BMW E91 rear wiper repair, seized stiff binds jammed ,touring glass estate 318 320 3 series 5 e46

[@Alteisen_]

Hi Folks, dear Aaanton, I had the same challenge on my E46. The principle is the same here. until seeing your video, I couldn‘t get the shaft out of the bushing, but today, I found the reason: underneath crusts of filth, rust and dirt, there he waited for being found: the one ring to bind them all and force them into darkness - the CIRCLIP! Thanx a lot for the enlightenment from Munich!

[@aaanton11]

Great stuff, thanks for the great information 👍🏻👍🏻

[@calinputiciu]

Thanx, i replaced the thing on my e46 touring today. Your video helped me out a lot.

[@aaanton11]

Great stuff. Thanks for watching 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Ncklln]

Same car / same problem / same table tennis table. Great minds, eh..? Thanks for this, I ignored this exact same problem on my E91 and of course now the motor's burnt out. So I am about to attempt this, and then replacing the motor.

[@aaanton11]

Lol, hope you get on ok 👌 thanks for the great comments 👍🏻🛠

[@thedoc8217]

Great vid, thanks so much! I put the new o-ring and the circlet clip back on while it was in the vice, made it easy to put circlet clip back on

[@aaanton11]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@p51dgp91]

Did mine last week, not as seized as yours but still only covered the screen in the 'ten to two' position... Light sand down of the shaft with some WD 40 and a bit of copper grease and now works perfectly. 👍

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the comments, great news,👍🏻👍🏻

[@trevorreynolds9924]

Thanks for the video! I had the same problem on my 06 530xi wagon and this video was such a huge help. That circlet clip is essential!

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻👍🏻

[@wellsjj]

Cheers chap. Worked for me! I was able to work the spindle out ok with a rubber mallet and turning action. But yes bit of a pain to get the circlip back in, I used a smaller o'ring in the end and it was a bit easier. Works a treat now, glad I didn't need a new motor as it had stopped half way but once it was all back together it started moving again. Thanks again.

[@aaanton11]

+wellsjj well done, getting the spindle out 👍🏻

[@jayartibee]

You can use the main wiper nut and spacer washers to wind the circlip up the taper, compress the O ring , and into the groove

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great information 👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Meatbrish]

Great video thanks, saw how complicated it was and paid someone to do it.

[@aaanton11]

Glad it helped Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@DJWrigh7]

Thanks for this, followed the steps until you removed yours and it loosened in the end with constant ragging. Replaced the boot trim clips while I was there.

[@aaanton11]

Well done, once you’ve got the basic design, it’s easier to figure out a repair👍🏻👍🏻

[@321car.addict]

Thx for the video. I know is Old but Gold as some will say. I have the same problem. i will fix it with the steps seen here.

[@aaanton11]

It may be old but the faults are the same on the newer models Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@shaungoddard2407]

Thanks for that..I also had mine seize so I loosened the spindle by re-tightening the nut after removing the wiper arm and simply spinning it side to side till it started to loosen, once out I filed it smooth and also filed out the spindle hole using a half moon smooth file which worked a treat.Lots of mtb water resistant grease and its as good as new !!

[@aaanton11]

+shaun goddard good job glad you sorted it👍🏻

[@jesperdohrup9261]

Thanks for the video. Saved me $$$ with a stuck wiper on my BMW E61 LCI. First I thought the motor had gone but you showed the right way to fix it. By the way, I got the pivot (or spindle) out much easier, simply by removing the 25mm nut and the 13 mm inside the trim, thus removing the whole wiper-shaft pivot assembly (BMW part no 61627209167). Fixing it gently in the vise, and then gently hammer the pivot out of the cylinder (takes 30 seconds and not an hour and a half). Clean the parts, most importantly the inside of the cylinder and the pivot itself, clear the surface with some emery cloth, and re-lube. After putting the things back together, realign the position by activating the wiper motor (and check its working). Grease the spindle to prevent new dirt to enter the pivot, and re-fix the wiper arm. Good to go.

