Well I did it this weekend... I went to the dealer this weekend just for a test drive thinking I couldnt possibly like anything as small as a Mini. I drove off the lot that night with a '08 Sparkling Silver Cooper S. What a fun car! Fast and even better fuel efficient!
Here's the problem though, the rear wiper made about three strokes and stopped in the middle of the rear window. This should be an easy dealer fix but hopefully I can save a stop.... I checked all the wiper fuses and they look good. Is there a relay that is easy to access that I can test or something else to check?

 

One thing that's an easy check ... the "wiper arm cover" must be fully seated or the wiper may not operate. If for some reason it has popped up, all you need do is snap it back into place.

It may not be the problem, but it's a 5-second fix if it is.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...81&hg=61&fg=45

 

Thanks for the help. That wasn't the problem but it was definitely worth a try. The link you sent was very useful.

 

Mine had a short in it. It would work sometimes, then other times, it woulds stop in the 2:00 position. Take it to the dealer. It is a quick fix.

 

Strangely enough it started working again the same day I made the post and hasnt had a problem since.
No the other problem.... a voice mail message left to with the service advisor at the local dealership, Checkered Flag, never got returned. Hopefully that's not a sign of what the service is going to be like.

 

For 57,000 miles the rear wiper on my MCS JCW has performed flawlessly. If I had a complaint, it was that the washer jet spritzed just in the center of the rear window without washing the majority of the glass.

Just a week ago I hit the rear wash and saw the spray move with the wiper as it went. Curious.

This week, the wiper has achieved consciousness and stubbornness at the same time. Regardless of the setting on the stalk, the wiper will cycle a random number of times and then stop. The ONLY way to get it to move again is to turn off the ignition totally.

Help! Is this a problem with the motor or programming? Do I REALLY have to travel the 70 miles to the dealer, or can I do something to alleviate the problem?

 

I sometimes wish I could do that with mine to symbolically flip some people off... ie. tailgators and high beamers.