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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

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Jim S
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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by Jim S » Mon Dec 26, 2016 10:27 pm

Has anyone else had a problem with a lot of water leaking through the holes where the plastic washer jet housings are located on the bonnet and gathers on top of the lining/soundproofing panel on the underside of the bonnet every time it rains or the car is washed. When the bonnet is lifted the water pours out.

I am worried that, through time, the soundproofing will rot and the water will leak onto the engine and electrics and could cost a lot of money to put right.

My car is only 9 months old and under warranty. The dealer says that they have come across this problem before and it is a design fault on the Z4 E89 but BMW have not provided a solution to fix it. BMW say there is no design fault and it is a "characteristic" of the car.

I would appreciate a response from any other owner who has experienced similar problems and, if so, what was the solution to fix it.
Last edited by Jim S on Mon Dec 26, 2016 10:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Current: 2019 Z4 M40i (G29)
Previous BMW's (all new):
2017 520d MSport xDrive (G30)
2016 Z4 20i sDrive SE (E89)
2014 428i MSport Gran Coupe (F36)
2009 530d SE Gran Turismo (F07)
2007 525d SE (E60 LCI)
2005 523i SE (E60)
2002 320d SE (E46)
1982 520i (E28)

flybobbie
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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by flybobbie » Mon Dec 26, 2016 10:35 pm

I think we are all going to be dashing out and checking if that lining is wet.
My 2009 year car no problems, unless they changed the design.

Maniac
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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by Maniac » Mon Dec 26, 2016 10:39 pm

Never noticed this on mine. If it's any consolation my car is over 7 years old and there is no deterioration in the bonnet lining nor visible leaks onto the engine bay.

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Jim S
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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by Jim S » Wed Dec 28, 2016 9:04 pm

Thanks guys. It seems that BMW have got it wrong, a water leak from the washer jets is not a characteristic of the car. I plan to go back to my dealer and have it fixed under warranty.
Current: 2019 Z4 M40i (G29)
Previous BMW's (all new):
2017 520d MSport xDrive (G30)
2016 Z4 20i sDrive SE (E89)
2014 428i MSport Gran Coupe (F36)
2009 530d SE Gran Turismo (F07)
2007 525d SE (E60 LCI)
2005 523i SE (E60)
2002 320d SE (E46)
1982 520i (E28)

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DMC63
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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by DMC63 » Wed Dec 28, 2016 9:50 pm

Seems these E89s double up as good garden ponds. :rofl:
BMW Z4 2003 2.5i and lots of bits and pieces - 2016 - 2020 Sold

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Zed Five
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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by Zed Five » Wed Dec 28, 2016 11:42 pm

Nope. Not had this in 6 years. They are talking rubbish. The parts will probably identical to a 3 series anyway.
Why is it that people who can't take advice always insist on giving it? 

E89 35is | BMW S1000rr Motorsport Ed.

flybobbie
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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by flybobbie » Thu Dec 29, 2016 9:01 am

If it's like any other system probably just a split pipe at a pushed on 'T' piece. One is shown on realoem.
Interestingly they appear to be heated spray heads.
Just drop back the insulation and have a look.

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Jim S
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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by Jim S » Thu Dec 29, 2016 12:05 pm

Thanks flybobbie. The water is coming from outside the car every time it rains or is washed. The washer system is ok.
Current: 2019 Z4 M40i (G29)
Previous BMW's (all new):
2017 520d MSport xDrive (G30)
2016 Z4 20i sDrive SE (E89)
2014 428i MSport Gran Coupe (F36)
2009 530d SE Gran Turismo (F07)
2007 525d SE (E60 LCI)
2005 523i SE (E60)
2002 320d SE (E46)
1982 520i (E28)

flybobbie
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Joined: Sat May 25, 2013 8:27 pm
Location: Stourbridge

Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by flybobbie » Fri Dec 30, 2016 12:35 am

Can't see how water could get to the insulation.
Is the rubber seal in place along top of the engine bulkhead just below the fresh air intakes?

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Jim S
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Z4 E89 (2016) Water leak through the windscreen washer jets

Post by Jim S » Fri Dec 30, 2016 12:13 pm

Hi again flybobbie
The water is getting through the joint between the plastic washer jets and the apertures in the bonnet to fix the jets. The jets are fixed quite tightly and don't move when pushed. There are no visible gaps but water can find its way through the smallest of openings. Anyway, I have now been back to the dealer who will speak to the BMW technical team to see if they can find out what is causing the problem and come up with a solution. I will post the outcome on the forum in a few weeks time.

It appears that the problem is evident only on the very latest production Z4's, as I have not heard from anyone with a pre 2016 car having any problems. My dealer has tested other (unsold) cars in their stock and they have the same problem. Looks like BMW has changed something on the latest models.

Thanks for responding to my query. All the very best for 2017.
Current: 2019 Z4 M40i (G29)
Previous BMW's (all new):
2017 520d MSport xDrive (G30)
2016 Z4 20i sDrive SE (E89)
2014 428i MSport Gran Coupe (F36)
2009 530d SE Gran Turismo (F07)
2007 525d SE (E60 LCI)
2005 523i SE (E60)
2002 320d SE (E46)
1982 520i (E28)

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