Wiper Speeds on X1

Phil777 · 11-16-2011, 09:02 AM

Has anyone noticed that the windshield wipers, when set on the rain-sensing mode (by pressing the button on the end of the wiper stalk), seem to have a mind of their own? No matter how you set the 'sensitivity' dial, the wipers will do two or three wipes at a normal speed, and then for no reason (i.e. no change in rain intensity or speed of vehicle), switch to super-fast speed for three or four wipes, then back to slow, then fast, etc. etc. I've tried all settings of the 'sensitivity' dial, and none of them seem to allow the wipers to act normally (as they do on my other BMW). Just curious if this is a problem (probably software related) with our X1 specifically, or X1's in general... Thanks for any info you can provide!

HoTiCE_ · 11-16-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil777

Has anyone noticed that the windshield wipers, when set on the rain-sensing mode (by pressing the button on the end of the wiper stalk), seem to have a mind of their own? No matter how you set the 'sensitivity' dial, the wipers will do two or three wipes at a normal speed, and then for no reason (i.e. no change in rain intensity or speed of vehicle), switch to super-fast speed for three or four wipes, then back to slow, then fast, etc. etc. I've tried all settings of the 'sensitivity' dial, and none of them seem to allow the wipers to act normally (as they do on my other BMW). Just curious if this is a problem (probably software related) with our X1 specifically, or X1's in general... Thanks for any info you can provide!

I know exactly what you are talking about.

Brought the car in for service and they tested it..saying it was normal.

Seem to happen more in traffic at slow speeds and stop-n-goes...

Adgl · 11-16-2011, 01:13 PM

No problem with mine. They stop and start as you'd expect and adjust speed depending on the intensity of the rain. Maybe something up with yours as you suggest.

rob_378 · 11-17-2011, 07:17 AM

I have the same problem on myt 18sdrive

fdpxfunix · 11-17-2011, 09:35 AM

Yup same on my 18d sdrive. Sometimes they don't react to the rain intensity at all, and then wipe super quick when there's a few drops of rain. Generally the system works OK, but I do have to 'manual wipe' a fair bit.

J.

AusX1 · 11-17-2011, 01:11 PM

Same for me, systems completely random it seems.

mario486 · 11-17-2011, 04:59 PM

What I have noticed is that there is a rain sensor by the rear view mirror. When braking water on the roof runs forward and over the sensor. Which is probably why it goes crazy when you stop or slow down abruptly

DUH CAR · 11-18-2011, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mario486

What I have noticed is that there is a rain sensor by the rear view mirror. When braking water on the roof runs forward and over the sensor. Which is probably why it goes crazy when you stop or slow down abruptly

Sounds like that could be the problem.

Only others could be dirty glass or software error. Doubt that it is software.

mrm83 · 11-18-2011, 02:38 PM

i have the same issue with my sensor. sometimes it doesnt wipe at all and i have to manually hit the wiper to clear all the rain drops.

Phil777 · 11-18-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mario486

What I have noticed is that there is a rain sensor by the rear view mirror. When braking water on the roof runs forward and over the sensor. Which is probably why it goes crazy when you stop or slow down abruptly

Thanks Mario! Maybe I'll take your advice from a much earlier post and use a Rain-X substitute on my windshield. Who really needs wipers anyway!

mario486 · 11-18-2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil777

Thanks Mario! Maybe I'll take your advice from a much earlier post and use a Rain-X substitute on my windshield. Who really needs wipers anyway!

Yep, best I have found is Aquapel from your side of the pond. Really good stuff.

Phil777 · 11-20-2011, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mario486

Yep, best I have found is Aquapel from your side of the pond. Really good stuff.

Thanks! I'll check it out.

Blue Bottle · 11-20-2011, 11:46 AM

its a bit wrong to spend money of this equipment and then have to buy a product like rain shield because it does not work, we should be raising this higher than a shop floor mechanical gut who cant fix the issue.. We all know its not meant to be this way..
Anyone tried contact with BMW UK ? Its your money you spent..

Blue Bottle · 11-20-2011, 11:49 AM

If in UK, please email your details including registration number to contact.us@bmw.co.uk and they will be happy to look into this for you.

mario486 · 11-20-2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Bottle

its a bit wrong to spend money of this equipment and then have to buy a product like rain shield because it does not work, we should be raising this higher than a shop floor mechanical gut who cant fix the issue.. We all know its not meant to be this way..
Anyone tried contact with BMW UK ? Its your money you spent..

Hi BB, I don't have a problem with the auto wipes. Just noticed a few peculiarities the car has. They work fine for me. I use Aquapel as I believe a clear windscreen at speed is safer. Also the beading is better than the sheet water effect you get without it. At 70mph with Aquapel you can switch the wipers off,

weird at first though

Blue Bottle · 11-20-2011, 02:45 PM

never used it, how much is it and how long does it last ?

