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      10-20-2012, 08:36 AM   #1
Nahoa
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Wide flat streaks that don't dry away?

Anyone else having trouble with their wipers leaving wide, flat streaks? In light rain, or when washing the windshield to clear bugs or other my wipers have been producing wide (8-10 inches), flat streaks over about half of the arc. They're very difficult to see through particularly at night or into the sun. They tend not to evaporate, leaving a portion of those streaks on the windshield even when clean of bug guts or road debris.

In rain that's more than a mist, they do fine after the first wipe or two.

It's only been over the last six months or so, but I can't figure out anything that changed.

I usually use RainX. I've reapplied that, removed that, changed washer fluids, changed wiper blades, and asked the dealership to adjust them -- of course, they were "unable to reproduce".

This doesn't match my previous experiences with BMW wipers. Something I'm missing or haven't tried? Is it just the way they are?
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      10-20-2012, 09:34 AM   #2
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I always use invisable glass to clean my windows, works really well and no problems with wiper blades.
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      10-20-2012, 10:27 AM   #3
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How is the "shape" of the blade and arm to the window curve? Could the stresses of the arm pressure now
be uneven?
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      10-20-2012, 12:48 PM   #4
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Are you driving in highly polluted areas? Just to rule out the pollution effect on your blades, clean them thoroughly and try again.
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      10-20-2012, 03:05 PM   #5
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Appreciate the suggestions.

I use invisible glass, too, great stuff. New blades didn't help. It started about six months ago after operating well for a year and a half. I can't see anything out of whack regarding the shape, but it behaves like there's something wrong with the shape. Have cleaned the blades carefully and, I think, well -- it's doesn't leave narrow streaks I associate with grit or critter or crack on the blade. Lots of traffic, but not highly polluted, good air quality days.

Again, appreciate the ideas. I'm still stumped. If I figure it out, will advise in case y'all encounter it.
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      02-08-2013, 03:51 PM   #6
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Nahoa, I have this from time to time on driver's side. Did you ever figure it out?
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      02-08-2013, 04:15 PM   #7
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I have this on the drivers side. Have not found a solution. It seems worse with windscreen wash that has a winter mix
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      02-08-2013, 05:14 PM   #8
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yea my right wiper would leave a mark(on the driver side), in some weather conditions, it's annoying
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      02-09-2013, 09:46 AM   #9
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I might not be on the right track here, but.........................

If using a shampoo with conditioner to clean the car, it will always leave a small residue of conditioner/polish on the windscreen. So the windscreen needs to be cleaned straight after every wash with a glass cleaner.

Just a thought.
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      02-09-2013, 09:49 AM   #10
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Rain-X can cause issues also.
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      02-09-2013, 01:38 PM   #11
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I think what you see is salt residue from the stuff they put on the UK road. It tends to stick on the blades etc, and will deposit on the glass. I also believe it 'bonds' with the glass surface and just disappear temporarily when you wet it, but is in fact still on the glass.

I have that on my current car too (renault scenic, 3 weeks to go!) and I clear it now and then by using a brush (washing up sort) when the glass is wet -- it diseapears, until the next wet/cold day when I get salty spray back on...
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      02-09-2013, 02:09 PM   #12
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Have had this from new ( now 10 weeks old), on return sweep on drivers side dealer has tried new blades and cleaning which appear to fix for a day or two, they looked a replacing screen but as it has picked up a coupe of minor chips they now won't . I have also tried cleaning with " fast glass" which again is a short term fix. It's worse at night with on coming headlights , if any one has any more ideas on a fix would be pleased to hear
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      02-10-2013, 11:19 AM   #13
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Try Vinegar

It will remove most oily film, pollution residues. Wipe down with vinegar then wash off with your regular high quality car shampoo. DO NOT get vinegar on paint as it will etch into it. See if this helps.
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      02-10-2013, 11:26 AM   #14
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This Bon-Ami FAQ and reference to BMW bulletin is old and I'm not sure if recent formula changes affects the cleaning ability but some bimmer folks swore by it for cleaning windshields.

http://www.garageboy.com/bmw/bonami.html
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Last edited by noka; 02-10-2013 at 01:53 PM..
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      02-10-2013, 01:38 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by noka
This Bon-Ami FAQ and reference to BMW bulletin is old and I'm not sure if recent formula changes affects the cleaning ability but some bimmer folks swore it for cleaning windshields.

http://www.garageboy.com/bmw/bonami.html
Have spoken to salesman at dealership who thinks they have a fix using a high strength screen cleaner , will let you know how we get on next week, in mean time many thanks for your thoughts and suggestions
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      02-10-2013, 08:53 PM   #16
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I've still had no luck eliminating this or reducing it. It's something that evolved, which makes it confusing as I'm not able to identify a change.
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      02-11-2013, 10:58 AM   #17
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I recommend using a clay bar on the windshield. Clay bar is designed to remove microscopic particles embedded in the surface, and while it's usually thought of in conjunction with paint care, it also works on glass. I use it on both my X3 and Audi A4.

To give you an idea on how well it works, I have some tight-weave microfiber towels that, before clay barring the windshield, were very difficult to wipe across the surface of the glass. There was so much friction that they would quickly fold under and ball up. After clay barring the windshield, they glide across the glass with ease. The windshield looked the same before and after, but microscopically it was a world of difference.

Clay bar is also effective in removing water spots from glass. Takes them right off. Safe to use on the side mirrors as well.
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