Investigation SQ98010: 1997–1998 BMW 5 Series

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jun 3, 1998

Closed

Sep 11, 1998

Model years

1997–1998

Subject

Windshield wiper inoperation

Component: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

Summary

Bmw believes that there is no indication of a systematic or safety defect concerning the subject wiper relay.the main reason that precipitated the issuance of the service bulletin was to inform dealers of a new relay part number for the subject vehicles since this part number was not included in the part catalogs.odi has no complaints alleging wiper failure and bmw's warranty rate (0.13%) does not indicate an existing failure trend.washington-area bmw dealers surveyed by odi reported no complaints relative to the subject relay.a safety defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exits.the agency reserves that right to take further action on these maatter if warranted by the circumstanes.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.