blocked washer jets - premixed fluid ?
Discussion
over all the years & cars I've had, I've always used whatever washer fluid was on offer at halfords, garages etc etc . Never had any problems. ( admittedly I've always used concentrate, but recent fill ups in the wifes car was with Halfords premixed stuff )
So why within less than a year do the washers on my wifes F30 stop working , from what appears to be a blocked filter at the pump ... since when did washers need such fine filters ?? I've used the same stuff in my 7 series & those washers are fine.
Now to work out out to sort them
So why within less than a year do the washers on my wifes F30 stop working , from what appears to be a blocked filter at the pump ... since when did washers need such fine filters ?? I've used the same stuff in my 7 series & those washers are fine.
Now to work out out to sort them
Always use the BMW Screenwash to avoid any issues. Cheaper stuff turns to gunge and blocks the filter. Yes, it is a little more expensive - £17.50 for 5 litres - but the undiluted has a freezing temp of -63C I believe so it can be watered down more than the cheaper washes.
If you have headlight washers it also stops them going pop in the cold or at least gives the dealer no reason not to replace them under warranty.
It also smells nicer
If you have headlight washers it also stops them going pop in the cold or at least gives the dealer no reason not to replace them under warranty.
It also smells nicer
I had the same problem after topping up with Halfords screen wash just after buying my car. Talking to the dealer they said they get this problem all the time and they printed out instructions on how to disassemble the washer reservoir in order to clean it out. Tech estimated a two hour job.
In the end I popped a Calgon tablet in and brimmed the reservoir with tap water. Left it for an hour or so and then ran all the water through the washers. Worked perfectly, but just need to make sure you clean the Calgon water off the paint.
In the end I popped a Calgon tablet in and brimmed the reservoir with tap water. Left it for an hour or so and then ran all the water through the washers. Worked perfectly, but just need to make sure you clean the Calgon water off the paint.
Wow I never realised manufacturers had their own screen wash.. 
In the last 10 or so years I've just done the same as the OP and used whatever is on offer at the point of needing some, often asda's own stuff - It's so cheap I just put it in undiluted. Never had any issues, maybe ignorance is bliss?
In the last 10 or so years I've just done the same as the OP and used whatever is on offer at the point of needing some, often asda's own stuff - It's so cheap I just put it in undiluted. Never had any issues, maybe ignorance is bliss?
Not sure if it applies to other models but the E39 used to regularly pop the washer pipes off the washer nozzles where they join under the bonnet during freezing weather, so you'd end up with no washer fluid the next time you needed it the following morning! Easy to push the pipes back on, but annoying...
Edited by 58warren on Thursday 28th November 09:00
philmots said:
I'm really sure BMW make their own screen wash...
Just buy a decent one, Holts/Prestone and dilute it correctly.
Yes, of course they do, just like they make their own lights, windscreens, seats, CD players, paint, carpets etc, etc Just buy a decent one, Holts/Prestone and dilute it correctly.
Edited by pattyg on Thursday 28th November 18:17
BMW also do a 20 litre container of their screen wash, they don't advertise it and often the parts guy won't know about it.
It's a special order item from Germany but your local dealer can get it in a few days. I got one and it cost about £50, a lot of money for screen wash in one go but it lasts a long time and works out cheaper in the long run.
I can get the part number if anyone's interested.
It's a special order item from Germany but your local dealer can get it in a few days. I got one and it cost about £50, a lot of money for screen wash in one go but it lasts a long time and works out cheaper in the long run.
I can get the part number if anyone's interested.
I've been using the BMW screen wash tablets since I bought the car and have just put a diluted mix of the BMW winter screen wash in.The washer nozzles blocked halfway home last night.Now the manual says nothing about using BMW only or hard water. Is a pain in the proverbials though seeing as I bought 5 litres of the winter stuff.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff