2012 BMW 550i XDrive Windshield Wipers Aren't Working

Common Causes of Windshield Wiper Malfunctions in Your 2012 BMW 550i xDrive and How to Fix Them

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Reviewed by

Bo Fader

Written by RepairPal Car Genius

Updated January 14, 2025

75% chance it's the

Wiper Motor

25% chance it's the

Switch

The most common reasons a 2012 BMW 550i xDrive windshield wipers aren't working are broken wiper motor and issues with the switch.

Wiper Motor: A faulty wiper motor or a bad electrical connection can result in intermittent or non-functioning windshield wipers.
Switch: A faulty switch can result in intermittent or complete failure of the electrical component it controls, leading to malfunctioning systems.

Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

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RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 2012 BMW 550i xDrive electronics and electrical issues. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.

How much does it cost to fix a 2012 BMW 550i xDrive windshield wipers aren't working?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A failed windshield wiper motor will do one of two things in the event of failure. First, it can intermittently work, meaning when the wiper switch is turned on, the windshield wipers may activate, and run for a random amount of time. This may happen at random, or change with a bump. Lastly, the windshield wipers could show no signs of activity, indicating motor failure.

The moment water touches the windshield, you know if you need new windshield wiper blades. If your wiper blades are torn, cracked, hard, or brittle, it is time for replacement. Wipers should also be replaced if the wiper blades only smear water around, seem to make a mess, streak the windshield, and miss large patches. If you are unhappy with the current wiper blades on your vehicle, this is a very economical change to make.

Windshield wiper arms will be replaced mainly for aesthetic reasons or damage. If the windshield arms become bent or rusted, the windshield wipers may not contact the windshield at the proper angle, or there may be no contact at all. Also, the sun will take a toll on these parts after years of use, and fading or clear coat peeling will result, not to mention rust.

How urgent is it to repair the non-functioning windshield wipers on a 2012 BMW 550i xDrive?

When it comes to the urgency of repairing non-functioning windshield wipers on a 2012 BMW 550i xDrive, the implications are significant. First and foremost, impaired visibility during rain or snow can drastically increase the risk of accidents, making it essential to prioritize this repair. Additionally, functioning wipers are not just a convenience; they are a critical safety feature that ensures you can see the road clearly, which is vital for your safety and that of other drivers. Furthermore, in many jurisdictions, driving without operational wipers can lead to legal repercussions, including fines or penalties. Therefore, while it may not seem like an immediate emergency, addressing the issue of non-functioning windshield wipers should be a top priority to maintain safe driving conditions and comply with road safety regulations.

Related 2012 BMW 550i xDrive Problems

Read about related problems experienced by other BMW 550i xDrive drivers like you.

Cadillac SRX front windshield wipers failure during rain with potential electrical issues

Some Cadillac SRX owners report experiencing front windshield wiper failures during rain, which can be attributed to several potential electrical issues. These include a faulty wiper motor that prevents the wipers from moving effectively, worn-out blades that diminish performance in wet conditions, and blown fuses that disrupt the electrical supply to the wipers. Additionally, some owners have encountered problems with a malfunctioning wiper switch and a faulty delay module, which can affect the timing and operation of the windshield wipers, particularly in rain-sensing modes. It is recommended that owners facing these issues consult a professional mechanic to diagnose and resolve the specific electrical problems affecting their windshield wiper system.

1 model year affected

Avg Mileage: 1101,000

2 others reported problem

1 comment

Wipers Won't Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure

When your windshield wipers will not stop in the proper place, or they will not turn off, it's very common that windshield wiper motor is the issue. To address this the wiper motor must be replaced.

20 model years affected

See More 2012 BMW 550i xDrive Problems

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