Free replacement wiper blades?

[jvr826]

I know my 2002 530i is covered by the maintenance program, and I think I heard that even wiper blades are included. How do I go about getting a set for free, without making a service appointment? I want to run in, take them home and put them on.

[SARAFIL]

Originally posted by jvr530i
How do I go about getting a set for free, without making a service appointment? I want to run in, take them home and put them on.

Wrong answer.

Unfortunately, you can't just go up to the parts counter and get your free wipers. You have to go to the service department, have a repair order generated and then they will get the parts and put them on. Then the paperwork is processed like any other claim and submitted to BMW.

The only way you might be able to walk off with wipers is if you are friendly with a service advisor and get him/her to create an R.O. and charge the parts out, give them to you to take home and install, and then just pay a tech as if he actually did the work, and submit it to BMW. Problem is that the parts department will have to take the old wipers in return for the new ones, or else BMW will not pay. Also, it is strictly against BMW policy for the dealer to give you parts to take home and not have them installed by a tech. In other words, good luck finding a dealer to do it-- they can get screwed if BMWNA finds out.

The best bet is just to schedule an early morning appointment-- the tech should be able to put new ones on for you in 5 minutes and they won't even have to pull your car into the shop.

[SARAFIL]

Originally posted by DougDogs
One other tip...don't tell them you want "free blades" or "wipers replaced". Tell them that the wipers don't clean the glass as well as they used to. Then they will "fix" the problem by replacing the blades.

Funny, but that's the way service operates. They have to "fix" a problem, to get the wiper's warrantied:tsk:

Many dealers won't make a big deal about this since wipers are normal wearable items. If you just tell them "I want new wipers", they'll word it creatively on the work order to get it done. There's usually no issue with that.

The only problem is getting BMW to reimburse them, so they have to do everything by the book. If they get caught giving wipers out to customers for self-instalation, not only will they not get paid, but BMW will probably crack down on them and start giving them a hard time with other items. In other words, not many dealers are going to take that risk.

[jvr826]

I had a feeling this should be done in conjunction with a service appointment. Fortunately, I don't spend much time getting service (knock on wood). I'll work with it.

Thanks for the info!

[SupraRZ]

So much effort for a $8 pair of wipers, geesh :)

[intex98]

Originally posted by jvr530i
I had a feeling this should be done in conjunction with a service appointment. Fortunately, I don't spend much time getting service (knock on wood). I'll work with it.

Thanks for the info!

You might also want to stop by and ask them to change them real quick if they aren't too busy. About a month after I picked up my car (from Cutter!), my wipers were skipping on the glass. I just walked in and they were able to take the car and change them real quick. Basically, it depends on if you have a friendly service department that isn't too busy. (although my wipers still don't work right even after the new blades, but that's besides the point) :dunno: