Windshield washer fluid leak

[mindcontrollerone]

I recently got the windshield washer fluid low warning on the X5. I had a bottle of concentrated BMW fluid I mixed into a gallon of distilled water. To my surprise it took the entire gallon. The car had just been serviced by the dealer... my initial thought was these cheap asses did not check and fill all my fluids as stated. A couple of days later I noticed a puddle of fluid under the front passenger side of the car. I was worried because this wasn't the first time I noticed a leak and it had been looked at previously. I scheduled an appointment and sure enough the light came back on in a couple of days. I was at ease because this rules out any other possibilities.

I took the car in and per the SA they topped of the fluid and there is no leak.

Has anyone experienced a similar problem that can point me in the right direction?

Pictures provided to SA

[The Libertine]

Well, there’s a leak somewhere. I expect if there is a sizeable crack (or something) in the reservoir itself, you would likely be able to see drops appearing from the photographed area as you poured in the washer fluid.
(I suggest this from my personal experience with a cracked fluid reservoir, but w/a different brand)

My thought is that whereas it appears this is a very slow leak, the crack or damage to the reservoir may be quite small and not readily noticeable, and overlooked by the service department. If not an issue with the reservoir, perhaps there is a loose hose connection?

[mindcontrollerone]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Well, there’s a leak somewhere. I expect if there is a sizeable crack (or something) in the reservoir itself, you would likely be able to see drops appearing from the photographed area as you poured in the washer fluid.
(I suggest this from my personal experience with a cracked fluid reservoir, but w/a different brand)

My thought is that whereas it appears this is a very slow leak, the crack or damage to the reservoir may be quite small and not readily noticeable, and overlooked by the service department. If not an issue with the reservoir, perhaps there is a loose hose connection?

Appreciate your input! 🙏🏻

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by mindcontrollerone

Appreciate your input! 🙏🏻

No problem - good luck in finding a quick fix!

[sj22]

If you have warranty for a few years, wait for it to get worse. The reservoirs are typically cheap plastic and easily crack on the edges. I haven’t had to replace it on my X5 yet but definitely have done it on my older cars. Last time it was just a reservoir that always stayed wet on the bottom and leaked 1 drop an hour or so Eventually I got frustrated and swapped it. It’s quick and cheap.

[alphaod]

Mine leaked early on. Required a replacement fluid tank.

[aliangF85]

old post, but i bumped into a similar issue today. Prior to bringing my car for service everything was fine, just needed an oil change. After the service i get a light saying "windshield fluid low". I called BMW and the SA mentioned that the tech noticed that the windshield fluid was leaking and the reservoir had 3/4 remaining.

If i entered the facility with 3/4 tank and i leave with a light mentioning the fluid is low, can i put the blame on them?? i have extended warranty but i'm still required to pay for a diagnostic.

[AnotherM3]

Bumping this. I've been noticing blue puddles recently. Anyone know if it's usually the tank or the pump? I'm trying to get the parts ready before I open anything up.

[Toprun26]

Originally Posted by AnotherM3

Bumping this. I've been noticing blue puddles recently. Anyone know if it's usually the tank or the pump? I'm trying to get the parts ready before I open anything up.

Hey... were you ever able to solve or resolve the issue with your leaking washer fluid reservoir? I'm experience the same thing but it seems like the only way to access the reservoir is by removing the fender.

[TXNinjaneer]

I have had the same thing happening since mine went in for its last service. It will lose all the fluid in about 2 days, driving or not.

[Lifeisgood20]

Responding to this thread as I noticed blue-tinted fluid/puddle behind right front tire on my x5 M sport with 90K. Same spot as pictures shown in this tread. Made appt to get fixed as service dept assumes rubber gasket of washer fluid reservoir failed/leaking.

For those that responded earlier to this thread-what did you find out was the problem? Did you get this issue resolved? Thanks for your feedback. Happy Holidays!

[mindcontrollerone]

Originally Posted by Toprun26

Hey... were you ever able to solve or resolve the issue with your leaking washer fluid reservoir? I'm experience the same thing but it seems like the only way to access the reservoir is by removing the fender.

My issue resolved itself... bizarre!

Just stopped leaking... hold washer fluid now.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by Lifeisgood20

Responding to this thread as I noticed blue-tinted fluid/puddle behind right front tire on my x5 M sport with 90K. Same spot as pictures shown in this tread. Made appt to get fixed as service dept assumes rubber gasket of washer fluid reservoir failed/leaking.

For those that responded earlier to this thread-what did you find out was the problem? Did you get this issue resolved? Thanks for your feedback. Happy Holidays!

Yeah. More than likely a rubber gasket where pump connects to tank.

[speedracerM4]

^this. I think two or three pumps along the bottom of the tank. O ring will eventually go. Pain in the ass to take off the fender liner to replace.

[X5guyinRI]

Bumping again. Seeing same issue. Just came back from a service visit, and now this leak.

What resolution did people have? I’m seeing reservoir tank replacement (maybe) and rubber gasket (likely). Any DIY instructions? Thanks!

[scotty339]

Originally Posted by X5guyinRI

Bumping again. Seeing same issue. Just came back from a service visit, and now this leak.

What resolution did people have? I’m seeing reservoir tank replacement (maybe) and rubber gasket (likely). Any DIY instructions? Thanks!

Hope this helps. 8nm of torque on the res tank bolts.

[BlueYonder]

I had the same problem. I had been using Rain-X washer fluid. Service advisor recommended I go back to using the BMW fluid. The leak stopped after a week or so. I think the Rain-X fluid may have affected the seals in the washer system.

[2008bimmerM3]

my cpo has a service history with this repair at just 5K miles, in the description it said a rat chewed thru it so the previous owner had to pay for it, sad...it probably wasn't a rat and should have been covered under warranty

[SoCal X5]

I noticed the same issue. Received low fluid warning message. Refilled the reservoir. Leaked out. Refilled it. Didn't leak for a while. Then it happened again. Noticed it only happens if my car is parked on an incline. Doesn't leak when its parked on flat ground. Car is now out of warranty. Not sure if its worth fixing.

[X5guyinRI]

I'm the third person in this thread that had the problem solve itself. After a few days (and using a little fluid with the wipers) the leak stopped. I'm honestly wondering if the dealership somehow overfills or pressure fills the fluid causing a temporary leak.

[SoCal X5]

I thought mine fixed itself as well...until I realized that it only leaks when its parked on an incline...like my driveway. I guess I can live with it for now.

[HDEddie1]

Like several of the posters here, it "fixed itself" and now it's back. About a year ago (and about 4,000 miles ago) I had my Indie pull the fender to replace the tank but when he did, he could not find any evidence of a leak so he just replaced the fender. Nothing leaked until a couple of days ago. Sheesh! Frustrating to say the least and I got to wipe up the leak (see pic). I just wish it would all leak out and be done with it. In the meanwhile, I'll just wipe up the spill when it happens. Message here? It doesn't really "fix itself". I'm planning on ordering the '23 X5 when available so repairing it doesn't seem to be worth it to pull the fender again.