x5 e53 washer relay location

[hman1169]

First, I want to thank you for this forum, I have learned a lot just researching before I registered.

I have a 2006 x5 4.4l and to say the least it was in pretty sore shape when I picked it up. Lots of work has been done, all the window regulators had to be changed, brakes and a long list of little details... I thought I was done, and driving it home yesterday with melting snow and salt on the ground I tried to clean the windows. No water came out.

Got home and the reservoir was full. The fuses are good too. But there is no voltage to any of the motors. I a on the understanding that 12v is always present when the key is on, and the ground circuit is made when the lever or switch is pushed and pulled. I have searched and searched for the relay but can't find it. I suspect it is on top of the fuse panel in the glovebox. And what I hope to learn here, before pulling the fuse panel, is the relay is there.

On another BMW parts site, I found a picture of the fuse panel, and there are two smaller relays with a larger relay in the mix. Can anyone tell me if that is the washer relay? There is no click heard but the wipers run. No voltage at the pump motor is why I think it might be the relay.

[smokeyyank]

Welcome!

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/BMW_do...lectronics.pdf
page 6
hope this helps

[hman1169]

Thanks Smokeyyank! Reading through it now with great new hope! I will surely post my results... I actually opened that up and didn't see the relay, looks like it is hiding in the upper right corner.
The E-Box is on the passenger side rear of the compartment right? up near the windshield...

Thank you again!

[Qsilver7]

[hman1169]

Ok, so I swapped out the relay, the washer motors worked for a second then stopped. It didn't stop me though. Here's what I did.

FIRST, Drain the reservoir if it has cleaner in it! I used a hose and siphon.

I know that DC motors are pretty hard to kill. To my happiness these washer motors come apart easily. If I would have broken one taking it apart, it was already broken... And they aren't very expensive.
At least the front and rear washer motors come apart easily. The headlight is a little larger and stubborn I didn't bother taking it apart. It passed the bench test though.

For the smaller two, with the motors removed from the reservoir, at the workbench, just pull firmly and the top will come off. **Be sure to pull straight up and don't twist, or you might twist off the contacts.** (I bent them on the first one)

Now with the top off and the tiny DC motor exposed, just pull it straight up and the shaft slides out of the pump mechanism. There should be a rubber shaft seal either still on the motor shaft or inside the pump mech.
Clean that out really well too. A little brake lube or Vaseline like paste will help keep the seal when you are putting it back together.

I cleaned out the rust and shot them with a little PB Blaster (or WD40).
I gave the shaft a couple back and forth turns with some pliers, then I could spin it with my fingers... Blew it all out with a compressor, and tested them with a 12v battery on the bench. The motors work great now. Put it all back together and it is working. Put the old relay back in. It is working fine too!

On another note, I don't know why I didn't get voltage when I checked the plugs, but it must have been a user error. :P

Hope this might help someone else too!

Thanks Xoutpost! wouldn't have been brave enough to try if I didn't stop here. Also Thanks to Qsilver7 and smokeyyank for the info!

[smokeyyank]

Glad you got it figured out and thanks for posting your follow up!

[synct]

My windshield wipers and washers went dead. I went and replaced the tan brown relay in the front e-box and it was back in action.

However, I also noticed that when I wiggled it before exchanging, the front wipers came back. Once replaced, everything came back.

Ordered a new, Standard brand RY-772 and in the package, got the OEM Tyco one. Tan color, easy change in the e-box.

BMW RELAYS DON'T LAST FOREVER. TRY REPLACING THEM AND FUSES FIRST!