Filling windshield washer fluid?

3rd One · 29th December 2005, 16:58

So about a week ago I used my washer fluid for the first time since ownership (4 months now) and it left a nast greasy film on the window and then the "low washer fluid" warning came up. I poured an entire bottle into the reservoir and then tried to work the washers again.........nothing. I poured more in with the same result.

I then noticed another washer fluid reservoir and deiced to just pour water into since I was out of fluid. all of a sudden the washers were working again. Is there some sort of mixing system in this car for the fluids in to different spots. I am now out of water (after 2 days) in the waht I am calling the "extra" tank...............and I am beggining to think that my system is not drawing from the "real" reservoir at all.

can someone explain how this all works. I must have well over a gallon in the car that I can't seem to access.

gsfent · 29th December 2005, 17:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3rd One

So about a week ago I used my washer fluid for the first time since ownership (4 months now) and it left a nast greasy film on the window and then the "low washer fluid" warning came up. I poured an entire bottle into the reservoir and then tried to work the washers again.........nothing. I poured more in with the same result.

I then noticed another washer fluid reservoir and deiced to just pour water into since I was out of fluid. all of a sudden the washers were working again. Is there some sort of mixing system in this car for the fluids in to different spots. I am now out of water (after 2 days) in the waht I am calling the "extra" tank...............and I am beggining to think that my system is not drawing from the "real" reservoir at all.

can someone explain how this all works. I must have well over a gallon in the car that I can't seem to access.

Two tanks. One is the "intensive" spray tank, in theory used for heavy dirt. The other is the "regular" tank. Used for normal washing. Either will work. The main tank has a cap with a pictogram and is a long necked black tank. Strictly from memory, the intensive tank is clear and may have a red cap.
After looking at the two, you should be able to tell which is which.

And I believe pulling the stalk squirts regular fluid, pushing the end button squirts intensive fluid. It should all be in the Owners Manual (if you don't have one, it can be downloaded from the BMW site).
Regards,
Jerry

3rd One · 29th December 2005, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsfent

Two tanks. One is the "intensive" spray tank, in theory used for heavy dirt. The other is the "regular" tank. Used for normal washing. Either will work. The main tank has a cap with a pictogram and is a long necked black tank. Strictly from memory, the intensive tank is clear and may have a red cap.
After looking at the two, you should be able to tell which is which.

And I believe pulling the stalk squirts regular fluid, pushing the end button squirts intensive fluid. It should all be in the Owners Manual (if you don't have one, it can be downloaded from the BMW site).
Regards,
Jerry

excellent...thanks for the info. I felt I would get a clearer explanation here than bothering with the owners manual.....i was right.

I never bothered to "pull" the stalk towards me...I have always just used the button on the end.

learned something new.

TiSiBeast · 29th December 2005, 17:54

Two different sprays - how cool is that!

alantd · 30th December 2005, 13:01

I think the general idea is to fill the sandard tank with water + cleaner/antifreeze.

The second tank is filled purely with antifreeze.

Pulling the stalk draws from the main tank (6 liters if you have the headlamp washing system). The end-of-stalk button draws from the smaller, secondary tank (1 L).

Here's the diagram from the manual for which is which

Ashok Arora · 30th December 2005, 14:05

Please understand that the two fluids are to be used for different applications.

For normal (light) use, pull the stalk forward and deploy the regular fluid.

For heavy use, eg. when your screen is smeared or greasy, use the intensive fluid (by pushing the button on the stalk). Do not use the intensive fluid all the time & do not dilute it.

I suggest you empty out your reservoirs as much as possible then fill up with the correct fluids which are available from your dealer; part numbers are as follows:

BMW Windshield Washer Concentrate (regular)
82 14 1 468 858

BMW Intensive Windshield Cleaner
82 14 1 468 859

3rd One · 3rd January 2006, 16:52

it seems I actually have a larger problem than I thought. I went to use the sprayer on saturday after I had just dumped another gallon into it. sure enoug it started leaking out all over the ground. I will lift the car up to see if I can figure this one out.........but has anyone heard of this? the spilling is coming from right underneathe the tank and it came out like crazy when I pulled the sprayer trigger. i have never noticed a spill otherwise.

thanks

emccallum · 3rd January 2006, 16:57

Sounds like a loose hose going to the nozzles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3rd One

it seems I actually have a larger problem than I thought. I went to use the sprayer on saturday after I had just dumped another gallon into it. sure enoug it started leaking out all over the ground. I will lift the car up to see if I can figure this one out.........but has anyone heard of this? the spilling is coming from right underneathe the tank and it came out like crazy when I pulled the sprayer trigger. i have never noticed a link otherwise.

thanks

SeeSure · 3rd January 2006, 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3rd One

it seems I actually have a larger problem than I thought. I went to use the sprayer on saturday after I had just dumped another gallon into it. sure enoug it started leaking out all over the ground. I will lift the car up to see if I can figure this one out.........but has anyone heard of this? the spilling is coming from right underneathe the tank and it came out like crazy when I pulled the sprayer trigger. i have never noticed a link otherwise.

thanks

I had the same problem, and it was a loose connection, visually it looked okay, it was only the pressure from the pump that revealed the problem. Had my garage do the work as it is a stupidly difficult place to get access to. (Cost £20 cash to get sorted).

E55AMG2 · 3rd January 2006, 18:00

The greasy film is from worn out blades...