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great information👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@andriussinkunas7257]

😊

[@mickyould8290]

Hi all,I had to remove my wiper spindle and mechanism for the same reason where it had seized, last night. The way I did it was to remove the 13mm nut holding the wiper blade on, and then removed the wiper arm. Following that I then removed the large nut and sealing washer that secures the mechanism to the outside of the glass, I then opened the tailgate glass and removed the two black plastic plugs that are on the black trim panel to reveal the two 10mm nuts, once they were undone the trim panel can be removed. There is one more securing 10mm that holds the mechanism to the glass, once this is off you can remove the spindle assembly from the glass, ( I would not like to hit the spindle as the video shows in situ for fear of breaking the screen). There was no need to disconnect any electrical connections or remove the outer switch handle, that all remained on the glass. With the spindle assembly now off the car I then applied plenty of WD40 (other release agents are available :-)), NOTE there is a tiny circlip that holds the shaft in place, make sure you remove this. I then put the 13mm nut back on where the wiper arm was removed from to protect the threads, using a piece of 'U' channel put the assembly in my vice (with protective vice grips), I then gently tightened the vice and out came the spindle, In this video aaanton11 shows that on his car he has nylon sleeves/bushes, however on my 2003 E46 there are two bronze sleeves/bushes one of which came out with my spindle, the other remained in the top of the tube. My spindle was not corroded throughout its total length only around the bushings, on inspecting the lower bronze bush that came off still in situ, i noticed that there was a hair line expansion crack running up the length of the bush, I heated the bush up to remove it from the shaft and once this was done the hair line crack closed up (the tension on it was now relieved) it was obvious that the shaft had corroded under this bush, this had then expanded the bush and intern seized the wiper assembly. I removed the corrosion, treated it with rust inhibitor, cleaned everything up plied it with copper slip and reassembled it including the tiny circlip and washer (that secures the shaft to the tube), happy days all free as the days it was made. I then re-fitted it to the car and works a treat. The whole job start to finish took around 30 minutes (I didn't rush for fear of breaking any castings or damaging any threads as a BMW replacement part is not cheap). apart from removing and installing the assembly please note that all of the work is done off the car and not whilst it is fitted to the screen A word of caution the plastic plug covers have two feeble hooks that holds it in place I broke one on removal so had to instant bond it back into place, but apart from that its an easy DIY job. Hope this helps. remember this is on a 2003 E46 Tourer, I can't say its the same for other BMWs.

[@aaanton11]

Wow thanks for your comments I’m sure someone will be greatfull 👍🏻👍🏻

[@mickyould8290]

No Problem, I enjoyed watching your video and you did well considering the tools you had to hand, but I thought I would post my comments purely due to the subtle difference on my 2003 E46. Whilst I'm doing this I know that someone may well say "Ooooooh you used 'Copper Slip' that is for brakes", and I'm fully aware of that, however the label in my tin went walk about a while ago so the actual specification on my grease I cannot recall so I generalized the product name , but when I purchased the tin ages ago it was for use on universal joints and moving parts on projects I had on the go, and has water displacement properties so that's why I used it. But the main reason is that it was all I had in my garage at the time, so if I get any issues again I will review the grease needed and use that

[@arkadiuszgwozdz899]

Thanks for fixing my wiper mate!

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for watching happy to help 👍🏻👍🏻

[@dominicbritton9090]

thanks for the how to video. I'll try this on my recently purchased BM tomorrow that has the same issue, and I have circlip pliers :D Dominic

[@aaanton11]

Good Luck! Thanks for the great information👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@riz1shaw]

Thanks for that, its really helpful

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@boriszanic]

Thank you on video..wd 40 and hammer is must have..

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@shanehenton4852]

thanks for uploading. sorted mine now cheers 😀

[@aaanton11]

+Shane Henton thanks Shane, hope yours was easer to free off than mine, it was worth the effort 👍🏻

[@unixnerd23]

Thanks. My E46 is identical.

