BMW 5 Series E39 - Washers not working / Rear door not opening | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Sat 10 Dec 2016 09:38

BMW 5 Series E39 - Washers not working / Rear door not opening - stuartl

Hi, just bought this car (1999) and I love it! Two niggles though,

The windscreen washer pump is audible but nothing is coming out of the jets. Have had a poke around but nothing obvious. Is it common for the pump to fail but still make a noise as if its working?

Also the n/s rear door wont open from outside. The handle feels normal, not loose, just as if the car is locked. It opens fine from inside, the button goes up with the central locking as normal. It did open once the other day but now refuses to open anymore!

All help gratefully received!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 10 Dec 2016 12:20

BMW 5 Series E39 - Washers not working / Rear door not opening - elekie&a/c doctor

The washer problem could be a blocked strainer in the bottom of the water reservoir.Access needs removal of driver wheel and plastic stone guard.As for the rear door,could be wear or stickiness in the latch mechanism not allowing enough throw to open. Good car,the E39.In many ways more reliable than later models.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Related questions

Pass the BMW

My BMW 530d was purchased from Ford dealer earlier this year for £10,000. On collection of the car it was noted the incorrect tyres (non run-flats)were fitted to the front of the car, at this stage it...

My Citroen C4 Grand Picasso needs a new gear selector and cambelt, should I repair or replace the car?

We have had a C4 Grand Picasso for six years, it is an 11-plate. There is an issue with the gear selector and requires £845+VAT and a new cambelt at £380+VAT. Is it worth it, and would you buy a newer...

I suggest that people should use dedicated independent specialist garages for repairs and mechanical work.

JB of Alton, the independent garage owner, is quite wrong in his comments. I can prove my point easily and confirm that what you wrote is right. We have local independent garages who serve the local community...

Why does Ford have no control over Ford franchised workshops?

We have an 8-year-old Ford Ka that has always been looked after by a local independent garage. As it was eight years old we thought we should have it serviced by a Ford main dealer. This proved a disaster....

Ask Honest John

Sell Your Car

Real MPG

Fuel Calculator