Prestone Bug Wash - Windshield Washer Pump Seal Failure

Al323i · Post by **Al323i** » Wed May 23, 2012 9:18 am

Is there any truth to the internet blogs about Prestone Bug Wash fluid causing the washer pump to leak? I poured a gallon into my e46 about a month ago and noticed that I was leaking washer fluid on the garage floor last weekend. Could just be a coincidence, but seems odd that many BMW owners have mentioned that after switching to Prestone Bug Wash, they experienced windshield washer fluid leaks.

Not a big deal as an aftermarket washer pump is ~$20, but thought that I would ask.

-Al

jnscaldwell · Post by **jnscaldwell** » Wed May 23, 2012 9:24 am

Probably something in the formulation going after the seals? I dug around online and couldn't find an ingredients list. The MSDS I found looks harmless but who knows.

Al323i · Post by **Al323i** » Wed May 23, 2012 9:33 am

Jeff,

I also puled the MSDS and came to the same conclusion...nothing obvious. The only hint is that you smell a citrus oder when you open the Prestone container, so perhaps there is a small amount of acid in the formula.

Al

kbsilver · Post by **kbsilver** » Wed May 23, 2012 10:18 am

I've had all my BMW washer pumps leak/fail at one time or another and I only use the cheap blue stuff. The pumps are just not lifetime parts.

gfield · Post by **gfield** » Fri May 25, 2012 10:21 am

I use RainX washer fluid and my windshield washer fluid resevoir seals have failed too. Not sure but think it just the seals go bad with time. I have 2003 325XI.

Greg
1997 Boston Green M3 Coupe

mderienzo · Post by **mderienzo** » Fri May 25, 2012 12:50 pm

kbsilver wrote:The pumps are just not lifetime parts.

...on BMWs anymore. The pumps and seals are just not lifetime parts on BMWs anymore. I betcha they are "globally sourced" now to