E90 LCI windshield washer fluid evaporating?

mlifxs · 05-14-2014, 04:39 PM

I would say pretty basic. Remove wheel, remove fender liner, pull out the tank far enough to see the motor and where it might leak. Turn on the washer to see if the motor is the culprit. In my case, it was, so I could stop there and order the motor, put things back together. If it were not the motor, perhaps I would need to fully remove the tank to find the leak, which wouldn't be that hard either.

Probably the hardest part is finding all the sheet metal screws holding the fender liner in place. You only need an 8mm and 10mm socket, maybe a screwdriver to pry back the fender liner when removing.

There is a DIY somewhere on the site, showing how to take it apart, someone using the tank for meth(?). There are DIYs for older 3ers out there as well, works pretty much the same way.

chmsalman · 05-15-2014, 04:30 AM

Thanks!

E90_831 · 05-22-2014, 12:04 AM

****UPDATE****

Took my car back in last week, upon further inspection they found a small pin hole in my washer feed tube into my washer tank..! They replace a couple of parts and good as new..

chatoyer · 05-22-2014, 06:19 AM

Ironically enough, since this thread was started I've noticed that I'm topping up mine without having used any. Heading to dealer next month for inspection before factory warranty runs out.

chatoyer · 06-17-2014, 05:56 PM

Just to report back on this for the sake of completeness.

Car was in today for some routine work and I asked about a slow leak. They did a check and found the hose to the headlight washer on the right side was loose and thus losing fluid. Doesn't look like they replaced the hose, but just re-connected it.

Romanian nightmare · 06-26-2014, 10:49 AM

So I think I have a similar issue, either the pump or a leak. I noticed over the last few months that I'm filling up the washer reservoir more often. I also noticed for the last few months that my car gets really dirty at the bottom of the wheel well and between the wheel and the passenger door, like I keep running over something and splashed the car. The last issue, which is why I am now looking for a fix was that all the liquid I poured in last week is now on my garage floor and got the warning light again to fill up the reservoir. So, time for a fix. I will take a look at this weekend and see if I need the whole pump or a hose or other things.

Will keep you posted!

Whateva · 08-25-2014, 01:51 AM

Can you code out the washer fluid warning? I'm gonna fix mine eventually just not priority right now. I hate the warning icon that persists.

AWSAWS · 08-28-2014, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whateva

Can you code out the washer fluid warning? I'm gonna fix mine eventually just not priority right now. I hate the warning icon that persists.

Mine seems to do this. Replaced fluid twice in 5 mths. I thought mine was evaporating as well. Maybe it is a small leak also?

During warm mths with no icy nights couldn't you top up with largely water and a little dish washer liquid?

TORAY · 08-28-2014, 08:34 PM

Mine failed at the headlight washer nozzle. Check this location as well. I ran into a similar issue with requiring to refill the washer fluid every month.

Wongway · 08-28-2014, 09:04 PM

I think the pumps are simply a common failure point.

My last BMW was an X3, (guessing it has a lot of E46 era mechanicals) and once I got into the 100k mile range, I do recall having to replace both of mine. Though, looking at my E90 now, I think I'd rather work on my old X3 -.-

Black widow · 12-10-2015, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chmsalman

Hey guys,

Every couple months my windshield washer light goes off. I open up the hood and pour down a whole bottle of the stuff and the light rightly goes away. I barely use the fluid and eventually another two months later the light comes back.

It's either an EXTREMELY slow leak or I was thinking the fluid might be evaporating? Any ideas?

I've been using the -45C stuff from Canadian Tire since winters in Saskatoon are very rough.

No more warranty on the car, not sure if its work going to the dealer and getting this checked out.

Hey I'm from saskatoon, i have a 2010 328i xdrive, and its still under warranty, so i had the same problem as your car have.... took it back to bema two weeks ago, but they couldn't find the leak, its $150 labour per hour. The main reason i went to bema is because of the ticking sound from the engine, and they needed to order parts, so i took it back yesterday, and they fixed the hydraulic valve lifter, no more ticking sound. Back to the topic, they found out the left headlight sprayer is leaking, and warranty covered the parts.

catcher22 · 12-10-2015, 03:56 PM

Mine's gotta be leaking too. I've been refilling it at least every 2 months for the past year now, lol

catcher22 · 12-10-2015, 04:04 PM

Make sure you ONLY use BMW approved windshield washer fluid.

