Rear Wiper Inefficient? - Simple Fix Suggested Here...

[chubbs]

This is aimed at simple people, like me...

I've just bought a 2004 X5. The first time it rained I tried the rear wiper. Although it moved across the glass, nothing happened. Got home and had a look - the wiper blade wasn't touching the glass. Useless in the rain, but very good for waving at the car behind you.

Soon realised that the hinge at the base of the wiper arm was totally seized up (presumably because these cars throw a lot of crud up onto that area). Several quirts of WD40 on the hinge and spring - and a lot of manual coaxing - have resulted in a wiper that works perfectly.

I know that this isn't exactly hi-tech vehicle maintenance and it's an extreme example (ie the blade didn't clear the glass at all), but if you're experiencing poor efficiency in this area, you may not need a new wiper blade, you might just need a bit of lube and a tug or two in the right area.

A bit of lube and a tug or two often works wonders.

[X5Sport]

[quote="chubbs"]
A bit of lube and a tug or two often works wonders.
[/quote] :spiteful: :doctor:

[Sanj]

Good god man! He's talking about wipers!

Not all of us will come down to your level! 

(He's quite a tall lad, this one btw).

[X5Sport]

Oh sorry....... Force of habit.  )

How about the E70 mod on the rear wiper?

[chubbs]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Oh sorry....... Force of habit.  )

How about the E70 mod on the rear wiper?
[/quote]

Actually, I wasn't talking about wipers at all.

What's the E70 mod? Replacing with an E70 wiper, or something?

[CondorX5]

If you look on ebay, there is a wiper and replacement arm which is in the style of an E70 one - it takes minutes to fit, looks much better and is much more efficient than the original E53 one. Costs about £30 I think. Well worth the effort.

[Insight G40]

£30

I paid £9 delivered off eBay.

I was quoted £27 by a BMW dealer in Surrey.

[chubbs]

[quote="Insight G40"]
£30

I paid £9 delivered off eBay.

I was quoted £27 by a BMW dealer in Surrey.
[/quote]

Had a look on Ebay. I can see why you're recommending them - they do look nice. I saw them for £9.45, including wiper blade.

[X5-D-Sport]

Hey Insight-G40 

could you possibly ping me an e-bay item number for the typical part you got for £9..
My rear wiper is a useful as the tits on a witch lol... However much I tug ha ha..
Regards
Grant B

[RenoHuskerDu]

If we can go back to the lube for a minute, I saw a tip on another form to use ATF mixed with acetone. I tried it, and it works like a charm. Half ATF and half acetone fixed my rear wiper. It breaks rust free better than any commercial product. Google it if curious.

[ianst0028]

ATF and acetone ??? as a lube ????

doesnt that sting ?

[X5Sport]

Be very careful with Acetone, it is an extremely good solvent of a lot of plastics and artificial rubbers!  Have you seen what it does to nails (as in girlies ones)?

Isopropyl Alcohol is much safer, but NEVER store it in polythene containers!  You may get an unplanned for fire!!  For those with vinyl records (Iam happy to say that includes me) the 30% IPA in distilled water is anti-static fluid 

[Insight G40]

[quote="X5-D-Sport Salisbury"]
Hey Insight-G40 

could you possibly ping me an e-bay item number for the typical part you got for £9..
My rear wiper is a useful as the tits on a witch lol... However much I tug ha ha..
Regards
Grant B
[/quote]

Here you go, was actually £9.50.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230945220212? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Quick delivery, and no problems to fit.

[chubbs]

The one I found was 5p cheaper, at £9.45.  That 5p would pay for a bit of lube.

[Smeeagain]

[quote="Insight G40"]
[quote="X5-D-Sport Salisbury"]
Hey Insight-G40 

could you possibly ping me an e-bay item number for the typical part you got for £9..
My rear wiper is a useful as the tits on a witch lol... However much I tug ha ha..
Regards
Grant B
[/quote]

Here you go, was actually £9.50.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230945220212? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Quick delivery, and no problems to fit.
[/quote]

So would this fit a 2004 E53 3.0D?

Smee