BMW X5 Washer System Dies, Quick Fix or Major Problem?

I had a similar issue with my 2007 BMW X3 last year. The washer fluid warning kept coming on despite filling it up. Turned out the fluid wasn't the problem, the washer pump had failed completely. When I brought it to the garage, they found the pump motor was corroded and there was also a small crack in the fluid reservoir. Both parts needed replacement. It wasn't a major repair, more of an inconvenience really. The job took about two hours total. Like your situation, my pump completely stopped working before I got it fixed. You're right to check it out soon, driving without washer fluid can be dangerous, especially during bad weather or when there's road grime. Make sure whoever works on it checks both the pump and reservoir. Sometimes these issues can be connected. In my case, fixing just the pump wouldn't have solved the underlying reservoir crack problem.

Thanks for sharing your experience, what you described sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with! Really helpful to know about checking both the pump and reservoir. I'll definitely get those looked at. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much you paid for the whole repair? Also, has everything been working fine since then, or have you had any other washer system issues pop up?

Hey there! Just wanted to follow up about the repair costs since you asked. For my X3, the total came to 25 €, it turned out to be a much simpler fix than expected. The warning light issue was just down to the washer fluid being too low, nothing wrong with the pump or reservoir after all! Talk about a relief. Everything's been working perfectly since I got it sorted at the mechanic. The washer fluid warning hasn't come back on, and the system's been spraying just fine. Looking back, I probably got a bit worried over nothing, but better safe than sorry with these things, right? Really glad I got it checked out though, having working washers is pretty important, especially when you need them most! Hopefully your repair turns out to be something simple too. Let us know how it goes when you get it looked at!

Just wanted to update everyone on what happened with my X5 washer system. Finally took it to a mechanic yesterday, turned out to be way more complicated than expected! The pump was completely shot and there was some electrical wiring damage too. Ended up costing me around 300 bucks for the whole repair. The mechanic I found was actually great, super honest and showed me exactly what was wrong. He even saved the old parts to show me why they needed replacing. Took about three hours to fix everything, but now it's working perfectly. Funny thing is, while I was there, another BMW pulled in with the exact same issue! Guess these washer systems can be a bit temperamental. Anyway, really appreciate everyone's input, helped me know what to look out for when I took it in. Now I can actually clean my windshield again, which is a huge relief!