How to replace wiper linkage on 1984 325e?

iceshark · Jun 18, 2007

How to replace wiper linkage on 1984 325e? UPDATE

Thanks for all the help everyone!

Okay here is what I found. The press fit ball on linkage to drivers side wiper arm corroded and broke free. So I need new linkage. I was told this was easy to replace. I am either challenged or just not getting it. Here is what I have done so far.

1.Removed backing plate on firewall that was easy.

2.Removed all wiper hardware to free up spindles at holes to remove.

3. Unplugged motor and removed the single bolt attaching motor to car.

Now the problem. There is no way to get the motor or linkage out. It looks to me like you must remove the heater fan housing and cylinder. I tryed just unhooking the plastic shroud and clips but all that allowed was the removal of middle shroud. Thought I better stop there and put it back.

I did see linkage is hooked to motor on bottom and there are two bolts on bottom hooking to housing.

Luckily its summer. But here in Seattle rain comes without warning at anytime.

I would love some guidance and help.

Thanks!

iceshark · Jun 18, 2007

Okay, After looking up parts. I think I may be in some sort of luck. The part that is bad on mne is the arm from motor to drivers side wiper linkage. It seems to be a press pit over the ball on drivers side linkage. This part I found says it the arm needed and is only $5.95 Can someone confirm this . Is is easy to get it off motor? I did not feel a nut where it hooked to motor.
Thanks!
HEre is part I found. Wonder if its available in Seattle area without having to do mailorder?
Part Number
#P7010-81558 Sale Price:$5.95
List Price: $5.69

Availability: In Stock

Vehicle: 1984 BMW 325e

Fits Engine : M20

Description:
Motor to Pivot Assembly

Year: 84-87 and up

Doughnut · Jun 19, 2007

Not sure where you got that info from.
Use 'realoem.com' and show us a picture of whats going on!
Cheers for sharing.

jrt67ss350 · Jun 19, 2007

Here's a pic for ya. Maybe this will help you figure out where the bolts and stuff are.

If what you need is part #5, then the BMW part # is 61611370796. I bet you'll also need parts 18 (BMW # 61611370649) and 6 (BMW # 61611370800) to replace that rod properly. Call around and see if these part numbers are available from the dealers in your area - you'd be surprised how many parts they stock for these cars.

If you'd like, I can try to dig out my bentley service manual tomorrow and see what it says about removing the linkage assembly.

echothreezero · Jun 19, 2007

Lift the motor up off the two mounting bolts and jiggle it out - will fit out the firewall hole or if you remove the plastic cover/shroud can SQUEEEEZE out the top.

iceshark · Jun 19, 2007

jrt67ss350 said:

Yep, Its part 5 the arm that has come off where it sits with part 6. Wonder if its only part 6 I need? It looks like part 5 gets press fitted on ball but wonder if its the rubber bushing that wore out? That would be too easy. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

iceshark · Jun 19, 2007

Okay, Got the plastic part 6 bushing out of arm. Now lets see if I can get part and if it just presses into arm like I would believe. Any help?

iceshark · Jun 19, 2007

Well Carquest has only whole arm with bushings already in it. Darn as if I could get only bushing it would be easier fix. Hopeful the arm pops off the motor easily and I can get linkage new one one easy.

jrt67ss350 · Jun 19, 2007

Your local BMW dealer should be able to get you the individual bushings without the whole arm. Give them a call and give them the part number I gave you above and ask them if they have them in stock or can get them.

iceshark · Jun 19, 2007

Called dealer and they only have the whole arm with bushings already in. Hope I can just pop off old one on bottom of motor. Dont have a manual.

iceshark · Jun 20, 2007

Okay, All in all a fairly simple procedure.

My bushing was bad where the motor to linkage arm connects to drivers side wiper assembely. From what I am told this is the usual point of breakage besides a bad motor when it comes to wipers. Here is what was done to fix.

1.Remove wipers and blade attachement bolts. Remove until just splines thru body are visable.

2.open hood and remove the 4 screws (2 top and 2 bottom) to remove sheild that is on firewall covering wiper motor and heater fan assembly. Very easy, takes seconds.

3.remove bolt that retains wiper motor to body. There is only the one bolt and it is very easy to get to.

4. Take off nut on bottom of wiper motor that holds the wiper linkage arm that is being replaced. It is a size 10 nut and you need small hands or to gingerly put open end wrench around and loosen then hand remove as to not drop.

5. Take flat head screw driver and lightly pry off the arm from threads after removing nut.

6.Pull linkage arm out very easily nest to motor.

7. Take new linkage piece (hopefully you have it. Cost is $7.96 from dealer or car quest) and put some vasoline in bushings to help press fit linkage into them.

8. You will need to seperate the 2 inch linkage piece that bolted to wiper motor on one side and press fits to new linkage on other. I did this with simple tap from hammer.

9. Put 2 inch piece on top of bushing hole. Take a hammer and give a small pop and it will easily seat in bushing.

10. No do reaverse steps and put linkage back and bolt to bottom of wiper motor.

11. This step can be a pain. You now need to seat the ball from under drivers side wiper assembly to other bushing in other side of linkage arm. I placed a piece of wood under it and gave a tap from above and it seated first try.

Put everything back and make sure to bolt wiper arms where there sweep of window is where you should have it.

After all the worry it was a simple project.

Thanks everyone!

Now if I could find out why no passenger side lights.??? That will be next project when I get back from Spokane.