Windscreen washer problems anyone?

Wheelerdealer61 · 04-30-2015, 12:02 AM

Hi all

this is my first ever post so apologies if this subject might have already been brought up in the past (a quick search didn't bring up anything though).

I just got a used E89 SDrive 23i which is in fantastic shape and almost new. Really happy with it. Only glitch is that the windscreen washer only spurts out a few drops of water, even though the pump motor can be heard functioning. Headlight washers work ok.

Anyone else ever had this problem? Any solution suggested?

Tx and happy to join the community.

jparnes1 · 04-30-2015, 08:29 AM

Take a pin and push it into the openings of the washers. They might be clogged up.

SpikeMilligan · 04-30-2015, 08:37 AM

The only problem I ever had with the windshield washers is forgetting that I had the top down when using them.

MannyS · 04-30-2015, 08:56 AM

Merħba

Just stick a sewing needle in the spray nozzle opening and wiggle it a bit. This action should unclog the washer nozzle.

Wheelerdealer61 · 04-30-2015, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Take a pin and push it into the openings of the washers. They might be clogged up.

Done that - they seem clear enough

Wheelerdealer61 · 04-30-2015, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpikeMilligan

The only problem I ever had with the windshield washers is forgetting that I had the top down when using them.

Haha, thanks, I'll keep that in mind once I get this problem licked

Wheelerdealer61 · 04-30-2015, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MannyS

Merħba

Just stick a sewing needle in the spray nozzle opening and wiggle it a bit. This action should unclog the washer nozzle.

Grazzi Manny

Actually I was browsing around and apparently this is quite a common problem with the 3 Series models and it's possible the pump can be clogged up. I'll take it down to my trusted mech next week and will post an update.

MannyS · 04-30-2015, 11:59 AM

Unplug the line at the affected nozzle in order to determine if the pump is working properly.

ManiacGT · 04-30-2015, 12:22 PM

There is a filter in the pump/bottle. You'll need to remove it to check.

Wheelerdealer61 · 05-05-2015, 04:05 PM

Ok people, situation update. Turned out to be the pump after all. The small impeller blades inside the unit appear to have been torn off the central shaft (probably by muck-generated pressure), so although the pump motor kept running no water pressure could be generated because of the missing blades. Replaced the pump unit and problem solved.

Thanks all for your helpful comments. Much appreciated !

04-30-2015, 12:02 AM	#1
Wheelerdealer61 New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 e89 SDrive23i 2011 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Malta iTrader: (0)	Windscreen washer problems anyone? Hi all this is my first ever post so apologies if this subject might have already been brought up in the past (a quick search didn't bring up anything though). I just got a used E89 SDrive 23i which is in fantastic shape and almost new. Really happy with it. Only glitch is that the windscreen washer only spurts out a few drops of water, even though the pump motor can be heard functioning. Headlight washers work ok. Anyone else ever had this problem? Any solution suggested? Tx and happy to join the community.
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04-30-2015, 08:29 AM	#2
jparnes1 Colonel 241 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	Take a pin and push it into the openings of the washers. They might be clogged up. __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
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04-30-2015, 08:37 AM	#3
SpikeMilligan 35is driver 16 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2012 S-drive 35is Join Date: May 2014 Location: U.S. East Coast iTrader: (0)	The only problem I ever had with the windshield washers is forgetting that I had the top down when using them.
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04-30-2015, 08:56 AM	#4
MannyS Lieutenant 357 Rep 409 Posts Drives: Spouse’s M4CX convertible Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Republic of Texas iTrader: (1)	Merħba Just stick a sewing needle in the spray nozzle opening and wiggle it a bit. This action should unclog the washer nozzle.
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04-30-2015, 11:59 AM	#8
MannyS Lieutenant 357 Rep 409 Posts Drives: Spouse’s M4CX convertible Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Republic of Texas iTrader: (1)	Unplug the line at the affected nozzle in order to determine if the pump is working properly.
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04-30-2015, 12:22 PM	#9
ManiacGT Major 85 Rep 1,448 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, UK iTrader: (0)	There is a filter in the pump/bottle. You'll need to remove it to check.
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05-05-2015, 04:05 PM	#10
Wheelerdealer61 New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 e89 SDrive23i 2011 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Malta iTrader: (0)	Ok people, situation update. Turned out to be the pump after all. The small impeller blades inside the unit appear to have been torn off the central shaft (probably by muck-generated pressure), so although the pump motor kept running no water pressure could be generated because of the missing blades. Replaced the pump unit and problem solved. Thanks all for your helpful comments. Much appreciated !
	Appreciate 0 Quote