635csi wiper woes

[bob850i]

I'm working through the gig list on my 1985 635csi and need to get the windshield wipers working. No action at all in any position of the column wiper switch. I've found the pulse wiper relay and visually inspected the motors, but can't seem to find a troubleshooting procedure in the forums. Don't mind replacing the relay or motors, but since they are not inexpensive, I'm hoping to find a description of how to determine what is the source of the problem. Can anyone help?

[dwal95008]

It could very easily be the switch inside the steering column. These cars are old, they break. Not a definitive answer but its another thing to check if you havent already. It might be a fuse as well. If anyone can post an electrical diagram or i think its in the manual for which fuse and what amperage it is.

[EuroGeorge]

I would gain access to the elec connector at the wiper motor and test for current to motor. If that's good, get a used motor and replace. If current is not present at connector, check relays and fuses first, then replace wiper switch on column.

I had the same problem and this is how I figured it out. Was the column switch.

George

[Gunz635]

i would double check the wiper relay and fuses, cause i had this problem before too, and it turned out to be the relay. Its quite unlikely to be the motor i believe. Just double check the electrics first you replace it. Check K10 and the other two unloader relays. Good luck :)

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[bob850i]

Thanks much for your replies. Regarding Post #4, how do I check if the wiper relay (K10) and/or the unloaders are working properly? The wiper relay is expensive; I'd rather not replace it if I don't have to.

[Gunz635]

you can find on ebay for $7.99
http://www.ebay.com/sch/6000/i.html?_nkw=bmw+E24+wiper+relay&_dmpt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&_rdc=2

BUT, before you do that, just unplug the motor and put a twelve volts charge on it to see if it works. you can have access to it if you open your hood on the driver's side. Good luck :)

[bob850i]

Unfortunately none of the eight dollar relays will fit my car; I'd be looking at more like seventy bucks. But I did take your advice and pulled the plug off the motor. There are four prongs, see my crude illustration. With the key on, the motor is definitely getting juice. The switch has an off position and then three clicks up. On my diagram, the filled in circles show which of the four prongs are hot for these positions. So the switch and relay appear to be doing their respective jobs and I'm thinking the motor is the culprit. Your thoughts?
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[badwayz]

Sounds like how I fixed mine. I did the same thing to check if power (and how much) was even going to the motor and it was. Replaced the motor and all is fine now.

[Gunz635]

ok I see, that is great, now that the motor was the culprit and not the relays, all you need is to find a replacement motor. :) here is one for $50. good luck

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E24-633i-635i-630i-Windshield-wiper-transmission-linkage-w-motor-/251249058230?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a7f9c61b6&vxp=mtr

also ask this member if he has any : http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2076973-FS-86-635csi-parts



Unfortunately none of the eight dollar relays will fit my car; I'd be looking at more like seventy bucks. But I did take your advice and pulled the plug off the motor. There are four prongs, see my crude illustration. With the key on, the motor is definitely getting juice. The switch has an off position and then three clicks up. On my diagram, the filled in circles show which of the four prongs are hot for these positions. So the switch and relay appear to be doing their respective jobs and I'm thinking the motor is the culprit. Your thoughts?
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