
Lifting the wiper control lever upwards sprays washer fluid to clean the front windshield, while pressing it downwards activates the rear wiper. After resetting, the rear wiper stops working. It is generally recommended to replace them once a year. Maintenance of the wipers mainly involves keeping the wiper blade area clean to avoid excessive dirt residue on the wiper rubber.

Operating the rear wiper of a BMW X5 is quite intuitive, mainly controlled via the stalk on the right side of the steering wheel. At the end of this stalk, there's a rotary knob. Turning it counterclockwise one notch activates the intermittent wipe mode, ideal for drizzles as it wipes every few seconds; turning it another notch switches to continuous wiping, essential for heavy rain driving. Rotating it clockwise to the end turns it off. Cleaning the rear window is even simpler: push and hold the entire stalk toward the instrument panel, and the washer nozzles will start working, with the wiper automatically making a few sweeps for thorough cleaning. I usually make it a habit to check the rear window visibility before driving, especially after rain when the rear window gets dirty quickly—timely cleaning is crucial. If the washer doesn't respond, it might be due to an empty reservoir or clogged nozzles, which you can check yourself. Additionally, in winter, remember to switch to antifreeze washer fluid to prevent freezing and cracking the pipes.

The rear wiper switch of the BMW X5 is designed on the right-hand control stalk of the steering wheel. Operation consists of two parts: first rotate the knob at the end of the stalk - the first turn activates intermittent mode, the second turn engages continuous wiping, and rotating back turns it off. To spray washer fluid, push the stalk forward and hold until you hear the spray sound and see water jets, then release. I prefer using intermittent mode in light rain to prolong wiper lifespan, and switching to continuous mode during heavy downpours for better safety. During each car wash, I clean the wiper rubber blades with a damp cloth to remove grit and extend their service life. Remember to replenish windshield washer fluid promptly, choosing a formula with degreasing properties for better rear window cleaning. If there's no response after operation, check if the vehicle has power or if the fuse is functioning properly. Replacing fuses yourself isn't difficult, but always refer to the manual for correct location.

On the right side of the steering wheel, there's a wiper control stalk with a rotary knob. Turning it controls the rear wiper. Rotate it clockwise to the end to turn it off, counterclockwise to the first notch for intermittent wiping, and the second notch for continuous wiping. To spray washer fluid, push the entire stalk forward to the end until you see the rear window is clean, then release. This design is much more intuitive than older models—I rely on it heavily when driving on highways during heavy rain. Remember to regularly check if the wiper rubber blades are cracked; replace them if they've hardened.


