BMW i4 Wiper Malfunction: Switch Issues or System Failure?

Hey there! I've got some experience with EVs and had a similar issue with my 2018 BMW iX3 last year. I took it to my regular workshop since I'm not too handy with car repairs (low experience). The wipers were acting crazy, turning on out of nowhere and sometimes not working at all. Turned out it was just a loose connection in the wiring harness near the wiper control module. The mechanic found that some cables were poorly connected, causing intermittent issues. Total repair was 95 Euro, mostly labor costs for diagnosing and fixing the connection. Before I can help more specifically, could you tell me if you're getting any particular error message on your dashboard? Also, did this start happening suddenly or was it gradual? These details would help determine if you're facing the same issue I had. The good thing is, these electrical gremlins are usually pretty straightforward fixes once properly diagnosed.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I've got 109420 KM on my i4, and just noticed this issue right after my latest service. In my case, there's an error message saying "Wiper System Malfunction" on the display. It started quite suddenly, was working fine one day, then just went haywire the next. The wipers out of nowhere activate even when it's bone dry outside, and sometimes won't work at all when I need them. Been wondering if it could be something simple like your wiring issue, or if I'm looking at a bigger problem. I'll definitely get it checked out by a pro since these electrical systems can be tricky. Really appreciate the info about your repair costs too, helps me get an idea of what I might be in for. By any chance, did you notice any other electrical quirks before or after your wiper problems were fixed? Just want to make sure I mention everything relevant when I take it in.

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your i4. After reading your description, I'm even more convinced your issue might be similar to what I experienced with my iX3, especially since you mentioned it started right after a service. That really rings a bell! In my case, I actually did notice some other small quirks before the full wiper meltdown. The rain sensor was acting a bit wonky, and occasionally my front camera system would throw a temporary error. All of these cleared up after they fixed the wiring harness issue. Makes sense since they're all connected to the same general system. Since yours started right after service, I'd bet money they might have accidentally disturbed something while working on the car. When I had my repair done, the mechanic mentioned that accessing certain parts during routine maintenance can sometimes cause these connections to come loose, especially in the newer electric models where everything's so tightly packed. Given your similar symptoms and that error message, I really think you should mention the recent service when you take it in. Could save them some diagnostic time, and maybe even save you some money. My repair was pretty cheap because they knew where to look, but I've heard horror stories of people getting charged for full wiper system replacements when it wasn't necessary. Let me know what they find, I'm curious if it turns out to be the same issue!

Thanks so much for all this detailed info! You've made me feel a lot better about the situation. I'll definitely mention to the mechanic about the recent service and the possibility of a loose connection in the wiring harness. It makes total sense that something could've been knocked loose during maintenance. What you said about your rain sensor and front camera issues is really helpful too. Now that you mention it, I did notice my front camera giving me an occasional warning message last week, but I didn't connect the dots until now. I'll make sure to tell them about that as well. You're right, better to point them in the right direction than have them replace parts unnecessarily. I'll schedule an appointment for next week and let them know about your similar experience. Really grateful for your help on this. I was worried I'd be looking at a massive repair bill, but hopefully it'll be something simple like in your case!