BMW e32 740iL wiper issue - solved

[JMCLuimni]

I just bought a low mileage e32 740iL and have an issue which I am at a loss with.
The wipers will work only when on the high speed swipe setting.
I have checked the fuse, found it fine.
Tested the undersea relay and found it fine.
Motor obviously works as the wiper swipes in fast mode.
The intermittent or low speed modes do not work
Does anyone have a solution to this problem?
Thanks

[XAlt]

Use the E32 forum, shogun is usually around to help.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/f...988-1994-(E32)

[shogun]

will move it to the E32 forum.
First thing to check:
Failure syndromes: Erratic or no speedometer, erratic or no speed control, erratic wipers functioning.
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Mainte...eed_sensor.htm

[JMCLuimni]

Hi Shogun
Before I get into replacing the speed sensor, if my speedometer and speed control work as they should and my wiper is not working would this still lead you to the speed sensor as the issue with my wiper? In other words, would a faulty speed sensor not cause all three of the items mentioned to not function?
Thanks

[shogun]

I would first not replace the speed sensor, but remove it and clean the magnetic stuff collected at the sensor and check the wiring at the sensor, that is often the problem. That checking does not cost you anything if you DIY.
You could also check the wiper switch contacts. The wiper speed is controlled by the switch, but the brain is the general module (GM) under rear driver side.
See item 4, Wischen = wiper, includes diagram http://www.e32-schrauber.de/bmw/s-zke.htm

[JMCLuimni]

At the risk of sounding paedantic, if the speed sensor were faulty wouldn't the speedometer and cruise control be erratic or non functioning as well as the wiper speeds?
Ive swapped General Modules, checked fuses 15 and 44, replaced relay 11, swapped wiper motors and still the wipers will only work in the fast and not in slow, pause or wash positions. Wiper will not reset to stow when I turn it off.

Could it be the switch on the column? I ask because I'm down to these two items and am at a loss. Digging into the speed sensor will be a lengthy process and the wiper arm would require me buying a new one. I'm trying to figure the lesser of two evils or hope that someone has had this exact problem and can point me in the right direction...
Thanks

[shogun]

Yes, then speedo and cruise control would also make trouble, if the speed sensor is faulty. Check here the 1993 ETM http://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/BMW/e32/

[JMCLuimni]

I bought a wiper stalk and will install once it arrives. Hopefully this is the problem because I have done everything else.
Ill report back...
Thanks for speedy replies Shogun....

[shogun]

I assume you checked that already, under rear seat driver side in rear power distribution box is K11 wiper relay , connector X293 , see page 19 of 688 http://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/BMW/e32/e32_93.pdf

[JMCLuimni]

Hi Shogun
As mentioned in one of my posts above, I did indeed change the K11 relay as well as the motor (from a boneyard) , both wiper related fuses and even swapped out the General Module (boneyard donation). Last thing, other than the speed sensor, is the wiper switch.
The confusion I was having was that a lot of forums mention the speed sensor being a cause for the wiper to not function as described but these same forums never mention anything about the speedometer and cruise control failing simultaneously. My speedometer and cruise work fine so I doubt it can be speed sensor related.
Heres hoping it's the switch or I have some serious problem....

[shogun]

I once disassembled the complete switch when I broke the plastic pin which pulls the wiper stalk back. Made one functioning out of 2 switches, as there are many different switch versions. I drilled the rivets open which hold the casing together and when assembled I used small bolts and screws instead of the rivets. Works since some years without a problem.

[JMCLuimni]

Shogun...
I have just swapped out the wiper stalk with a replacement and I still have the same problem. It only wipes in fast mode. All other positions do not work.
Ive done the following
1. Checked and changed K11 wiper relay
2. Checked Gerneral Module
3. Checked and replaced both wiper fuses
4. Replaced wiper stalk
NOTHING SEEMS TO FIX THIS!!!!
Is it worth replacing the speed sensor? The sped works as does the cruise control...
HELP I AM AT A LOSS and about to do the worst cardinal sin and bring it to the dealership for them to repair!!!!!

[shogun]

Maybe not for repair to the dealership, but for fault code readout. The ZKE = central chassis control = the GM general modul and other related items can be diagnosed with a good fault code tool from the dealer.

[JMCLuimni]

Shogun, do you know where the power connector plug for the wiper motor is physically located and if I can access it easily enough? The wire and plug from the motor is about 8" Long so I am hoping I can access it easily. Or would you know where the ground wire from the wiper motor is grounded to the vehicle. From studying the wiring diagram and how the motor works I am thinking that this wiper problem may be a grounding issue. I was planning on running a new ground wire from the wiring loom coming from the wiper motor and seeing if this is the problem...

[shogun]

Try thru the hole behind the fuse box left side, here are pics which explain all the locations
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/dutch740/wipertensioner.htm
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/wipe...mechanism.html

[JMCLuimni]

Wiper motor wiring colors....
can someone tell me the function of the wires going into the wiper motor? From the Bentley manual I have...
1. BRN.... ground I'm assuming
2. BLK/WHT/YEL......
3. BLK/RED/YEL....
4 .BRN/GRN/YEL....
I need to test the power into the motor but can't figure out what each colored wire is used for.
Thanks

[shogun]

Now a eletr. expert has to help.

I only have a link to a pdf Understanding European wiring diagrams (PDF) http://www.e38.org/e32/

[E32FAN]

Wiper motor wiring colors....
can someone tell me the function of the wires going into the wiper motor? From the Bentley manual I have...
1. BRN.... ground I'm assuming
2. BLK/WHT/YEL......
3. BLK/RED/YEL....
4 .BRN/GRN/YEL....
I need to test the power into the motor but can't figure out what each colored wire is used for.
Thanks

Wiring is shown on page 6161-00 and 01.

BRN = GND
BR/GRN/YEL = parked position switch
BLK/WHT/YEL = Fast
BLK/RED/YEL = Slow

There are 2 relays shown in the A5 Relay Module - 13 and 14. 13 makes the wiper run, and 14 decides if it is fast or slow.

I suspect that the 14 relay is defective. Try swapping the RM (Relay Module).

[shogun]

The RM Relais Module is under the rear seat, see here http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/elec.../rearseat.html

[JMCLuimni]

Thanks E32FAN and Shogun...
I will replace this module once I test the wires going to the motor. Thought process being that if power for various wiper speeds is getting to the plug for the wiper then it would not be the Modules....

[E32FAN]

Thanks E32FAN and Shogun...
I will replace this module once I test the wires going to the motor. Thought process being that if power for various wiper speeds is getting to the plug for the wiper then it would not be the Modules....

Here's an easy test (which I just verified).
1. Remove your RM and set it aside.
2. Cut and strip the ends of two #14 solid wires (house wiring cable).
3. Push the White into X258 pin 20 as shown in image below
4. Push the Black wire into pin 19
5. Turn ignition switch 1 click to Accessory, so your radio can play.
6. Short White-Black, and see your wiper run Fast.
7. Move Black wire to pin 18 and short to White, and see your wiper run Slow.

This is a quick and easy test of your Wiper Motor, F44, F15 and K11. If this works, then your RM is suspect.

[JMCLuimni]

E32FAN, I followed your instructions and found the issue to be the Relay Module. A short trip to knackers yard and I sourced a replacement relay for $10 and bobs your uncle, wipers are working a charm now.
Thanks