Windscreen washer reserviour mysteriously draining

[jr58073]

Hi

I've got a strange problem with the windscreen washer reservoir on my 2006 Z4 coupe. When I fill it it stays totally full for approx 3 days and then becomes empty. Its as if it pumps itself dry. I've taken it to my dealer who just confirmed that the system was watertight - and then promptly lost interest in the problem.

I'm thinking about disconnecting the supply to the headlamp washer to rule this out - has anyone done this? Been living with no washer fluid for 12 months now and its starting to take the shine off my pride and joy!
Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

 

[Half Colin]

Fill it up and in the morning look for a little puddle in front of one of the front wheels. That's what mine does - waiting for warmer weather to take the bumper off to investigate.

 

[rookie975]

A common problem for washer leaks is the headlight washer jets. These are susceptible to damage when the water freezes and expands in cold weather. Both went on my old E46 and they left puddles underneath the headlights. I replaced them both and the problem was solved.

 

[doofus4000]

A common problem for washer leaks is the headlight washer jets. These are susceptible to damage when the water freezes and expands in cold weather. Both went on my old E46 and they left puddles underneath the headlights. I replaced them both and the problem was solved.

how did you figure out they were leaking? Testing them with the bumper off the car?

 

[Adam D]

This happened to mine but it syphoned off very quickly indeed, was a split in one of the headlamp washer hoses. BMW replaced the tubing and both washer jet turrets under warantee.

It's definately a bumper off job to investigate and resolve.

 

[jr58073]

Thanks very much everyone for your replies. I reckon I can get to the bottom of this one now.

Cheers

 

[srhutch]

This happened to mine but it syphoned off very quickly indeed, was a split in one of the headlamp washer hoses. BMW replaced the tubing and both washer jet turrets under warantee.

It's definately a bumper off job to investigate and resolve.

Exactly what happened to mine, the split was in the main hose to the headlamp washers.

A DIY job that can be fixed for under £25 (if it's a split hose)

 

[rookie975]

A common problem for washer leaks is the headlight washer jets. These are susceptible to damage when the water freezes and expands in cold weather. Both went on my old E46 and they left puddles underneath the headlights. I replaced them both and the problem was solved.

how did you figure out they were leaking? Testing them with the bumper off the car?

I didn't need to take the bumper off the car. There were two visible puddles on the floor underneath the car whenever I filled the reservoir up!

 

[doofus4000]

was that enough to tell you the leaks were coming from the jets tho?! Ive one puddle on the nearside and it only leaks sometimes which is really random and I cant work out why.

 

[srhutch]

I only part removed the bumper, you have to do this at least to see if it's coming from the jet or split hose.

 

[Taz]

maybe antifreeze in the screen wash may prevent further problems

 

[Eurohooner]

I had the same issue caused by leaking from the headlight washers. Couldn't see it very well as mostly drained when driving and spent ages trying to find the cause. Eventually gave up, took it in as was under warranty and they immediately went for the washers as a 'common problem'.

 

[rookie975]

was that enough to tell you the leaks were coming from the jets tho?! Ive one puddle on the nearside and it only leaks sometimes which is really random and I cant work out why.

It was indeed. Both puddles were directly underneath the headlights and they only appeared when the washer reservoir was filled up. These signs together with the fact the washer tank was empty after a couple of days was enough for me to deduce that it was the washer jets! I replaced both and the problem was solved. You could see the old jets were leaking as they were covered in water stains.

Obviously if your leak isn't as obvious as that I would be inclined to take the bumper off to have a look at the jets.

 

[rookie975]

maybe antifreeze in the screen wash may prevent further problems

Decent washer fluid is definitely recommended during the winter months to help prevent the jets from freezing.