You also need a special tool to be able to remove the washer reservior, and then it needs to be registered and coded properly. Usually only dealerships can do this, unless you have the tool and software to do it. Don't worry though, there are 4 separate DIYs out for the entire procedure. Don't forget to reset your windshield washer fluid sensors too. And you may as well change all the reservior gaskets at the same time, because they often get brittle and crack. But to get to the sensors you must remove your entire valve cover and if you have an XI, you may need to drop the sub frame.

Just kidding, all that was a lie. But it's totally believable for a e90+, right?

thenomad · 12-22-2015, 08:25 PM

Gotta get this done on the wife's 328 now.
NEVER EVER had a simple item like this go wrong with ANY other cars.
New Bimmer is starting to nickel and dime me. Looking to pick up another E30 or 2002. The cars that were built RIGHT and that gave BMW the name its built on.

HCMW Adam · 03-17-2018, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catcher22

Make sure you ONLY use BMW approved windshield washer fluid.

You also need a special tool to be able to remove the washer reservior, and then it needs to be registered and coded properly. Usually only dealerships can do this, unless you have the tool and software to do it. Don't worry though, there are 4 separate DIYs out for the entire procedure. Don't forget to reset your windshield washer fluid sensors too. And you may as well change all the reservior gaskets at the same time, because they often get brittle and crack. But to get to the sensors you must remove your entire valve cover and if you have an XI, you may need to drop the sub frame.

Just kidding, all that was a lie. But it's totally believable for a e90+, right?

This thread covers my concern.

This post is exactly what I was thinking about. Don’t forget to take the fan out. That is step one for any service.

dsjr2006 · 04-01-2018, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HCMW Adam

This thread covers my concern.

This post is exactly what I was thinking about. Don’t forget to take the fan out. That is step one for any service.

Why take the fan out?

JFolt · 05-10-2018, 09:00 AM

I have the same issue, I can actually see the blue washer fluid running down my bumper sometimes. I bought a replacement pump and used this DIY to try to fix it

https://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e90-h...placement.aspx

I took off the wheel and fender liner to realize my car has a factory oil cooler sitting right there. I can't get to the leaking pump without taking the oil cooler off... All of the lines going in & out are solid so I can't clip them shut, it looks like I have to take the whole assembly off.

Anyone here figure out a way to do this? I don't want to have to drain my oil to fix this slightly annoying washer fluid leak.

