Windshield Wiper - Squeaking Noises
Group 61Electrical
Bulletin Number
61 05 94 (4054)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
September 1994
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Windshield Wiper Console Squeaks
MODELS:
5 Series (E34) - Vehicles Produced 5/90 Through 11/93
Situation:
Complaints may be received of squeaking noises with the windshield wipers turned on. The noises originate from the wiper console (and not the wiper blades).
Cause:
Changes in the composition of the rubber sealing bellows which protect the pivot pins (refer to illustration) have resulted in these squeaking noises. Even if additional grease is applied to the sealing bellows, moving parts can still cause the noises.
Vehicles Affected:
5 Series (E34) vehicles produced 5/90 through 11/93, and equipped with a Bosch wiper system.
Correction:
The geometry of the rubber bellows has been altered in series production. If this complaint is encountered, only those Bosch wiper consoles without an index number next to the type plate ((1) in the preceding illustration) should be replaced. For a limited period, the index number took the form of a "1" stamped into the metal. From March 1994 onwards a numerical series from 1 to 8 with a dot marking the current update has been used.
Note:
This area of the wiper console is easily visible through the air distribution box grill next to the driver's side wiper arm pivot. No disassembly is required to view these markings.
Procedure:
In case of a customer complaint:
1. Ensure that the noise does indeed come from the wiper linkage; i.e., from the air distribution box.
2. On those vehicles without the above-mentioned index number, remove the entire wiper system. Refer to Repair Instructions 61-61/2, 61-61/3, and 61-61/4.
3. Replace only the wiper console. The wiper motor and wiper arms should be refitted on the new wiper console.
4. Install the wiper system in the vehicle.
5. Attach the wiper arms and tighten the nuts to 25 N-m. After 15 minutes, retighten to 25 N-m. Refer to S.I. 61 08 89 (1896).
6. Check the angle of the wiper blades and adjust as necessary. Refer to S.I. 61 08 89 (1896).
Note:
Lubricating or greasing the rubber bellows provides no long-term solution to the problem and only results in the complaint recurring at a later date.
Parts Information:
Part Number Description Quantity
61 60 1 384 114 Wiper Console 1
Warranty Information:
Parts and labor are reimbursable under the terms of the applicable BMW New Car Limited Warranty.
Defect Code: 61 61 90 39 00
Labor Operation: 61 61 271
Labor Allowance: Refer to the applicable Flat Rate Manual