Algae in windshield wiper resivouer?

[hdubf80]

Hey guys,

So i recently had an issue where my windshield fluid wouldn't spray so i took my car to Crevier BMW since its still under warranty and they called me back saying there is algae growing in my tank and charging me $600+ for a replacement. BMW wont cover this under warranty because it is an "outside related issue" (i call bullshit on this one). Have any of you had similar issues and is there any way to get warranty to cover this? Im pretty annoyed at BMW at this point and they said i should always fill it up with windshield wiper fluid. When i told them i get my fluids topped off regularly they turned around and said "we just fill it up with water". Nobody in my circle of car friends has had this happen to them and i'm pretty disgusted regarding them not wanting to satisfy their customer for this. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[M4Now!]

My dealer fixed this under warranty (cleaned out the tank). And kinda gross, right?

Cheers

[hdubf80]

Originally Posted by M4Now!

My dealer fixed this under warranty (cleaned out the tank). And kinda gross, right?

Cheers

They finally agreed to cover it. But I wonder if there is any way to prevent this from happening again.

[SakhirM4]

The following is from a BMW tech forum:

There is a service bulletin on this condition related to your car. I have listed the important areas below.

A buildup of excess manufacturing-related materials on the windshield washer pump strainer. This primarily occurs on lower mileage vehicles.

A buildup of an organic "algae-like" substance on the windshield washer pump strainer. The algae like substance is typically caused by using only tap water in the washer fluid tank or using tap water with a diluted windshield washer concentrate mix.

Explain to the customer the benefits of only filling the windshield washer fluid tank with the appropriate "mixture," because the root cause of the algae is caused by using tap water, especially in areas with warmer temperatures.

Instead of tap water, use distilled water with the concentrate in order to avoid this issue from occurring again.

If algae have been shown to cause the failure of the washer pump, this is not considered a warranty matter. All replaced pumps and strainers will be inspected and tested (almost 50% of pumps have been shown to be working properly and did not need to be replaced).

The windshield washer pump strainer is damaged because "incorrect type" of cleaning fluid use or one which contains an excessive and incorrect amount of washer fluid concentrates. This is not considered a warranty matter.

[Nonopr01]

Just use Filtered water. It will be even better for your windshield. No mineral deposit on the glass.

[HPIA4v2]

I use a mixture of car-wash soap with tap water then add in 1/4 ratio of isopropyl alcohol, to make sure it won't freeze and help clean the wiper blades from oil-grime. Never had any issue with algae or slimy thingy growing in there.