NHTSA Service Bulletin 618592: BMW E38
Official manufacturer communication context for model years not specified BMW E38, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
SOME VEHICLES WITH RAIN SENSING WIPERS, PRODUCED BEFORE FEBRUARY 2000 MAY EXHIBIT A WINDSHIELD WIPER THAT WIPES CONTINUOUSLY OR IN AN ERRATIC WAY; THE SENSITIVITY OF THE RAIN SENSOR CANNOT BE ADJUSTED; CONTROL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER VIA THE RAIN SENSOR FAILS INTERMITTENTLY; THE WINDSHIELD WIPER REMAINS OFF FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME; THE WIPER SWITCHES ON WITHOUT REASON WHEN THE VEHICLE MOVES FROM SHADE TO SUNLIGHT; THE WIPER WIPES THE WINDSHIELD FOUR OR FIVE TIMES WHEN THE RAIN SENSORS IS ACTIVATED; AND / OR THE WIPERS STOP APPROXIMATELY 10 DEGREES TO 15 DEGREES FROM THE END POSITION. *TT
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 618592?
SOME VEHICLES WITH RAIN SENSING WIPERS, PRODUCED BEFORE FEBRUARY 2000 MAY EXHIBIT A WINDSHIELD WIPER THAT WIPES CONTINUOUSLY OR IN AN ERRATIC WAY; THE SENSITIVITY OF THE RAIN SENSOR CANNOT BE ADJUSTED; CONTROL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER VIA THE RAIN SENSOR FAILS INTERMITTENTLY; THE WINDSHIELD WIPER REMAINS OFF FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME; THE WIPER SWITCHES ON WITHOUT REASON WHEN THE VEHICLE MOVES FROM SHADE TO.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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