Washer Problems

[David 997t]

My wife has a 6month old x5 and the washers stop working so i did the usual checks to see if blocked etc and they were'nt, tried to look at the bottle but its mounted in the wing. So i pop in my local dealer tech comes out and agrees it must be in the bottle ie motor as all other washers work (headlight/rear). I booked the car in and got a call yesterday they say its not the motor its contamination and needs clearing out, which he then tells me will be over £350+vat!!!!!!! I then spoke to someone i know who works on bmws and he says it a common problem across the range because the filters are too fine and bm won't put there hands up! Has anyone else had this and did you get it sorted foc or did you pay? The service advisor said it happens if you don't use bm approved screen wash!

[mikey-r]

The same thing happened to me late last year. I bought an AUC 330d and within a week I was only getting a dribble from the windscreen washers. Booked it in and they said it was 'all gunked up'. They cleared it out and, touch wood, all's been fine since.

However, I was chatting with the mechanic when I picked up the car and he said it's a common problem and is something to do with the washer fluid they use. He'd even had it happen on 3 month old cars that had not been moved/used. He advised to use the BMW washer fluid ASAP and replace with something else.

By the way, my work was covered by the warranty.

[noumenon]

Ouch. One dealer says it's their fluid that's the issue, another that it's the solution.

I know very little about washer fluid, but I guess the one you want is whatever has the most alcohol in it, making it a better solvent and preventing gunk?

[hughjayteens]

It used to happen in my E36 M3s a lot and all I did was blow into the filler neck whilst the wife operated the washers!

It gas also literally just happened on my 2007 325i (handy in this weather!) so I think I need to give it another whirl!!

[David 997t]

Thanks for that it does seem to be a problem then! Just makes you laugh that one says its bm washer fluid and mine says they won't do it on warranty cause i can't prove i used bm stuff! As usual with bm dealers now they could'nt give a s**t and just want the money!!!

[< FORZA WEST]

tells me will be over £350+vat!!!!!!!

LOL

Forever having to clean the filters on the washer pumps to a point where ive made it part of an inspection service-it doesnt seem to matter what washer fluid goes in, under the pump the water never seems to move and eventually stagnates and turns into a gel sticking to the filter.

Estimated repair bill £5-£10 (depends on bottle location) or free in a service

[Sticks2]

Happened on my E46. Tried for ages to get it clear. An air line on it did the trick.

[David 997t]

[quote=< FORZA WEST]tells me will be over £350+vat!!!!!!!

LOL

Forever having to clean the filters on the washer pumps to a point where ive made it part of an inspection service-it doesnt seem to matter what washer fluid goes in, under the pump the water never seems to move and eventually stagnates and turns into a gel sticking to the filter.

Estimated repair bill £5-£10 (depends on bottle location) or free in a service
[/quote]

How can they say £350 then? They reckon 3.5hrs labour because its "a complete pig to get at". If i put an airline down there will that help clear it?

[fixedwheelnut]

£350 is bloody steep, our place charge between £40 and £150 depending on the model,one series and new three series involves wheel and wheel arch liner out to remove the bottle.
It should be the flat rate charge for remove and install washer bottle.
Once you get it out clean it out with boiling water this kills the bacteria that seem to cause the 'cotton wool like goo' that blocks the filters.
We have not had repeat visits of bottles becoming re-contaminated with the correct washer fluid in so I would go with the BMW stuff.

I have not done one on a new X5 yet but the front end is virtually one piece bumper and wings and looks a pig to get off