" of movement pushes the spindle over in the worn bush and the movement causes the arm to foul on the bonnet. If you move the arms (rotationally) on the spindle you run the risk of the blades fouling on the edge of the screen (especially on fast speed and a wet screen), which in turn puts even more pressure onto the spindles.

Tony.

 

[5harp3y]

Happens on mine too

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

Maybe a silly question - can the arms be moved on their spindles so that on their return they avoid reaching the paintwork - I suppose this depends also on how much flexibility there is at the other end of the wiper sweep - if that makes sense?

Yes, the wipers can be set at any 'angle' on the spindles, if they then foul the roof strip for example shorter wiper blades are an option.

This can avoid the contact with the underside of teh top of the bonnet.

As others have said it is very common, some 'clunk' on striking, some don't.

As @Faheem says the bending arm technique can work well.

 

[Ianmc]

Don't think you can bend the arm to avoid it striking the bonnet - its the thick bit covering the spring that offends. Guess you could try and stretch the spring but then lose tension to keep the arm in place, relative to the windscreen. Unfortunately the conclusion IMO seems to be "live with it" or replace the worn bits.

 

[Stevo7682]

Both of our zeds do it I haven't come up with a credible plan to sort it both on offside .

 

[gookah]

mine did it until I bent it down a bit more, that was 5 years ago and it hasn't rubbed since.
Mind you there is also the £200 plus, and a lot of work ,option..... nah , a bend works fine..
those of you that have lots of spare money and time... by all means crack on.....

 

[t-tony]

mine did it until I bent it down a bit more, that was 5 years ago and it hasn't rubbed since.
Mind you there is also the £200 plus, and a lot of work ,option..... nah , a bend works fine..
those of you that have lots of spare money and time... by all means crack on.....

That was pretty much my opinion too Pete, rarely used the wipers anyway. The stuff I use on my glass almost does away with the need for them (well, it does if you go fast enough)

Tony.

 

[colb]

Bent one of mine when I noticed it touching the bonnet, worked for me.