Changing wiper blades on a BMW X3

Changing the wiper blades on a BMW X3 means first gaining free access to the wiper arms. Here we tell you how to do the whole job.

Stuart Johnston

11 Dec 2019 · 09:10Automotive News

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BMW’s X3 has been on the market since 2004 and is now in its current third generation. Launched a year ago, since then production of X3s has commenced at BMW’s Rosslyn plant north-west of Pretoria. Exports have been steadily increasing for global distribution, and sales are in the region of 200 to 300 per month.

Related: Evergreen X3 continues to impress (Car Review)

You can change the wiper blades yourself, but take care!

BMWs are subject to warranties and maintenance plans. However, one of the DIY jobs you can do yourself is to change the wiper blades if they get worn out, as they don’t require any tools to remove them. But make sure you follow the correct procedure here. You need to get the wiper arms into the correct position to change the blades.

Recessed wiper arms

The latest X3 is a high-tech car, and one of the advanced features is that the wipers are partially recessed beneath the trailing edge of the bonnet when not in use. This means that to flip the wipers up to change the blades you need to follow a small serving procedure, which we will explain.

Tell service station attendants about those recessed wipers!

It is worth noting this when you visit a service station and the eager-beaver attendant wants to flip the wipers up to clean the windscreen. He or she could damage the end of the bonnet as the lower end of the wiper arms will catch the edge of the bonnet if someone tries to force the issue.

Replacing wiper blades on a BMW X3: Step-by step

1. To get the wipers clear of the bonnet, you first need to push the starter button briefly, without your foot on the brake pedal. The car will not start , but this procedure puts the vehicle into so-called servicing mode.

2. The car will not start in servicing mode, but the dashboard and infotainment screen lights will come on.

3. The next step is to pull the wiper switch down.

4. You hold the switch down until the wiper blades sweep three times and then stop in the upright, servicing position.

5. Now you can access the arms from the outside, as their lower ends are clear of the bonnet opening.

6. Pull the wiper arm and blade away from the screen towards you.

7. Identify the button to release the blade on the top of the blade housing.

8. Press and hold this button down, and gently slide the blade out of its housing on the wiper arm. It might need a slight jiggle to get moving out , but don’t ever force it!

9. Keep sliding it off until the arm and wiper blade are separated.

10. Replace the new blade by carefully sliding it back into position. The release button will click once the blade is properly installed.

11. To complete the procedure, start the car by putting your foot on the brake pedal with the car in Park, and pushing the starter button. The car will start. Then push down on the wiper arm once.

12. The wipers will sweep the screen and then return automatically to their rest position. You are done!

The design of the X3 bonnet means that the wiper arms can't be raised when they are in rest position.

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