Mine just dribbles...

S

strugglinauthor

Member
I'm talking about my windscreen washers, of course. :)

My windscreen washers manage only a pathetic dribble which, while stationary at least, doesn't even reach the windscreen. Prior to an ill-fated visit to the dealer some weeks ago they were plenty powerful but maybe I'm casting aspersions as that may just be a coincidence.

Anyway, my first thought was that the pipe may have worked loose under the bonnet as I've had this once before, many years ago. I've ruled this out as there is no water being leaked into the engine bay - it's bone dry in there. Then I thought maybe the pipe was kinked so I tried them with the bonnet open. Same result.

I've also ruled out a fault with the pump as the lights get washed at the same time and the pressure is good enough to blast the dirt away. My only other thought was a blocked nozzle but they seem fine and the deterioration was instant rather than progressive. Also they 'dribble' at exactly the same rate and if it were a blockage I'd expect at least a little difference between them.

It looks like a trip to the dealer but does anyone know if this is a common weakness or know any areas I can check?
 
strugglinauthor said:
I've also ruled out a fault with the pump as the lights get washed at the same time and the pressure is good enough to blast the dirt away. My only other thought was a blocked nozzle but they seem fine and the deterioration was instant rather than progressive. Also they 'dribble' at exactly the same rate and if it were a blockage I'd expect at least a little difference between them.
Click to expand...

would it not depend on where the blockage is? i assume the pipe splits at some point to each nozzle so if the blockage is before the split then you would expect the same on each nozzle
 
I had a similar problem on the E85 a couple of years back - I'm guessing there's some gunk in your washer bottle. It'll be blocking up the filter right by the pump - there may be two pumps there, one for the windscreen and one for the headlamps. Windscreen one is 'lower' than the headlamps one if I remember correctly, so possibly just that filter is blocked. I could be wrong, it's been ages since I looked at it properly.

I don't know if it's as easy to remove the washer bottle on the E89 but it was super easy on the E85. I think the pumps were just 'push-fit' (no need to disconnect any hoses) and I took the whole thing apart, cleaned out the washer bottle/filters, reassembled the lot within 30 mins. After a refill, they've worked just fine since.
 
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. :)

I guess when I was talking about blockages I was talking more of the nozzles themselves as this is where they usually get gummed up. I hadn't considered a blockage further back as I've always thought of it as a sealed system (well, sort of). That said, if a bit of leaf or other gunk has been introduced to the reservoir then I guess this could be the cause.

I've had a root around with a torch but can't see anything obvious to take out and clean so I guess I'll add it to the dealer list; it's got to go in soon anyway.
 
Been reading some other threads and it seems that it's a common problem on a lot of BMWs and is not considered a warranty issue. As such I'll be charged £50-£100 to get the filter cleaned, which is usually the culprit! :x Suddenly I'm motivated to have a go myself...
 
strugglinauthor said:
Been reading some other threads and it seems that it's a common problem on a lot of BMWs and is not considered a warranty issue. As such I'll be charged £50-£100 to get the filter cleaned, which is usually the culprit! :x Suddenly I'm motivated to have a go myself...
Click to expand...
I dont blame you! :cry:
 
Had a good look in there today and have absolutely no idea how to get the reservoir (and hence pump) out without making a big old mess. For starters I'd need to drain the tank, which I have no means to do, other than using the washers. But that would take hours and probably burn the motor out. Having scanned the net I can't find anyone who's done this on an E89. Looks like I'm going to have to get the dealer to do it and flutter my eyelashes when it comes to the bill.

Not sure I've really got the eyelashes for it though.
Not sure they'd be interested either. :)
 
If you want to empty the washer reservoir;
Get an empty water bottle (volvic, evian, anything like that). Drill a hole in the cap just enough to fit a straw through (really snug fit) and pop the straw in so it's 1/4 in the bottle and 3/4 out. squeeze the bottle, air will come out through the straw. pop the end of the straw in the washer bottle, loosen your grip on the bottle - it'll expand and draw the washer fluid into it through the straw.

To remove the reservoir - the pumps on the E89 do appear to be push fit (they look it on RealOEM).
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=LM52&mospid=51402&btnr=61_2462&hg=61&fg=45\

Try removing the pumps, then the filters that they plug into. If there's a load of slime on them, you may get away with just cleaning that off. If there is more slime in the tank, they'll probably get clogged up again so remove the washer tank (probably only one bolt) and give it a scrubbing (from the inside) with an old toothbrush - do the same for the filters (parts 4 and 6 on the diagram). Oh, when you have refitted the tank, filters and pumps, refill your washer tank with new washer fluid.

It really is as easy as it sounds. Save yourself a few quid. Then you could do a little write up on here for all the E89 people!
 
Thanks Dev. A very practical reply. :D

Unfortunately I'd already visited the dealer by the time I'd read your post - but fortunately they didn't charge me.

It was a blocked filter and I was told it can be caused either by sub-standard screenwash, mixing screen washes or plain old hard water if you're in a hard water area.

If I'm unlucky enough to have a repeat of this problem then I'll give your solution a go and post my results. That said, on other posts I've read, even though there was some resentment at BMW plugging their own screenwash when such problems arose, those that switched across never had a problem again...
 
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