There is a relay for the main wipers. It is located in the electronics box in the engine compartment. The rear wipe/wash system is controlled by a separate control unit that forms one module together with the wiper motor.

 

I guess that changing a relay was going to be too simple :frown. Thank you for the info.

 

Check inside the tailgate for any water ingress, can be a common occurrence, you will need to remove the inner trim panel. If the car has been jet washed before or similar then this is a BIG no as water gets into the tailgate and electrics

 

Thanks for the advice. Took the trim off today and looking at the motor under the foam covering it didn't look water damaged. tried moving the cabling around going to the unit and also where the cables go through the tailgate but it didn't seem to make any difference. The water pump and wiper still seems to keep coming on. is there any chance it could be the steering wheel control ?

 

The water pump and wiper still seems to keep coming on.?

What exactly is the problem you're having?

 

Will be worth checking the wiring where it goes between the car and tailgate, it is common for shorting out when the insulation breaks on the wires.

 

320 Touring Auto

Hi....my rear washwipe turns on to intermittent ok, but when turned off again it starts wiping non-stop until put back into intermittent and then off again..in which case I get a respite before it kicks back into continuous after a few minutes....also, the washer operates continuously until the resrevoir is emptied...I currently have the washer pump unplugged to avoid this issue...any pointers....also, the heated rear window doesn't work...I've replaced the fuse and the relay...but no joy....could the 2 problems be linked ?.....any advise welcome, thanks

 

Similar fault with 318i Touring (Manual)

Hi Westwell, I have just started having the exact same problem with the rear window wash and wipe. i.e.....
In the following wiper control positions (numbered per handbook) the following occurs:
Position 0 (parked position) - rear window wash functions. Should be off.
Position 1 (pull towards driver) - windscreen cleaning operates as normal but rear window wash also functions
Position 2 (1 push away from driver) - intermittent-wipe mode of rear wiper functions as normal
Position 3 (full push away from driver) - rear window wash functions as normal

However, my heated rear window works, but I've noticed it gives out a "hiss" after some time that it has been on and before it auto switches off

Have you found a solution?

 

hi there i too am having simular problems, my rear wash wipe does not work also my front wipers only work on position 1 the intermitant wipe mode postion 2 does nothing at all and postion 3 the fast wipe setting just carries on in intermitant mode. also wen you pull down on the arm to do a quick wipe it does nothing at all, i have changed the relay but still nothing
please please please someone help