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Leaking washer fluid

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Johnbmwz4
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Leaking washer fluid

Post by Johnbmwz4 » Wed Jun 28, 2023 8:35 pm

Hi, walked into garage today to be greeted with some washer fluid on the floor. Not a lot and the washer bottle still looking full. Is it an easy DIY fix or garage job. The car has the BMW warranty but has £100 excess so if it’s an easy and cheaper fix then I’ll do myself.
Thanks for any replies
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BMW E89 3.5i M Sport manual, loving it….
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acm
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Leaking washer fluid

Post by acm » Thu Jun 29, 2023 1:06 pm

Can you see from where the fluid is leaking?

I recently had a leak from the fluid reservoir where the screen and headlight wash pumps push into the rubber seal that are integral to the filters in the fluid reservoir. In my case the seals were hard from age and probably a little damaged after I removed and washed the fluid reservoir of the gunk that had formed following the mix of BMW and Halford brand screen wash.

If it is leaking from these rubber seals, it's a DIY job to remove the fluid reservoir and replace the filters - search for instructions. The only tool needed is a flat blade screwdriver to prise open the clip on the fluid reservoir to lift it out.

If it's not the seals - since you say the fluid reservoir appears to be full - have the pipes to the pumps disconnected and leaked fluid? Again these are easy to pop back on, but make sure the 'lock' has been engaged to prevent them coming off again. If I remember correctly there is a ring that needs to be turned through 90 degrees that is near the pipe end that pushes on to the pump outlet.

Cheers!
Andy

matsmith749
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Leaking washer fluid

Post by matsmith749 » Thu Jun 29, 2023 2:20 pm

Coincidentally, this was exactly how mine looked - turned out it was a failed headlight washer.

You can see by getting someone to operate the windscreen washers inside the car whilst you crouch down & check underneath. The headlight washers trigger every 5 or so presses of the windscreen wash.

If it is the same as my issue, it's really super clear where it is coming from.

Fix was easy enough - just get a replacement telescopic nozzle from ebay for £40 & DIY fitting was easy enough that I cannot remember it now (10 years ago!).
From Jan 2023 2016 e89 Z4 35is / mineral white / coral red interior / all the extras
SOLD 2010 e89 Z4 35is / space grey / coral red interior / all the extras
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Johnbmwz4
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Leaking washer fluid

Post by Johnbmwz4 » Fri Jun 30, 2023 6:47 am

I was thinking the headlight washer too as that’s where the water is coming from. I’ll check the operation of them and take it from there
BMW E89 3.5i M Sport manual, loving it….
Audi S5 Cab, Great car but not special enough….
BMW E89 3.5i DCT, Havana Brown, should never have sold it…..
BMW E85 3.0 Auto, sadly missed (twice)

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Leaking washer fluid

Post by flybobbie » Fri Jun 30, 2023 7:25 am

I wouldn't use that red washer fluid, don't you find it stains the white paint work.
I used a clear fluid, you know can't remember the brand....................age i guess.

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Johnbmwz4
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Leaking washer fluid

Post by Johnbmwz4 » Fri Jun 30, 2023 10:36 am

Mmm never thought of that. It’ll probably need draining anyway so will use the clear stuff.👍
BMW E89 3.5i M Sport manual, loving it….
Audi S5 Cab, Great car but not special enough….
BMW E89 3.5i DCT, Havana Brown, should never have sold it…..
BMW E85 3.0 Auto, sadly missed (twice)

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Leaking washer fluid

Post by DevonPaul » Fri Jun 30, 2023 5:08 pm

matsmith749 wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 2:20 pm Coincidentally, this was exactly how mine looked - turned out it was a failed headlight washer.
Mine too, however i only confirmed this by removing the reservoir tanks and doing the rubber seals which didn't solve it, as getting to the washers on the M are a bumper off job.

So, over winter, I got as far as removing the covers and pulling the nozzles up and down a few times to their fullest extent, along with a wipe of red rubber grease where I could get a finger in.

So far this year no leaks :)

Paul (just going to the garage to look under the car.)
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