05-14-2014, 04:39 PM	#23
mlifxs Diamond Geezer 223 Rep 2,384 Posts Drives: Jet Black 2007 328i Saloon Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida iTrader: (6) Garage List 2016 VW Golf Sportw ... [10.00]	I would say pretty basic. Remove wheel, remove fender liner, pull out the tank far enough to see the motor and where it might leak. Turn on the washer to see if the motor is the culprit. In my case, it was, so I could stop there and order the motor, put things back together. If it were not the motor, perhaps I would need to fully remove the tank to find the leak, which wouldn't be that hard either. Probably the hardest part is finding all the sheet metal screws holding the fender liner in place. You only need an 8mm and 10mm socket, maybe a screwdriver to pry back the fender liner when removing. There is a DIY somewhere on the site, showing how to take it apart, someone using the tank for meth(?). There are DIYs for older 3ers out there as well, works pretty much the same way.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-15-2014, 04:30 AM	#24
chmsalman First Lieutenant 48 Rep 357 Posts Drives: 2014 F10 535i x-drive Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Regina, CA iTrader: (0)	Thanks!
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05-22-2014, 12:04 AM	#25
E90_831 Lieutenant 23 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 335i Msport Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Monterey, Ca iTrader: (4) Garage List 2014 GMC Sierra Denali [0.00] 2006 Lancer Evo Rs [0.00]	**UPDATE** Took my car back in last week, upon further inspection they found a small pin hole in my washer feed tube into my washer tank..! They replace a couple of parts and good as new..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-22-2014, 06:19 AM	#26
chatoyer First Lieutenant 80 Rep 341 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 m40i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Ironically enough, since this thread was started I've noticed that I'm topping up mine without having used any. Heading to dealer next month for inspection before factory warranty runs out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-17-2014, 05:56 PM	#27
chatoyer First Lieutenant 80 Rep 341 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 m40i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Just to report back on this for the sake of completeness. Car was in today for some routine work and I asked about a slow leak. They did a check and found the hose to the headlight washer on the right side was loose and thus losing fluid. Doesn't look like they replaced the hose, but just re-connected it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-26-2014, 10:49 AM	#28
Romanian nightmare Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 M50i Alpine Weiss Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South iTrader: (0)	So I think I have a similar issue, either the pump or a leak. I noticed over the last few months that I'm filling up the washer reservoir more often. I also noticed for the last few months that my car gets really dirty at the bottom of the wheel well and between the wheel and the passenger door, like I keep running over something and splashed the car. The last issue, which is why I am now looking for a fix was that all the liquid I poured in last week is now on my garage floor and got the warning light again to fill up the reservoir. So, time for a fix. I will take a look at this weekend and see if I need the whole pump or a hose or other things. Will keep you posted!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-25-2014, 01:51 AM	#29
Whateva Banned 28 Rep 228 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: La La Land iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 335i [10.00]	Can you code out the washer fluid warning? I'm gonna fix mine eventually just not priority right now. I hate the warning icon that persists.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-28-2014, 08:34 PM	#31
TORAY Go Patriots! 2 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2011 335i X-Drive M-Sport 6MT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Mine failed at the headlight washer nozzle. Check this location as well. I ran into a similar issue with requiring to refill the washer fluid every month.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-28-2014, 09:04 PM	#32
Wongway Captain 29 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 328i xdrive Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	I think the pumps are simply a common failure point. My last BMW was an X3, (guessing it has a lot of E46 era mechanicals) and once I got into the 100k mile range, I do recall having to replace both of mine. Though, looking at my E90 now, I think I'd rather work on my old X3 -.-
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2015, 03:56 PM	#34
catcher22 Captain 294 Rep 922 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi Coupe Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (2)	Mine's gotta be leaking too. I've been refilling it at least every 2 months for the past year now, lol
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12-10-2015, 04:04 PM	#35
catcher22 Captain 294 Rep 922 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi Coupe Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (2)	Make sure you ONLY use BMW approved windshield washer fluid. You also need a special tool to be able to remove the washer reservior, and then it needs to be registered and coded properly. Usually only dealerships can do this, unless you have the tool and software to do it. Don't worry though, there are 4 separate DIYs out for the entire procedure. Don't forget to reset your windshield washer fluid sensors too. And you may as well change all the reservior gaskets at the same time, because they often get brittle and crack. But to get to the sensors you must remove your entire valve cover and if you have an XI, you may need to drop the sub frame. Just kidding, all that was a lie. But it's totally believable for a e90+, right?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-22-2015, 08:25 PM	#36
thenomad New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: '10 328i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Gotta get this done on the wife's 328 now. NEVER EVER had a simple item like this go wrong with ANY other cars. New Bimmer is starting to nickel and dime me. Looking to pick up another E30 or 2002. The cars that were built RIGHT and that gave BMW the name its built on.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2018, 09:00 AM	#39
JFolt Enlisted Member 14 Rep 47 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: NNJ iTrader: (0)	I have the same issue, I can actually see the blue washer fluid running down my bumper sometimes. I bought a replacement pump and used this DIY to try to fix it https://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e90-h...placement.aspx I took off the wheel and fender liner to realize my car has a factory oil cooler sitting right there. I can't get to the leaking pump without taking the oil cooler off... All of the lines going in & out are solid so I can't clip them shut, it looks like I have to take the whole assembly off. Anyone here figure out a way to do this? I don't want to have to drain my oil to fix this slightly annoying washer fluid leak.
	Appreciate 0 Quote