Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on
Fig. 52 Lever: rear window wiper (allroad)
Move the lever to the corresponding position:
- Windshield wipers off
- Rain sensor/intermittent mode: Wipers switch on once vehicle speed exceeds ~2 mph (4 km/h) and it is raining. Sensitivity can be adjusted. Intermittent mode can be activated manually. Applies to MMI: VEHICLE > Light & Visibility > Rain sensor.
- Slow wiping
- Fast wiping
- Single wipe: Holding lever longer switches from slow to fast wiping.
- Clean the windshield: Number of wipes/afterwipes depends on how long lever is held.
Afterwipe function wipes one time after several seconds of driving and can be deactivated within ten seconds. Holding the lever for more than half a second activates edge wiping. Available at speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h). Headlight washer system operates only when low beam headlights are on.
Applies to vehicles with rear window wiper: Rear wiper wipes or cleans depending on lever position. May also clean rearview camera depending on vehicle equipment.
Warning
- Rain sensor only assists the driver; manual operation may still be needed.
- Do not treat the windshield with water-repelling coatings, which can cause glare and wiper chatter under unfavorable conditions.
- Properly functioning wiper blades are required for safe driving.
Note
- If frost is present, ensure wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield.
- Switch off wipers before using a car wash to prevent damage.
Tips
- Wipers switch off when ignition is off but can be reactivated when ignition is on.
- Dirty or worn blades can cause streaking and affect rain sensor function; check regularly.
- Washer fluid nozzles are heated when ignition is on if outside temperature is low.
- Wiper speed automatically reduces temporarily at stops (e.g., traffic lights).
Wiper blade replacement position
Fig. 53 Windshield wipers: changing the wiper blades
- Switch off ignition and hold lever in position until wipers move into replacement position.
- To return wipers to normal position, switch ignition on and hold lever until wipers go back, or drive faster than 8 mph (12 km/h).
- Replacement position can be toggled on/off in MMI: VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Wiper change position.
Cleaning the wiper blades
- Requirement: Wipers must be in replacement position.
- Fold wiper arm away from windshield.
- Refer to page 259 table for cleaning instructions.
Replacing the wiper blades
- Requirement: Wipers must be in replacement position.
- Fold wiper arm away from windshield.
- Hold wiper blade firmly.
- Press the locking knob on the wiper blade to remove.
