BMW iX1 Wipers Dead: Relay Issue or Something More?

Had the same issue on my 2020 BMW iX3 last month. Initially thought it was just a blown fuse, but turned out the wiring harness connecting to the wiper motor control module was corroded and had some loose connections. My car showed similar symptoms, complete wiper failure and error codes. After inspection, the technician found that moisture had gotten into the connection points, causing intermittent electrical issues. The repair involved replacing the damaged wiring harness and resealing the connection points. It wasn't a major repair in terms of complexity, but it did require specific diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the exact issue. The wiper relay you mentioned could be the culprit, but in my experience, it's worth getting a proper diagnostic before replacing parts. Make sure you get it checked soon though, driving without functioning wipers isn't safe, especially since these electrical issues can sometimes affect other systems.

Hey, that's really helpful info about the wiring harness! I've got exactly the same symptoms on my iX1 right now. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been working fine since they fixed it? I'm trying to get an idea of what I'm in for cost-wise and whether it's likely to be a permanent fix.

Hey there! Just wanted to update you on my iX3 repair situation. After getting it fixed, everything's been working perfectly, not a single problem with the wipers. My issue turned out to be simpler than I initially feared, it was indeed the faulty wiper relay, and they found a damaged cable connection that needed fixing. The total bill came to 95 € for the repair work, which included fixing the cable connection and replacing the relay. Much cheaper than I expected, honestly! The mechanic did a thorough job, and I've had zero issues since the repair. The wipers work like a charm now in both manual and auto modes. Seems like our cars had similar symptoms, but different root causes. In my case, it wasn't the wiring harness after all, despite what I initially suspected. Just goes to show how important it is to get a proper diagnosis. Really hope this helps give you a better idea of potential costs, though obviously, your specific repair might differ from mine depending on what they find.

Thanks so much for sharing those details! Just got back from the mechanic today and wanted to update everyone. Turned out my issue was a bit different, the wiper motor itself had failed. The repair was pricier than I'd hoped, around 450 € for parts and labor, but at least it's sorted now. The mechanic I found was actually great, really transparent about the whole process. They showed me the old motor and explained exactly what had gone wrong. Even gave me some tips about preventive maintenance for the future. Though it cost more than your repair, I'm just relieved to have working wipers again! They ran a full diagnostic test after the repair, and everything's working perfectly now, both auto and manual modes. The error code's gone too. Got caught in some rain on the way home, and it was such a relief to have working wipers again! Thanks again for your help. Sometimes these car issues can be really stressful, but it helps knowing others have dealt with similar problems. At least now I know a trustworthy mechanic for future repairs!