Windshield Wiper - Chatter, Adjustment Tool Modification

Group 61
Electrical



Bulletin Number
61 08 89 (1896)



Woodcliff Lake, NJ
January 1993
Product Engineering



This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 61 08 89 (1896) dated June 1992. It incorporates revised procedures.

Please remove and discard S.I. 61 08 89 (1896) dated June 1992 from your S.I. binder.

SUBJECT:
Windshield Wipers

MODELS:
3 Series (E36), 5 Series (E34), 7 Series (E32), 8 Series (E31)

Situation:
The windshield wiper blades may chatter during operation if not adjusted to the proper angle in relation to the windshield. In order to properly adjust the blade angle, a special tool (P/N 88 88 6 009 210), has been developed. This tool is marked "E32" on the 87~ side and "E34" on the 84~ side. Only the "E32" (87~) side of the gauge is to be used for both E32 and E34 vehicles.

This tool has been modified to reflect this change. The modified tool can be recognized by its grey color and by two holes drilled through it. The part number is unchanged. The older black tool is still usable ("E32" side only for E31, E32, E34, and E36 vehicles), but only the grey modified tool will be stocked in the Parts Department.

Checking
Procedure:
If replacing a wiper arm, or if a wiper arm is loose, press the wiper arm onto the wiper axle (as far as the circlip on vehicles with wiper contact pressure control [ADV]) and tighten to 25 N-m. After 15 minutes, retighten to 25 N-m to compensate for any settling.






With the wipers in the park position, check the angle of the blade by placing the "E32" side of the tool against the pivot housing of the wiper arm (Illustration 1).


If the angle is not correct, adjust by twisting wiper arm with pliers padded with cloth to prevent scratching the paint (Illustration 2).

SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR ADV-EQUIPPED VEHICLES

When checking a vehicle equipped with a wiper contact pressure control arm (driver's side), the following special instructions should be followed:

1. Make sure that the wiper arm is fully depressed on the wiper shaft.

2. With the ignition switched OFF and the wiper arm in park position, check the distance between the plunger of the wiper pressure controller and the rocker arm. The gap must be between 0.0 and 0.2 mm. This applies to vehicles with the wiper contact pressure control arm only.

Please Note:
Windshield wiper blades are expendable, "Wear and tear" items. While the wiper blade angle must be correct, a variety of environmental factors may contribute to complaints of chatter, streaking, or shortened wiper blade life. Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, repeated exposure to road salt, and extreme temperatures all contribute to these complaints, and will necessitate earlier replacement. Please ensure that your service personnel (and customers) are aware of these circumstances.



Warranty
Information:
Adjustments covered under 12 months/12,000 miles adjustment period of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty.

Defect Code:
61 61 06 40 00

Labor Operation:
00 50 815

Labor Allowance:
2 FRU