[jwehman]

So I want to replace my front windshield wipers on my '13 X3 3.5i.

Apparently, one gets the arms to a 12 o'clock position on the windshield by holding the wiper stick on the sterring column up tight for about 3 seconds and the arms are supposed to move up and stop, so one can rotate the arm away from the windshield.

However - I've tried this many times now and it doesn't work. I watch YT vidoes on this and it seems so elementary, yet I can't get it to function. And without moving the arms up, I don't know how to replace the blades.

Does anyone have any clues as to what might be wrong?

[Wgosma]

Just grab the arm and manually pull up/away from windshield, then remove wiper-simple!

[rirrgang]

The manual says NOT to have the ignition on. Lift the lever beyond the resistance for 3 seconds. Ignition OFF

[Commerce]

Turn your ignition on (not engine) then turn it off, then lift the lever all the way up for 3-5 seconds.

[96_Impreza]

This worked for me after failing to work using the owner's manual procedure:
Start engine.
Wait a few seconds.
Turn off engine.
Wait a few seconds.
Press START with foot off brake pedal. Accessory mode.
Wait a few seconds.
Move wiper lever CCW all the way and wait for the wipers to stop at high noon position.
It worked. Really. I don't know why.

PSA: Place pillows or thick towels between wiper arm and windshield. A dropped wiper arm can crack windshield.

[lovebimmers]

Make sure your door is closed before you pull back on the stalk.