[@aaanton11]

+unixnerd23 cheers bud👍🏻

[@marekschwarz7157]

Thank you very much 🙏🏻

[@aaanton11]

You are very welcome, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@tyronemaye4539]

Hi my 2006 BMW X5 E53 Sport Activity Vehicle rear wiper actuates just as yours does within this video. Only it isn't swiping entire window... it's missing entire middle of glass as it completes a swiping cycle when actuated to work. My Question is WHAT CAUSES THIS AND HOW DO I FIX IT SO WIPER BLADE CLEANS ENTIRE WINDOW SPACE ITS PURPOSE IS DESIGN AN MENT TO DO HERE ?

[@aaanton11]

This is caused by one of two things either the wiper arm spring joint has partially seized and requires lubricating and then move the arm open down numerous times to free off all the wiper blade itself is worn and just requires replacement I hope that helps thanks for the great comments

[@tyronemaye4539]

aaanton11 ok I think i understand what you are saying. Is to move the wiper arm itself in an up & down motion correct ? I have WD-40 too an few other cans of lube that's for loosening rusty stubborn bolts that won't budge. An my present wiper arm is one vehicle had on it when i purchased it from lady. It has been setting in her mom and pop yard for approx year or so maybe more idk just going off what she told me... The wiper blade for rear wiper arm is brand new from Napa auto parts. Guy came out an put it on vehicle for me in the rain. So I'll give it a go as you state an see what happens..I will get back to you. Thanks for kindly responding back to me.

[@aaanton11]

Happy to help, basically the arm needs more pressure on the blade to clean the glass👍🏻👍🏻

[@tyronemaye4539]

aaanton11 thanks brother I'm very appreciative for your help....

[@TheBalladGuy.]

Happened twice now. 😢 once every year. Ball ache.

[@aaanton11]

Strip it right down and clean grease and replace the ring should last forever, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@TheBalladGuy.]

@aaanton11 it's void of a ring and e clip, where do I find replacements.

[@gregolsen4048]

So with the glass window unlatched from the door the wiper arm should move freely eh? Mine doesn't move at all. Good hint that the spindle is binding right? The wiper spindle gets its power from a rotating disk in the door so I assume the wiper should move freely when the glass is unlatched from the door. There shouldn't be any reason for it not to move right? I was wondering about how the offset spindle pin aligned to the door's rotating disc but noticed that it was spring loaded and would push back and move along the face of the rotating disc until it finds the hole and then it will drop in and then transfer rotation to the spindle. Clever.

[@aaanton11]

Yes you are correct on all accounts, it should move freely when the glass is open. Thanks for watching 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MynameisEGIS]

I whacked bolt side without nut on and it all mushroomed out :D So I had to hacksaw end of bolt and assembled just managed to get decent grip to secure wiper blade on :D also what about that plastic tube? or ring inside? I left small part of it because other wise bold wobbled ... so maybe something to look out for

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great information👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@stevewatson9255]

All well and good but what can i do if the rear glass window dosent open? I want to replace the switch aswell but its so seized i cant even get wiper off ?

[@aaanton11]

you will need to remove the rear trim and back feed the lock to open, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@JesseCampbell0]

Shoot. Got it removed from the glass, some heat, a bit of tapping, and the aluminum housing snapped in half. guess I wasn't supporting it well.

[@JesseCampbell0]

On the plus side, an aftermarket replacement complete spindle is about 25 USD. hopefully it doesn't leak between now and then :D

[@JesseCampbell0]

As a note, my 2009 spindle had no o-ring at all...

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great information👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@scottbaker3554]

Arm off, circlip off, large nut off. Plastics and 10mm nuts off on the reverse side. However, the bloody hatch micro switch is seized to the shaft. So can't pull the assembly back through the glass. Any ideas?!

[@aaanton11]

loads of wurth rost off and a bit of heat, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@gregolsen4048]

Thanks. Yes my spindle is seized and motor burnt out. The fuse at the output of the rear wiper relay should protect the motor but didn't. What an idiotic system.

[@aaanton11]

That’s a shame, plenty of motors on eBay so not too expensive to fix thanks for watching 👍🏻👍🏻

[@vytautassmaizys2700]

only one thing really works. put some lube like wd-40 and smack it hard from top then bottom, top, bottom, wd-40, top, bottoom until it starts moving and later pops out.

