sleeper

This has been bugging me for a while. How come the windscreen wipers need to be so noisy?. I hate to put the automatic wipe on as it creates an intolerably annoying racket as it drags the few droplets of water across the screen. If it is raining heavy then they seem to be OK. Can any one suggest a better alternative to the "plastic" wipers supplied by the dealer. cheers.

nmc

Simply change the blades. Works every time.

MacSid

This could be either the wiper blades themselves, built up grease, etc. on your screen, or some combination thereof. Another thing to remember is that the action of the wipers gets noisier the faster you're going - that's aerodynamics/turbulence plain and simple.

Try giving your windscreen a good clean and, if that has not solved the problem, change the wiper blades. I have also found that some windscreen treatment agents (like Rain-X) are great but, as the coating wears off, they actually make things worse and make your wipers drag. Something to keep in mind if you are using any such products.

MacSid

ExGMan

Also, you could try wiping the blades with 303 Protectant.

sleeper

Thanks for the input. I just got My car back from the dealership after a service, they did not mention any problem with the wipers..... I will change them Myself and hopefully this will resolve the issue.

Rudy

sleeper, where are you located? In the US, new wiper blades are included in the warranty service.

Also, the "plastic" wipers that come from the factory are actually a new design that works better than teh older style ones. If you are going to change them yourself, you should get the new parts from BMW...

sleeper

Rudy, I come from one of the wettest parts of the UK, the west of Scotland.

I have a few issues I need to take up with the dealer, I will add this to the list.

May I also add this problem only happens from time to time, just when you least expect it to ie, on occassion of the automatic swipe being activated after a dry spell. This probably ties in with what MacSid suggested regarding dust, road dirt etc.

MacSid

Sleeper,

I believe "dreich" is the word you're looking for re. your weather

Re. your observation of when you get the problem, the one thing that I find that helps on the first few wiper sweeps after a dry spell (rare as they are in these parts) is to have a generous go with the windscreen washers. My wipers always judder on that first sweep during a drizzle, and I find that the use of the washer gets rid of whatever's on my screen and the wipers then settle down immediately.

I'm using generic summer screenwash (it seems to clean better than the winter ones) that I pick up from my local BP or Halfords, whichever happens to be more convenient at the time I'm replenishing my supply.

MacSid