2011 328xi - windshield fluid pump - not working

[john65b]

Hey all, just picked up a 2011 328xi and notice no washer fluid exiting the nozzles - no hum from pump, and no warning or problem lights... I checked fuse #48 (30A) and it was fine...

I ordered another pump, but shouldn't I have a warning light on dash if something is not right with washer fluid pump? And there is no leak either...maybe electrical cable disconnected from pump? I wold think I would still get a light on dash...

And yes, there is plenty of fluid...

[bmwdirtracer]

Really? You want a warning light for a dead washer pump? Oh dear God....you're the reason cars cost so much. Get a life.

[mhunter29928]

Really? You want a warning light for a dead washer pump? Oh dear God....you're the reason cars cost so much. Get a life.

+1

[modular93fox]

If the pump is faulty and you don't have a light better take it to the dealer as there might be a fault in the cluster.

[john65b]

Wow, you guys are really helpful.

Just asking if there is a light, not saying there should be a light...that's all... but hey, thanks!

14,830 posts? Sounds like you are the one who needs to get a life there Holmes...

[mhunter29928]

There is a warning displayed when the the level sensor detects low fluid. That is all.

His name is Powell, not Holmes.

Bye Felicia.

[dworthy]

Naa, Chris isn't that much on this board as he only averages 3 post per day for the last 13 years.

OP, this is a BMW, and there are only warning lights for things if bad/broken will cause serious problems for the car. The other warning lights are just for informational purposes only, like low washer fluid. Also it is a good idea to pull out the owners manual and read it when you get a minute, or if you car has I-Drive, it is in there too.

[john65b]

DWorthy and Mhunter - Thanks for the HELPFUL replies - I remember reading that there may have been a warning light for not only low washer fluid, but problems with washer system in general...just asking if anyone knew. Car did not come with manual, but I have since downloaded one..

This car has 23k miles, seems a bit early for washer pump problem...methinks

Actually had a 2001 325i (I traded in for this 2011 328xi) that was just starting to have washer pump issues in cold weather....so this issue on newer 328xi is quite timely.

That was one hell of an automobile, sad to see it go...hoping this car will be just as pleasing...

[dworthy]

Humm washer failure in cold weather would point towards a frozen pump. If the tank was filled with water and not washer fluid, it can freeze as low as 38F. So I am thinking that too much activation in cold weather has burned it out.

Sadly you will not feel a connected to the road in the E-9x cars as you would have felt in the E-46, but you can look forward to different failures in comparison to the E-46 like the water pumps. They are electrical and like the thermostat should be replaced at 75k or 8 years, whichever you hit first.

[john65b]

The ride is definitely different. I loved the heavy, solid thump of the doors of my 325i...the new 328xi has a tinny, light weight snap that reminds me of our 70' era Fiat 128 (dare I say it?). I also liked to rounded edges of the 325i interior dash compared to the squared out edges of the 328xi. But the big thing is the improved power, albeit relatively the same, great inline six engine, and the better exterior styling, which more than makes up for everything else...

I am also driving the 328xi far more than the Porsche, so now the wife wants me lose the Porsche...donno about that... yet...

[dworthy]

Ahh the boxster is nice, try to keep it as a weekend car, or make it a "summer" car for where you live and use the BMW for winter and bad days. I keep two cars myself for that and the money I don't use in fuel/insurance pays more than enough to pay for my winter beater. I have hit several deer, and other things in the road during the winter months, and the parts are cheaper for it.

Talk to your insurance company, as mine only charges me something like 25 bucks a month for "storage" on the M3, and here in Germany, I have to keep the insurance on the car as long as I have tags on the car.