I've got a 118d and have had this problem for 18 months. The dealer I got the car from 'fixed' it several times in the year's warranty, but it stopped again.

Today, I saw a post on a bmw forum. The guy said that he'd folded back the plastic shield at the base of the rear windscreen wiper. This gave access to the whole spray nozzle assembly.

I sprayed the assembly with WD40 to help the next procedure. Using a pair of pliers, I gently pulled the nozzle assembly out of the centre of the shaft which has the retaining nut on it. Pull gently, and pull straight, putting no sideways movement in. It's only an interference fit.

The assembly is actually about an inch long. Put it to one side for a moment - don't lose it as it's quite small. Now operate the rear washer (it's intermittent on my car as standard).

IF you're really lucky, you'll get a stream of liquid squirting out, give it a good flush through - if this doesn't happen, then it's something else which is causing it.

Mine wasn't. It proved it was the nozzle assembly which was blocked. I soaked it in Cillit Bang and then cleaned it with a needle until I could blow through it.

Reconnection is only a matter of push fitting it back (it's a snug fit) and adjusting the angle.

I now am the proud owner of my nice little Beemer with a rear WASH/wipe. The whole procedure took no more than 10 minutes and I'm chuffed to rocks and really grateful to the guy that posted 'his' fix.

You're no worse off for checking it out.

Whilst on the subject of BMW rear wipers, i assume the rear wiper assembly is similar to 3 series compact.

If so do strip the rear wiper spindle down clean and lubricate it with waterproof grease, water and salt will seep into the spindle and cause it to rust and seize, this will strip the worm drive in the motor assembly wrecking it completely, the motor is very expensive.

''the problem is on front windows''

Which thread are you replying to, i am adding information for the OP and any others with BMW's that have rear wipers.

Edited by gordonbennet on 23/04/2012 at 21:46

The problem is with front windows

Try BMWland forum Rexel, if you don't find precise instructions there how to do the job i'll eat my wide brimmed Fedora.