Windshield Wipers - Erratic Operation

9215bmw01

Group 61
Electrical System


Bulletin Number
61 13 91 (3401)


Woodcliff Lake, NJ
November 1991
Product Engineering


SUBJECT: Erratic Windshield Wiper Operation

MODELS: 3 Series (E30)


Situation: Windshield wiping/washing functions may operate intermittently.





Cause: Poor contact at the ground wire for the wiper switch. E30 vehicles equipped with cruise control may exhibit this complaint more frequently, as the ground connection is at a screw (1) that secures both the wiper switch and the cruise control switch.





Correction: If impaired wiper/washer function is due to a poor ground at this point, move the ground wire and attach it to the lower left-hand screw (2), so that it is grounded with the ground wire from the turn signal switch.


Note: E30 vehicles produced after late June 1991 have the wiper switch ground wire attached to the upper screw of the wiper (to a point on the steering lock) and so should not exhibit this complaint. Because this screw is not readily accessible, the repair for vehicles with the wiper switch ground at the lower right-hand screw is to move the ground wire to the lower lefthand screw (as described).

Warranty
Information: Parts and labor for repositioning the ground wire are reimbursable under the terms of the applicable BMW New Car Limited Warranty.

Defect code: 61 31 04 79 00

Main Work Associated Work

Labor operation: 00 50 348 00 50 914

Labor allowance: 4 FRU 2 FRU


Additional labor for airbag

Labor operation: 32 34 500

Labor allowance: 3 FRU


NOTE: The following explanations will spell out the correct use of the work times.

Main Work: Use this time when the only repair performed is the listed warranty repair.

OR

Associated Work: Use this time when other repairs or services are performed along with the listed warranty repair.

Under no circumstances should both work times be claimed. Attempts to claim both times will result in an unnecessary delay in claim processing and payment.