front washer pump vs rear washer pump??

[cn90]

Just checked my 2006 X5, @StephenVA is correct.

I have 3 pumps, standing in front of engine from front to rear arrangement:

- The very FRONT pump is for HL (for which I disabled on purpose).
- Middle pump ---> front windshield
- Rear pump ---> rear tailgate

[StephenVA]

These pumps have a super high failure rate. Most croak before 5 years in service the rest soon after.
Failures are:
Pump Seals at reservoir leaking - the fluid drains down to the lowest pump mounting point level. (leaves light blue stains everywhere).
Pump failure - Nothing happens or leaks through pump body.
Lines cracking due to age and diluted washer fluid too high of freezing point (Like 32 degrees F).

This repair is an easy DIY (2 out of 10) with only simple hand tools. Note, twist off the pumps and hoses - do not force them otherwise you will break more parts as these items get real brittle with age. A little brake caliper or silicone grease will help long term if any of the fitting points are questionable. Most go on dry with no issues and a long life.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by cn90

Just checked my 2006 X5, @StephenVA is correct.

I have 3 pumps, standing in front of engine from front to rear arrangement:

- The very FRONT pump is for HL (for which I disabled on purpose).
- Middle pump ---> front windshield
- Rear pump ---> rear tailgate

Here's a pic to go with the above:

[cn90]

My 2006 X5 M54 with ~ 143K miles.

- I last replaced the REAR washer pump around 2023 using a junk yard Genuine BMW part.
It failed again. So another jy washer pump goes in. So, my theory is non-use (I rarely use
the REAR washer) causes the motor to seize. Once removed from the car, I applied 12V to it,
I heard a "zzzz" but no running, so likely seized.

- Anyway, you should "exercise" the REAR washer pump intermittently. Maybe a few times in
the summer and a few times in the winter. Just so it does not seize.

- The Intensive HL washer pump: I removed the fuse some 10 years ago as mentioned above.
I don't miss it.

- The 2 washer pumps for both front and rear glasses are the same:
BMW 67128362154 or VDO 246082008025Z, about $15-$20 online.

Photo to show where they are located in case you want to know which is front or rear washer pump...

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[cn90]

- If you have brand-new BMW grommets and still has slow leak, then it is likely
from the weep hole. Virtually all washer pump motors have a weep hole.

- I took some random photos of BMW E90 from the internet to show ppl the basic design of a washer pump.

- Once it is apart, you will see: the motor shaft ---> plastic impeller. It is sealed
by a rubber seal. With time, this rubber seal shrinks down and starts leaking, a drop here a drop there etc.
Finding this rubber seal is close to impossible.

- BEST is a new VDO washer pump motor for $16-$20.

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[cn90]

Someone told told me Continental VDO has different factories.

* The VDO mentioned above is made in Czech Republic ---> about $18-$20 online.

* The same company has identical product called GM 13250356, made in Mexico ---> $12 online (eBay etc.).

The GM 13250356 is used in GM, Chevy Cruze, Buick cars etc. It is made by Continental anyway.

If anyone has any experience with this GM 13250356, please post.

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[cn90]

I just bought the washer pump GM 13250356, made in Mexico ---> $11 on eBay.

The eBay seller is "CemPhoto WorkShop LLC". Fast shipping.

Photo below, so the GM 13250356 is exactly identical to the BMW factory VDO washer pump.

So, you should stock up a few of these pumps. Quality item as factory washer pump for much less ($11 vs $18-$20 for VDO)...

PS: The junk yard washer pump leaks slowly from the weep hole. In one week, there was a loss of 1/2 gallon of blue antifreeze
washer fluid and with washer fluid costing $4-$5/gallon these days, you save money and hassle of constantly refilling the reservoir.

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[Ricky Bobby]

^How does one disable the HL washer pump and in my case the rear washer pump since I deleted my rear wiper? I can't stand the headlight washer feature it does nothing but spray washer fluid all over my cleaned and sealed front end lol

[cn90]

@StephenVA,

- I bought a VDO washer pump at autohausaz dot com for about $20, I leave it inside the glove compartment as spare. Maybe I should get a grommet.
A trick when stuck in the middle of nowhere: a tiny bit of grease (very very thin smear) around the grommet will stop the leak, but a new grommet is better.

@Ricky,

- To disable the HL washer, open the fusebox in the engine compartment, remove the fuse controlling the HL washer, label it so you know you did it.

[thrillcat]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

^How does one disable the HL washer pump and in my case the rear washer pump since I deleted my rear wiper? I can't stand the headlight washer feature it does nothing but spray washer fluid all over my cleaned and sealed front end lol

But if you need to use the windshield washer, it's time for a fresh wash anyway, right?