Windscreen washer reservoir runs out really quickly

[stevo6]

My windscreen washer reservoir runs out really quickly - just done 200 miles in two days and it's gone from full to empty.  Admittedly they were grotty days, with mucky spray and a fair bit of windscreen washing required - but it was much better than this in my old X53.

It's not leaking.  Is this a known issue?  Any ideas?

[Sustanon250]

I have the same problem .

A big part of the problem for me is headlight washers activate way too often (once every two screen washes) , next time its in for a service I was going to see if it can be adjusted

[touring]

Blocking is a known problem with the e70, my washer stopped working; it was blocked with congealed screen wash. I was told by the service manager it was a common problem and it happened using the BMW screen wash or aftermarket product alike.

It resulted in complete removal of the container, cleaning and refitting, about two hours. It may be worth you trying to flush the container in situ before it stops completely.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, this was just my experience.

[X Box]

Mine are still working but not well.

How is the best way to flush the system before it is too late?

[squeaky2]

Think the reservoir is 7 litres on e53 and 5 litres on e70

[touring]

Not sure on the best way to flush the system, but I would assume using the washers regularly with clean water (not the best time of year) eventually it should move any build up.

Alternatively removing the container and manually cleaning (not an easy task)

[noxid1969]

[quote="stevo6"]
My windscreen washer reservoir runs out really quickly - just done 200 miles in two days and it's gone from full to empty.  Admittedly they were grotty days, with mucky spray and a fair bit of windscreen washing required - but it was much better than this in my old X53.

It's not leaking.  Is this a known issue?  Any ideas?
[/quote]

I thought it was just me, I am getting through a 5 litre bottle every 2 weeks

[sprincopse]

[quote="touring"]
Blocking is a known problem with the e70, my washer stopped working; it was blocked with congealed screen wash. I was told by the service manager it was a common problem and it happened using the BMW screen wash or aftermarket product alike.

It resulted in complete removal of the container, cleaning and refitting, about two hours. It may be worth you trying to flush the container in situ before it stops completely.
[/quote]

I had/have exactly the same thing (BMW charge £350) and in 20 years of owning multiple high end (and low for that matter) cars this is the first time I had ever heard of such a thing. They told me it was due to algae build up most likely due to not using their brand of high end screen wash. I told the BMW service guy to repeat himself as I was completely amazed - I haven't scrimped on screen wash but didn't think I needed theirs! In all the years driving I hadn't come across it before and I certainly haven't done nothing different with this car than any other. Needless to say it wasn't covered by warranty (still the original one) either but it's clearly a design fault in my opinion.

What infuriated me the most was that the light washers and rear jets were fine - it was just the windscreen one. Apparently there is more than one pump down there....

[X Box]

This is what frustrates me too. I paid BMW last January to clean mine out (although they charged £75 iirc) and was told the same 'use BMW screenwash' line.

A year later and only using their stuff and it is back doing the same trickle. Headlamp and rear are fine.

Given that they also messed up the oil change back then too it is why I now use an Indy that came highly recommended. Only downside is he is far from local.

I had hoped there might be an easy fix to clear it DIY style.

[stevee]

I too just suffered same blocking issue. Tank is only accessible by removing wheel and trim. Based on advice on another forum I blasted compressed air down the hose (there's a connector just as the supply pipe goes into the engine bay) which unblocked the line. I then flushed out the tank.

[stevee]

I should have also said that if your going throught the tank quickly check for leaks. This seems to occur too often.

[X Box]

After a frustrating trickle from the washers on Saturday and trying to see through a filthy screen I thought I'd better get this looked at sooner rather than later.

Little did I expect to find a small drop of oil on the driveway following an 85mile round trip. So I've booked it in my my Indy to check out both things now.

Cars  >:(

[535dboy]

I too never got through so much washer fluid as  I did in my X, even to this day !

Must be super generous with the spray !

[The Mechanic]

[quote="squeaky2"]
Think the reservoir is 7 litres on e53 and 5 litres on e70
[/quote]

Is it not the other way around.  I am sure my handbook says that the reservoir in my E70 is 7.5L.  It certainly takes a lot more thant a 5L bottle.  However, regardless of that, mine runs out really quickly as well.  I think it ia all the outlets, screen, rear window, headlights.  Gobbles up water like a camel.

[brewer]

E53 - 7.8L.  That's almost 8 litres of fluid and all very accessible from the engine bay.  I love simplicity.