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timschmidt94

BMW i4 Washer System Triple Failure, Owner Seeks Help

Hi everyone! Having some trouble with my 2021 BMW i4 (45,899 km) and need your input. The windshield washer stopped working completely, and the auto-wiper function isn't responding either. Also noticed the headlight cleaning system isn't working. Starting to think these issues might be connected. Had a not-so-great experience with my last mechanic, so I'm hesitant to go back. Has anyone dealt with similar problems on their i4? What was the actual issue and how much did the repair cost? Thanks in advance for your help!

4 comment(s)

ludwighoffmann98

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2018 BMW iX3. The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I experienced last month at the garage. The problem was indeed connected, turned out to be a faulty pump relay and corroded cable connections to the washer pump. My washer functions all stopped working at once, just like yours. The techs found that moisture had gotten into the main washer pump connector, causing corrosion and a poor electrical connection. They had to replace the pump assembly and relay, plus rewire some connections. It wasn't a major mechanical issue, but it did affect several systems since they're all connected through the same pump circuit. The repair wasn't too complex, but it needed proper diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the exact problem. If you're not comfortable with your previous mechanic, I'd suggest finding a shop that specializes in BMW electric vehicles. These systems are quite specific to our models and need someone who knows what they're dealing with.

timschmidt94 (Author)

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! This really helps since it sounds like exactly the same problem I'm dealing with. My symptoms match yours perfectly with the washer systems all failing at once. Glad to hear it wasn't anything too major mechanically. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the repair? Also, has everything been working properly since they fixed it, or have you noticed any other quirks? Just want to know what to expect when I take it in.

ludwighoffmann98

Hey again! Great to give you an update. Yes, all systems have been working flawlessly since the repair. The headlight cleaning system that was giving me trouble is now working perfectly, no more fault messages or issues. I just checked my invoice, the total came to 165 € for fixing the cable connection of the pump and relay. Pretty reasonable considering it solved all the problems at once. Honestly, it was worth every penny to get everything working properly again. The repair was much simpler and cheaper than I initially feared when all those systems failed at the same time. No quirks or issues since then, my washer systems, auto-wipers, and headlight cleaners are all functioning just like new. It's such a relief when these things turn out to be straightforward fixes! Let me know how you get on with yours. Based on what you're describing, it really does sound like the exact same issue I had.

timschmidt94 (Author)

Thanks for all the details! I actually just got back from the mechanic today. You were spot on, it was the same issue with the pump and corroded connections. Found a highly-rated BMW specialist who diagnosed it right away. My bill came in slightly higher at 210 € because they had to replace a few additional connectors, but I'm just relieved it's all sorted now. The mechanic showed me the corroded parts and explained everything clearly, which I really appreciated. All systems are working perfectly again, the washer, auto-wipers, and headlight cleaners are back to normal. Funny how these seemingly complex problems often have relatively simple solutions. Really glad I asked here before assuming the worst! The new mechanic was great too, much better experience than my last one. Thanks again for helping me figure this out!

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