BMW Series 1 Wipers Dead: Relay or Something Worse?

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2018 BMW 2 Series Diesel last winter. After the wipers stopped working completely, I took it to the garage and it turned out to be a faulty connection in the wiring harness near the motor. Some connectors had corroded and weren't making proper contact anymore. The mechanic showed me how the cable insulation had worn down over time, causing moisture to get in and mess with the connections. It wasn't a major repair, but definitely needed professional attention since it involved taking apart some components in the cowl area to access the wiring. While your issue could be the relay, based on my experience, I'd suggest getting those wiring connections checked first. The symptoms are nearly identical to what I experienced, complete failure of both manual and auto functions. It's not something you want to leave unfixed since you need those wipers working properly for safe driving.

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience! I actually went through exactly the same thing with my BMW 1 last year. The wiring issue sounds spot on, mine had the same symptoms you described. Do you remember roughly how much the repair set you back? Just trying to get an idea of what I might be looking at cost-wise. Also, has everything been working smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other electrical quirks popping up?

Hey again! Glad to help update you on the aftermath of my wiper situation with my BMW 2 Series. Since getting it fixed at the mechanic, everything's been working perfectly, no more wiper drama! The final bill came to 95 € which covered fixing the faulty relay issue. Turned out it was exactly what I suspected, the cable connection to the relay component was shot and needed replacing. I know you were worried about repair costs, so you'll probably be relieved to hear it wasn't too painful on the wallet. The best part is I haven't had a single electrical problem since the fix, the wipers work like a charm now, both in manual and auto modes. It's such a relief not having to worry about them conking out in bad weather anymore! Just make sure they check all the connections properly when you get yours done. My mechanic did a thorough job testing everything after the repair, which probably explains why it's been so reliable since. Let me know how yours turns out!

Thanks for the detailed follow-up! I actually just got back from the mechanic today. You were spot on about the wiring, turns out it was a similar issue to what you experienced. The mechanic found corroded connectors near the wiper motor that needed replacing. Total repair cost was reasonable, around what you paid. I'm really glad I went ahead with the repair despite my initial hesitation. The wipers are working perfectly now, both manual and auto functions. The mechanic did a great job explaining everything and even showed me the damaged parts. Much better experience than my last garage visit! It's such a relief having working wipers again. Definitely learned my lesson about not putting off these kinds of repairs. Really appreciate your help in pushing me to get it checked out. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it gave me the confidence to get it sorted properly.