The BMW X3 is a luxury compact SUV produced by BMW since 2003. The second-generation X3 (F25) was introduced in 2010 and was available in various trim levels, including the xDrive28i, xDrive35i, and xDrive35d. This article focuses on the wiper system installed in the 2011-2017 BMW X3 models.

Wiper Components

Wiper Blades:
The BMW X3 uses two primary wiper blades on the windshield and one smaller wiper blade for the rear window. The wiper blades are made of high-quality rubber and are designed to provide optimal visibility in all weather conditions.

Wiper Arms:
The wiper arms are responsible for attaching the wiper blades to the vehicle. They are made of durable metal and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide smooth and reliable operation.

Wiper Motor:
The wiper motor is mounted under the hood and drives the wiper arms. It is responsible for providing the power to move the wiper blades across the windshield or rear window.

Automatic Wiper System

The BMW X3 comes equipped with an advanced automatic wiper system that adjusts the wiper speed based on the amount of precipitation detected on the windshield. The system uses a rain sensor mounted on the windshield to detect raindrops and trigger the wipers accordingly.

The automatic wiper system has four different sensitivity settings, which can be adjusted through the vehicle's iDrive system. The settings range from "Low" (least sensitive) to "High" (most sensitive). The higher the sensitivity setting, the sooner the wipers will be activated when rain is detected.

Manually Controlled Wipers

In addition to the automatic wiper system, the BMW X3 also provides manual controls for the wipers. Drivers can manually activate the wipers using the stalk mounted on the left side of the steering wheel. The stalk also allows drivers to adjust the wiper speed and select the intermittent wiping function.

Intermittent Wiping Function

The intermittent wiping function allows drivers to set the wipers to wipe at a specific interval, ranging from 3 to 15 seconds. This function is particularly useful during light rain or snow, when the automatic wipers may not be triggered but intermittent wiping is desired.

Rear Window Wiper

The rear window of the BMW X3 is equipped with a single wiper blade and wiper arm. The rear window wiper is manually controlled and can be activated using the stalk on the steering wheel. The rear wiper blade moves back and forth across the rear window to remove water and debris.

Wiper Maintenance

Maintaining the wiper system in good working condition is essential for ensuring optimal visibility while driving. Here are some tips for wiper maintenance:

 Regularly inspect the wiper blades for wear and replace them when necessary.
 Clean the wiper blades and windshield with a glass cleaner to remove dirt and debris.
 Top up the windshield wiper fluid reservoir as needed.
 During winter months, ensure that the wiper blades are free of snow and ice before using them.

The wiper system installed in the 2011-2017 BMW X3 provides excellent visibility in all weather conditions. With its advanced automatic wiper system and manual controls, drivers can adjust the wiper speed and functionality to suit their preferences. By following the wiper maintenance tips outlined above, drivers can ensure that their wiper system operates optimally for years to come.