Wiper fluid issue

[135Pats]

Do our 1ers drink wiper fluid by the gallon or something? I put alot of fluid in literally 72 hours ago, and this afternoon the low wiper fluid light came on, I sprayed my windshield/headlamps maybe 3 times in that period...I don't think it's leaking because there's no fluid trail, and i've parked the car and looked under it-no drips etc. It's not a warning error because I genuinely run out of fluid fast. I'm going into the stealership this weekend for PPK1, so i'll bring it up then, but in the mean time....whats going on?

[JimD]

I do not know what is wrong with yours but my wipers rarely need refilled. Seems like you have a leak, possibly only while moving(?)

Jim

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by JimD

I do not know what is wrong with yours but my wipers rarely need refilled. Seems like you have a leak, possibly only while moving(?)

Jim

Ya it must be a leak, ive never experienced anything like this. Any idea as to why it would only leak when moving? Ive parked the car while leaving it on, and there are no obvious leaks coming from the engine bay.

[JimD]

I'd trace the line from the tank to the pump (or have the dealer do it). It's possible that the tank moves a little and the line is lose so it starts leaking when you move. Unless there is some connection about to come off, I don't see why moving would make a difference.

Jim

[135iMike]

I've noticed it smells a lot. Never smelled my fluid on any other car. It's refreshing.

[gr997s]

Yup I am having same issue.

[JimD]

I've smelled it on the exhaust system before. It could be a clue about the location of the leak.

Jim

[135Pats]

Took the car in today to have it looked at, theyre alsogoing to try to fix the horrendous brake squeal, and a slight rattle from the meisterschaft contacting one of the verts rigidity bars. Should be a quick set of fixes so ill have it back tomorrow morning, ill make sure to give an update.

[135Pats]

Just got the car back, they couldnt find a leak, which baffles me.....but they did replace the rotors and pads for free, which i did not expect. Now to deal with that bent cross bar thats rattling against my exhaust.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

Just got the car back, they couldnt find a leak, which baffles me.....but they did replace the rotors and pads for free, which i did not expect. Now to deal with that bent cross bar thats rattling against my exhaust.

When you filled it, was the 'need fluid' light on?
In my E46 325i, when that light would come on it would take a full gallon of fluid to fill it. I love that BMW calibrated it that way.
In my 135i, it doesn't quite take a full gallon, but most of it should go in.

When you're filling it go slow as it needs time to settle down into the reservoir.
If you fill too fast it will start to overfill well before it's actually full.
Maybe you stopped too soon?

If you've got headlight washers and use your fluid generously, the system can really suck down the fluid.
I just use it with quick blasts of fluid instead of holding the lever in and going full stream for a long while.
Short bursts limits the fluid use.

[HIPSI]

Mine has a slow leak as well, I see a small spot of fluid on the ground after being parked over 24 hours. I haven't tried to find it yet. I seldom ever use the washer fluid as I'd rather save the mess and spray/wipe with window cleaner and a towel, yet the light comes on about every 30-40 days or so. I too hope it's just the feed hose to the nozzels...

[135iMike]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

Do our 1ers drink wiper fluid by the gallon or something? I put alot of fluid in literally 72 hours ago, and this afternoon the low wiper fluid light came on, I sprayed my windshield/headlamps maybe 3 times in that period...I don't think it's leaking because there's no fluid trail, and i've parked the car and looked under it-no drips etc. It's not a warning error because I genuinely run out of fluid fast. I'm going into the stealership this weekend for PPK1, so i'll bring it up then, but in the mean time....whats going on?

Of course a day after I read this.... my warning chime just sounded today about it..


Car only has 1800 miles on it, and I honestly don't think I've used to more than 6-7 times, all in shortish uses.. damn thing sucks it down!

[Ruffan]

I've been having this issue for almost a year now, and never really looked into it. I literally just dropped my car off at the dealer for its last warranty service and listed this as one of the things to have them look at. I'll let you guys know if they come up with any pervasive issue.

[mike06612]

It holds like a gallon of fluid, so if you filled it up and only sprayed it three times, there's no way it could be empty again unless

• you sprayed over a quart of fluid with each washing
• it's leaking
• the sensor is messed up

If it takes another gallon of fluid after a few days, it's leaking. If it is full and the Tivo like guy is mocking you on the dash, it's probably the sensor.

[cpt97m3]

Well add me to the list of those who had the light come on only after a few uses of the fluid. I see no external signs of leakage, so unless it only leaks while moving, I don't know where the fluid is going. I'll keep a closer eye on it now that I've topped it off.

[bdoooh]

I got my car brand new off the boat back in February and haven't filled the windshield washer fluid yet and I use it as needed.. So there must be a leak. These tanks are very large too I believe.

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by cpt97m3

Well add me to the list of those who had the light come on only after a few uses of the fluid. I see no external signs of leakage, so unless it only leaks while moving, I don't know where the fluid is going. I'll keep a closer eye on it now that I've topped it off.

The dealership filled it to the brim last Saturday when I picked the car up for a few minor issues, so i'm keeping a close eye on how long it takes to run out...I use it about once a day, and I only give it a quick spray, i'm not drenching the windshield or anything. We'll see I suppose there are far larger issues to have, at worst it's an inconvenience.