BMW Washer Pump Failure: DIY Fix vs Mechanic Costs?

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2014 BMW 5 Series diesel last month. Initially thought it was just low washer fluid, but the pump wasn't responding even after filling. Turned out there was debris clogging the washer fluid pump, and the electrical connector had corroded. The mechanic had to clean the entire system, replace the pump, and fix the wiring connection. It wasn't a serious repair job, more of a maintenance thing that happens with age and use. The pump replacement was straightforward, and they did a system flush to prevent future clogs. Whole thing took about an hour. Don't let that warning light stay on too long though. If debris is the issue, it could damage the new pump if you try to keep using it. My advice would be to get it checked soon, it's not worth risking damage to other components.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the washer fluid issue. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? And has everything been working smoothly since they fixed it? I'm weighing my options right now and trying to get an idea of reasonable costs since my last mechanic visit was pretty pricey. Your info about the clogged pump and corroded connector is really helpful though, sounds pretty similar to what I might be dealing with.

Hey again! Happy to share an update. After getting it fixed last month, my washer system has been working perfectly, no more warning lights or issues. I actually got off pretty easy compared to what I was worried it might cost. The total came to 25 € to fix the washer fluid level issue. The mechanic checked everything else while they were at it, the pump, connectors, and did a quick system flush, but turns out the warning was just from the fluid being too low. I totally get being cautious about repair costs after being overcharged before. That's exactly why I shared my experience in my first reply. Looking back, I might have overreacted thinking it was the pump or electrical issues. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one! Make sure whoever checks it looks at the whole system though. While mine ended up being a simple fix, yours could still be different since you mentioned the pump isn't responding at all. But at least now you've got a better idea of what to expect cost-wise for different scenarios.

Thanks so much for all that info! I bit the bullet and took it to a new mechanic yesterday. Funny enough, my issue turned out to be more complex than yours. The pump was completely dead and there was some electrical work needed too. All in all, it cost me 180 for parts and labor, which honestly isn't as bad as I feared. The mechanic walked me through everything they did and even showed me the old pump. Really appreciated their transparency, makes such a difference after my previous experience of being overcharged. They finished the job in about two hours, and now everything's working perfectly. The warning light's gone too. Guess sometimes you just need to find the right mechanic. Glad I asked here first, helped me know what questions to ask and what to expect. Thanks again for your help!