2008 BMW 535XI: windshield wiper failure

Filed Feb 20, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · VA

Station wagon lift gate has severe wiring failures between the lift gate and body. This problem is well known throught the blog community. Broken wires cause failures, and electrical danger, to the rear lighting system that includes brake, running, back up, and turn signals. Also effected is the rear wiper, defroster, and operation access to open and close the lift gate. Tailgate failure would prohibit emergency opening and access to spare tire and fuses. I have already spent $3,000 on one harness replacement (dealer) and am looking at another $3,000 to repair (dealer) more wiring that will restore the brake/running lights on one side (failed state inpection). The internal lighting diagnostics did NOT indicate any lighting problems or warning. Broken wires could also cause failures to some or all of the entire electrical system. Very dangerous.

Filed Jul 26, 2018 · Visibility · 152,456 miles · FL

The wipers keep stopping, not functioning, I had replaced the motor three times now.

Filed May 8, 2015 · Electrical · 62,000 miles · DC

I discovered failures of multiple wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. Through research online I have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. The failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. Safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. This is not an easily repaired problem. It would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. I discovered it when the remote lock/unlock using the key fobs failed. As I investigated I found the broken wire, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands.

Filed Jan 23, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 94,000 miles · WA

E61 wagon, rear hatch: I discovered failures of multiple wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. Through research online I have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. The failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. Safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. This is not an easily repaired problem. It would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. I discovered it when the remote lock/unlock using the key fobs failed. As I investigated I found the broken wire, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands.

Filed Dec 23, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 75,000 miles · IL

I discovered multiple severed wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. Through research online I have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. The failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. Safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. This is not an easily repaired problem. It would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. I discovered it when the rear wiper and rear window defroster stopped working. As I investigated I found the broken wires, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands."

Filed Jun 15, 2013 · Electrical · 23,000 miles · NJ

Warning lights came on while driving the car. Windshield wipers started going on (without being turned on). Brake and tail lights failed intermittently. Gauges all went to zero intermittently while driving. Sunroof wouldn't close. Drove to dealer. Diagnosed as electrical system components submerged in rear of car due to blocked sunroof drain. The same issue was repaired a year prior. This time to liability assumed by manufacturer or dealer because of "outside force" (rain). $9,500 repair estimate. Appears to be a common problem/ flaw with the model. Dealer did not appear to do a check of the drainage system while car was in for routine service a month before the incident. No loss of steering or engine while driving.