BMW X3 Wiper Problem: Random Activation & Error Code

Hey there! I've got some experience with car repairs, and I actually had a very similar issue with my 2005 BMW X5 last year. The wiper behavior you're describing sounds exactly like what I dealt with. My wipers would out of nowhere activate and then completely stop working. After taking it to my trusted workshop, they found it was indeed a faulty connection in the wiper control module plug. The repair cost me 95 Euro, and it's been working perfectly since then. They had to clean and reseat the connections, plus replace a damaged cable. Before I can give you more specific advice, could you share: Have you noticed any other electrical issues? Does this happen more often in wet weather? Can you hear any clicking sound from the wiper motor? By the way, if you want to try a quick check yourself, look for any obvious loose connections around the wiper motor, but I'd recommend having a professional take a look at it. These BMW electrical issues can be tricky to diagnose.

Thanks for the detailed response! My X3 has 68370 KM on the clock and just had its service two weeks ago. I haven't noticed any other electrical problems, but there is a faint clicking sound when I try to activate the wipers. They seem to act up regardless of the weather. I checked around the motor area but couldn't spot anything obviously wrong. Will definitely get it checked by a professional. The symptoms really do sound similar to what you experienced with your X5. Hopefully it's just a connection issue like yours and not something more serious.

Hey again! Based on what you're describing, especially that clicking sound, it's sounding even more like my X5's issue. When my wipers were acting up, I also heard that same clicking noise, and it happened right after a routine service too, funny enough. Since you've got similar symptoms and your car's a similar age to what mine was, I'm pretty confident it's that wiper control module connection problem. The clicking is usually a dead giveaway, that's the module trying to send signals but not making proper contact. One thing I forgot to mention in my first reply, before I got it fixed, I tried using electrical contact cleaner on the connections as a temporary fix. It helped for a few days but the problem came back. That's when I knew it needed proper attention. 68370 KM isn't much for these BMWs, so you're probably right, it's likely just a connection issue like mine was. When you take it in, make sure they check the wiring harness too. My mechanic showed me how the original wiring insulation tends to get brittle in these models. Keep me posted on what you find out. I'm curious to know if it's the same problem!

Thanks so much for all this information! It's really helpful to know about your experience, especially the bit about the electrical contact cleaner, I won't waste my time trying that temporary fix. I've scheduled an appointment with my mechanic for next week. I'll make sure to mention the wiring harness inspection you suggested and the possibility of brittle insulation. The clicking sound being a sign of the control module problem makes total sense. I was worried it might be something major, but you've put my mind at ease a bit. It's great to hear from someone who's dealt with the exact same issue. I'll definitely let you know what they find when I get it checked out. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, it's been super helpful!