BMW E39 rear wiper stuck

Rust and dirt build up between the shaft and the grommet, so the movement slows gradually and finally stops. The fix is to take the shaft apart, remove the rust and reassemble the parts with petroleum jelly. The O-rings and shims should be replaced at the same time.

1. Pull off the interior trim and first remove the two Torx screws (20 or 25). 2. Remove the 22 mm nut and the retaining ring from the wiper arm. 3. Remove the arm by tapping it or with penetrating oil. 4. Remove the lock ring and pull the shaft out from the inside.

The cause can be a broken wire at the tailgate hinge, in which case the fault is electrical and not in the shaft. The wires run to the tailgate through the roof speaker. Also check the tailgate microswitch, part number 61 31 8 363 631.