BMW X1 Wipers Dead: Relay Issue or Something More?

Had a similar issue on my 2018 BMW X3 last summer. The wipers completely stopped working during a routine drive. Got the error code checked and it turned out the wiper motor connector had corroded, causing a break in the circuit. The fix wasn't too complex, just needed replacing the wiring harness connector and cleaning the ground points. Not a serious repair in terms of car safety, but definitely something you want sorted soon. The mechanic showed me the old connector and you could clearly see the corrosion buildup. I'd suggest checking the fuse first, it's the easiest thing to rule out. If that's good, it's likely either the connector issue like mine or possibly the motor itself. A certified BMW tech should be able to diagnose it pretty quickly with their diagnostic tools.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know about the corroded connector, seems like these things can sneak up on us. My problem sounds pretty similar to what you dealt with. Did you happen to remember roughly how much the repair set you back? Also, curious if you've had any other wiper-related issues pop up since getting it fixed?

Hey there! Happy to give you an update on my wiper situation. After getting it fixed, I can tell you it was definitely the faulty relay, just like I suspected might be the case with yours. The mechanic found a bad cable connection to the relay component that was causing all the trouble. The whole thing set me back 95€, which wasn't too bad considering how annoying the problem was. And to answer your question, nope, haven't had a single issue with the wipers since getting it sorted! They're working perfectly now, both on manual and auto settings. I actually feel pretty lucky it was just the relay connection and not something more serious like the motor itself. Just shows how something relatively simple can cause such a headache! If your symptoms are similar to what I experienced, might be worth getting the relay checked first. Trust me, it's such a relief having working wipers again. Let me know how you get on with yours!

Thanks so much for the follow-up! Finally got my wiper situation sorted out today. Took it to a different mechanic who came highly recommended. Turns out it was also a relay issue, just like yours! The technician was really thorough and showed me exactly what was wrong. The repair cost was a bit more than yours, around 120, but honestly, it was worth every penny. They explained everything clearly and fixed it within a couple of hours. The wipers are working perfectly now, both auto and manual. Funny how we sometimes worry about major problems when it's often something relatively simple. Really glad I asked here first, your experience helped me feel more confident about what needed to be done. The new mechanic was great too, so I think I've found my new go-to place for future repairs. Thanks again for all your help with this!