F30 330d windscreen washer help!
Discussion
4rephill said:
You won't have to do the job again any time soon providing you use the same washer fluid every time.
Mixing different washer fluids (BMW's own/other brand green/other brand pink) causes a chemical reaction, which results in congealing and clogging in the washer system.
Don't mix - No need to fix!
Not true I'm afraid! I was told the same by BMW. After cleaning the system once 2 years ago, Ive only ever used BMW fluid and water mix. Had to have the system cleaned out a few weeks ago since it was blocked again with the same gunk.Mixing different washer fluids (BMW's own/other brand green/other brand pink) causes a chemical reaction, which results in congealing and clogging in the washer system.
Don't mix - No need to fix!
Another victim to this BMW trap-door !! Replenished washer fluid reservoir last week (when it was ultra cold so diluted my usual at the recommended 20% -normal car plan stuff which I've used for ever in various cars), and now I've learned of the dreaded BMW washer filter being gunked up because of the special BMW washer fluid not being compatible with ordinary washer fluids, for fks sake it's washer fluid !!! Called my local BMW (where we purchased the car from new, 2019 320 estate), they're having it in tomorrow to have a look and said they would ask BMW if they could do it on warranty. I have already told them that if BMW won't foot the bill then I'll get it out and clean up the filter myself. The guy said it probably won't come to that - and also he said it's a very common occurrence which he'd never experienced at any of the other manufacturers he'd worked at. Hopefully they sort it so I don't have to.
I have read in other forums that putting 2 x baby bottle steriliser tablets (Milton etc) in there also solves this, although best to flush it out once the steriliser has done its thing via the dash stork.
Def worth trying ahead of taking it anywhere.
I had this on my 2009 Z4 a few years ago and it’s a shame nothing has changed to stop this. I didn’t know if the steriliser trick and spent £200 at an Indy for a fix.
Def worth trying ahead of taking it anywhere.
I had this on my 2009 Z4 a few years ago and it’s a shame nothing has changed to stop this. I didn’t know if the steriliser trick and spent £200 at an Indy for a fix.
Never had this problem on any of my BMWs (e34 520, e34 M5, e46 330d, F31 320d, Z4MC), and I use whatever I can get my hands on at the time.
If it's at home, then it gets the concentrated Prestone stuff I buy from Costco.
If I'm on the road I'll just buy whatever pre-mix is available at the closest shop/garage.
Probably the only time they've had BMW screenwash in was when they were new or had dealer servicing.
Looking back, I've also just realised that all my BMWs had headlight washers too!
If it's at home, then it gets the concentrated Prestone stuff I buy from Costco.
If I'm on the road I'll just buy whatever pre-mix is available at the closest shop/garage.
Probably the only time they've had BMW screenwash in was when they were new or had dealer servicing.
Looking back, I've also just realised that all my BMWs had headlight washers too!
Been there. Seen it. Cleaned the filters. No T shirt.
g3org3y said:
4) Last winter (or maybe the winter before) bought lots of screenwash on ebay at a bargain bulk buy price. Used it without any bother on my E36 (I use Genuine BMW on the E91 and Z4)
As the E46 was running low, thought I'd top it up. I noted it had red screenwash and I'd read that mixing different ones could cause problems. Given I had a couple of bottles of the stuff above and not wanting to buy any new red screenwash (tight git), I decided to run the screenwash tank to empty and take my chances.
Unfortunately, it seemed that the gamble didn't pay off. The jets weren't that great before TBH but quite quickly they became v weak indeed. They'd bubble for 5 seconds and then flow like an 80 year old with prostate problems.
Did a bit of reading and found out that it's the filters in the bottle get clogged up. Luckily they are quite accessible (unlike the later E90 which has them under the arch iirc). As such, decided to get them out and see what was going on.
There are two pumps with their own filters, one for the windscreen and one for the headlight washers.
Pumps unplug and lift up. The filter can then be removed.
Windscreen:
Headlight:
Hot water + nail brush =
Windscreen:
Headlight:
They work great now!
(and I'm still using the blue screenwash).
As the E46 was running low, thought I'd top it up. I noted it had red screenwash and I'd read that mixing different ones could cause problems. Given I had a couple of bottles of the stuff above and not wanting to buy any new red screenwash (tight git), I decided to run the screenwash tank to empty and take my chances.
Unfortunately, it seemed that the gamble didn't pay off. The jets weren't that great before TBH but quite quickly they became v weak indeed. They'd bubble for 5 seconds and then flow like an 80 year old with prostate problems.
Did a bit of reading and found out that it's the filters in the bottle get clogged up. Luckily they are quite accessible (unlike the later E90 which has them under the arch iirc). As such, decided to get them out and see what was going on.
There are two pumps with their own filters, one for the windscreen and one for the headlight washers.