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for your comments, they can be really tough to get out 👍🏻👍🏻🚗🔨

[@markweeks7548]

So I have a stiff wiper like it will move a small bit bud my button does not work ? Any tips

[@aaanton11]

Is that the button for the glass window, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@markweeks7548]

@@aaanton11 yes bud sorry, my glass wont open with the button on the glass, and my wiper moves a tiny bit then stops

[@markweeks7548]

Never mind I found where the wires meet the ribbon had corroded, cleaned and soldered and waterproofing with some silicone and all working now, as for the wiper it was also corroded on the shaft cleaned and lined an hey presto

[@nickhowroyd4980]

Just done the same to mine except my oring is missing.... well perished... what size oring should i replace with???

[@aaanton11]

+Nick Howroyd it was a 8mm I think

[@ruimpinho]

After removing all the screws and drowning everything in WD40, my switch is still completely glued to the glass. I tried using a hammer, but don't want to apply too much force, or else I might break the glass. A bit like this example. Pray for me! Any suggestions?

[@aaanton11]

If all the screws are out it should come off, give it another bash, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@ruimpinho]

@@aaanton11 my pinion is apparently thicker than the hole in the glass. Never saw anything like this. I will try again in a few days. Thanks for the support!

[@B3MMi]

@@ruimpinho Did you ever get the thing out? Mine is completely stuck, been trying to hammer it off to no avail. I don't want to break the glass. :( I've wasted many hours on this on multiple occasions. I got the circlip out, so that shoudn't be the problem.

[@ruimpinho]

@@B3MMi I eventually made it! Just be very careful, don’t hammer too hard

[@stephenhendry447]

Hi mate I have bought the part you took out the window. Do the electrics just unplug ? And then replace part and plug in ? Cheers pal

[@aaanton11]

Yes there is a small plug you just pull off and reconnect to the new one 👍🏻

[@stephenhendry447]

aaanton11 sound mate cheers 👍

[@changi68]

Hello Anton, after your experience what type of grease do you recommand ?

[@aaanton11]

I used LM but it doesn’t really matter, any grease is better than no grease 👍🏻👍🏻

[@GeorgeZaharia]

dude i did what u showed lmao... and on that spindle thing inside ... i took it out.. but the motor or the thing that is with metal thing black.. is still stuck to window... the big threaded thing doesn't wanna come off i think is welded to the actuator button thingie... i suppose there is a o ring between the 2 ... but i can't manage to take off the button is stuck there to the metal thing im guessing the gunk ... since 2004 till 2021 really welded itself in there... it took me around 2 hrs to figure it out without bashing the damn rear glass... and still im half way trough. il try the blow torch... i nipped the little wires anyway... fuck em xD i think they where from the glass heater as there was a little onion thing coming to that contact.

[@aaanton11]

wow sounds like you have had a mare, hope you can fix it, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@123danson]

Did it work after all that? Would it not be better just to replace the spindle assembly, or is it cost prohibitive? I was surprised after such a lengthy vid, you didn't show it working. Anyway, 10 out of 10 for persistence!

[@aaanton11]

+kevin leary ,thanks for the comments, it works like a new one now, I like to repair if possible and was worth the effort

[@123danson]

Cheers!

[@SunnyFLBoy]

it's impossible to remove this part this easily. Usually it's stuck and you have to drill a hole through.

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great information👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@fivas]

wait how do you even activate it :DDDDDDDD i know how to activate it on my old passat b4 but how tf you activate it on bmw 320 ?.?.?.

[@aaanton11]

Just push the right hand wiper stalk away from you, thanks for the great comments 👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@vytautassmaizys2700]

I fixed it on E46. Pm

[@dominykasvalciukas957]

Kaip?

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@toonmag50]

"common problem on these cars" Understatement if ever.... Wife just bought a second hand BMW 3 series estate, and I'm now lumbered with endless silly things like this. The most ridiculous is blocked drain pipes at the front of the sunroof. Top end has a 90° bend ,so unable to rod through and the bottom end is encased behind the steel of the front wings. Why do folk like these poxy things?, if bmw were a dog ,they would be highly strung poodles. Overpriced overrated.

[@aaanton11]

😂 Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