Remlaw Silo · 11-23-2011, 07:56 AM

Hi,

Does anyone else (besides me) get annoyed with the sound of the wiper motor clicking on and off when the wiper is activating. The noise seems to come from the glove box area (on my right hand drive Xdrive2.0d) and is quite noticeable.

Phil777 · 11-26-2011, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Remlaw Silo

Hi,

Does anyone else (besides me) get annoyed with the sound of the wiper motor clicking on and off when the wiper is activating. The noise seems to come from the glove box area (on my right hand drive Xdrive2.0d) and is quite noticeable.

Yes Remlaw - I have heard it too, however it seems that I don't hear it every time the wipers are on - just sometimes... Not sure what it is...

11-16-2011, 09:02 AM	#1
Phil777 Phil 3 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 2010 550i GT, 2012 X1 28i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Wiper Speeds on X1 Has anyone noticed that the windshield wipers, when set on the rain-sensing mode (by pressing the button on the end of the wiper stalk), seem to have a mind of their own? No matter how you set the 'sensitivity' dial, the wipers will do two or three wipes at a normal speed, and then for no reason (i.e. no change in rain intensity or speed of vehicle), switch to super-fast speed for three or four wipes, then back to slow, then fast, etc. etc. I've tried all settings of the 'sensitivity' dial, and none of them seem to allow the wipers to act normally (as they do on my other BMW). Just curious if this is a problem (probably software related) with our X1 specifically, or X1's in general... Thanks for any info you can provide!
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11-16-2011, 01:13 PM	#3
Adgl New Member 2 Rep 7 Posts Drives: X1 Xdrive 18D SE Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	No problem with mine. They stop and start as you'd expect and adjust speed depending on the intensity of the rain. Maybe something up with yours as you suggest.
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11-17-2011, 07:17 AM	#4
rob_378 HongKongX1 6 Rep 69 Posts Drives: X1 sDrive18i SPORT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem on myt 18sdrive
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11-17-2011, 09:35 AM	#5
fdpxfunix Second Lieutenant 187 Rep 293 Posts Drives: X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: UK - West Sussex iTrader: (0)	Yup same on my 18d sdrive. Sometimes they don't react to the rain intensity at all, and then wipe super quick when there's a few drops of rain. Generally the system works OK, but I do have to 'manual wipe' a fair bit. J.
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11-17-2011, 01:11 PM	#6
AusX1 Private First Class 11 Rep 112 Posts Drives: X1 2.0D Sport Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Same for me, systems completely random it seems.
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11-17-2011, 04:59 PM	#7
mario486 Mario 26 Rep 981 Posts Drives: X1 XDrive 2.0d, Mini Cooper Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Scotland/Alba iTrader: (0)	What I have noticed is that there is a rain sensor by the rear view mirror. When braking water on the roof runs forward and over the sensor. Which is probably why it goes crazy when you stop or slow down abruptly __________________ "Do or do not, there is no try!" - Master Yoda "Always in motion is the future" - Master Yoda "Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is" - Master Yoda "There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living" - Nelson Mandela Last edited by mario486; 11-17-2011 at 05:38 PM..
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11-18-2011, 02:38 PM	#9
mrm83 Private 10 Rep 59 Posts Drives: x1 Join Date: May 2011 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	i have the same issue with my sensor. sometimes it doesnt wipe at all and i have to manually hit the wiper to clear all the rain drops.
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11-20-2011, 11:46 AM	#13
Blue Bottle Lieutenant 10 Rep 533 Posts Drives: X1 x Drive 2.0L D Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Swindon iTrader: (0)	its a bit wrong to spend money of this equipment and then have to buy a product like rain shield because it does not work, we should be raising this higher than a shop floor mechanical gut who cant fix the issue.. We all know its not meant to be this way.. Anyone tried contact with BMW UK ? Its your money you spent..
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11-20-2011, 11:49 AM	#14
Blue Bottle Lieutenant 10 Rep 533 Posts Drives: X1 x Drive 2.0L D Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Swindon iTrader: (0)	If in UK, please email your details including registration number to contact.us@bmw.co.uk and they will be happy to look into this for you.
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11-20-2011, 02:45 PM	#16
Blue Bottle Lieutenant 10 Rep 533 Posts Drives: X1 x Drive 2.0L D Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Swindon iTrader: (0)	never used it, how much is it and how long does it last ?
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11-23-2011, 07:56 AM	#17
Remlaw Silo New Member 4 Rep 11 Posts Drives: X1 xDrive20d Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Hi, Does anyone else (besides me) get annoyed with the sound of the wiper motor clicking on and off when the wiper is activating. The noise seems to come from the glove box area (on my right hand drive Xdrive2.0d) and is quite noticeable.
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