BMW XM Windshield Wiper Failure, Help Needed!

Hey there! I had a similar problem with my 2021 BMW X7 (previously owned an X5 too). I have some basic experience working on cars, mainly routine maintenance stuff. My wipers also completely died last winter, both modes. After taking it to my regular workshop, they found it was just a loose connection in the wiring harness near the wiper motor. The plug had worked itself loose over time, causing intermittent failures before completely stopping. Total repair was 95 Euro, mostly labor costs for diagnosing and fixing the connection. Before you head to a shop, could you share: Are you getting any specific error messages? Did it fail suddenly or was it acting up before? Do you hear any motor noise when trying to activate them? This info would help narrow down if you're dealing with the same issue I had or something else.

Thanks for the detailed response! Just had my service done last month at 90159 KM, and I'm actually hearing a faint clicking sound when I try to activate the wipers. The issue started gradually, first, they were a bit jerky for about a week, then completely stopped yesterday. The error message shows "Check wiper system" on the display. It's actually comforting to know yours was just a loose connection, hoping mine's something similarly simple. The car's been running great otherwise, so this came as a surprise. Will definitely check those points you mentioned before taking it to the shop!

Hey again! Thanks for the additional details about your XM. You know what? That clicking sound you mentioned is really interesting because it's different from what I experienced with my X7. In my case, there was no sound at all when the wipers failed. Given that you're hearing a clicking noise and had jerky movement before the complete failure, I'm starting to think it might not be just a loose connection like mine was. This actually sounds more like it could be the wiper motor itself starting to fail. The gradual deterioration you described, from jerky movement to complete failure, is pretty typical of a failing motor. I know I mentioned the wiring issue before, but after hearing these new symptoms, I'd bet money on the motor being the culprit. Especially since you mentioned the recent service, any loose connections would likely have been spotted then. Quick tip: while you wait to get it checked out, try gently tapping the wiper motor housing (if you can safely access it). Sometimes this can temporarily get a failing motor working again, though it's definitely not a long-term fix! Just be warned though, if it is the motor, it'll probably cost quite a bit more than my simple wiring fix did. Let me know what you find out when you get it checked, I'm really curious to know if my revised guess is right this time!

Thanks so much for the follow-up and revised thoughts! That's really helpful about the motor being the likely culprit, makes total sense given the symptoms. I actually tried your tip about tapping the motor housing, and surprisingly, the wipers moved slightly! But you're right, definitely not a permanent solution. I've scheduled an appointment for tomorrow morning at my local BMW specialist. The clicking sound seems to be getting more pronounced now, so I'm pretty convinced you're onto something with the motor theory. It's annoying that it happened right after service, but I guess these things aren't always predictable. Will definitely keep you posted on what they find, really appreciate all your help and insight on this! While it might cost more than a loose connection, at least I'm going in with a better idea of what to expect.