Pumps unplug and lift up. The filter can then be removed.
Windscreen:
Headlight:
Hot water + nail brush =
Windscreen:
Headlight:
They work great now!
(and I'm still using the blue screenwash).ukpolak said:
I have read in other forums that putting 2 x baby bottle steriliser tablets (Milton etc) in there also solves this, although best to flush it out once the steriliser has done its thing via the dash stork.
Def worth trying ahead of taking it anywhere.
I had this on my 2009 Z4 a few years ago and it’s a shame nothing has changed to stop this. I didn’t know if the steriliser trick and spent £200 at an Indy for a fix.
I wouldnt go near a BMW dealer to fix this, as mentioned earlier in the thread my local garage charged me £27 to take off the liner and flush it out. Snows BMW near me wanted £99 just to take a look !!Def worth trying ahead of taking it anywhere.
I had this on my 2009 Z4 a few years ago and it’s a shame nothing has changed to stop this. I didn’t know if the steriliser trick and spent £200 at an Indy for a fix.
Mine's been fine since I did it, only using BMW fluid for now.
Must be a bit of a curse tho' as our F-Pace threw a hose connection at the weekend. I'm getting quite good at removing wheel arch liners and sorting these things out. Jag is worse though as it leaks onto a wiring loom and causes all sorts of electrical glitches - now have to put it in to an Indie to get an engine warning light reset after I checked every fuse - wipers/washers aren't mentioned in the fusebox diagrams (x4 locations.....).
I know engine bays are quite crowded these days but burying the bottles in a wheel arch is a right pain for what effectively becomes a service item.
Must be a bit of a curse tho' as our F-Pace threw a hose connection at the weekend. I'm getting quite good at removing wheel arch liners and sorting these things out. Jag is worse though as it leaks onto a wiring loom and causes all sorts of electrical glitches - now have to put it in to an Indie to get an engine warning light reset after I checked every fuse - wipers/washers aren't mentioned in the fusebox diagrams (x4 locations.....).
I know engine bays are quite crowded these days but burying the bottles in a wheel arch is a right pain for what effectively becomes a service item.
g3org3y said:
Speed 3 said:
Mine's been fine since I did it, only using BMW fluid for now.
I didn't have any further issues with my E46 above and continued to use the 'budget' screenwash in photos.My E91, E63 and E70 all get BMW screenwash.
Speed 3 said:
Must be a bit of a curse tho' as our F-Pace threw a hose connection at the weekend. I'm getting quite good at removing wheel arch liners and sorting these things out. Jag is worse though as it leaks onto a wiring loom and causes all sorts of electrical glitches - now have to put it in to an Indie to get an engine warning light reset after I checked every fuse - wipers/washers aren't mentioned in the fusebox diagrams (x4 locations.....).
Bit of water hitting the harness won’t normally cause a problem. I think you’d have to get the tape/protection off the harness, then strip the insulation off a couple of wires, to get any real problems.What fuse are you looking for ? What’s not working ?
RUSSELLM said:
Bit of water hitting the harness won’t normally cause a problem. I think you’d have to get the tape/protection off the harness, then strip the insulation off a couple of wires, to get any real problems.
What fuse are you looking for ? What’s not working ?
The front wipers and washers stopped working after I had reconnected the pipe, rear was fine. Then the tailgate wouldn't open and the dash started displaying various warnings. I wanted to eliminate a blown fuse but by the time I'd searched through them all and the car had dried out in the sun, the wipers started working again. There's fuses for every component and circuit you can think of except wipers. What fuse are you looking for ? What’s not working ?
Pistonheader101 said:
g3org3y said:
Speed 3 said:
Mine's been fine since I did it, only using BMW fluid for now.
I didn't have any further issues with my E46 above and continued to use the 'budget' screenwash in photos.My E91, E63 and E70 all get BMW screenwash.
Or cross the streams.Well, bit of a result from the BMW dealership Knights (North Staffs). Car went in and they've sorted the clogged filter and cleaned out with no charge as a one off first time occurrence. Impressed with their service and understanding but still not happy that this seems to happen because of their 'special' screen wash which doesn't seem to happen with other manufacturers.Anyway, you live and learn !!
Speed 3 said:
RUSSELLM said:
Bit of water hitting the harness won’t normally cause a problem. I think you’d have to get the tape/protection off the harness, then strip the insulation off a couple of wires, to get any real problems.
What fuse are you looking for ? What’s not working ?
The front wipers and washers stopped working after I had reconnected the pipe, rear was fine. Then the tailgate wouldn't open and the dash started displaying various warnings. I wanted to eliminate a blown fuse but by the time I'd searched through them all and the car had dried out in the sun, the wipers started working again. There's fuses for every component and circuit you can think of except wipers. What fuse are you looking for ? What’s not working ?
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