How to Replace a Windshield Washer Pump in a 1997 BMW


1. Park your BMW on a flat surface, such as in a garage, and set the parking brake. Unlatch the hood of your vehicle and raise it to access the engine. Locate the washer fluid reservoir and place the drain pan on the floor of the garage directly underneath the reservoir. Open the filler cap and reach down until you find the rubber hose connected at the bottom. Pull this hose off and allow it to drain into the pan on the floor.
2. Locate the power wire for the reservoir pump and unplug it from its connection. Use the sockets or wrenches to remove the mounting bolts on either side of the reservoir. Remove the fluid container from the engine and set it to the side with the mounting bolts.
3. Unlatch the wiring harness plug from the washer pump and free it from the firewall. Pay attention to the way the pump sets against the rubber grommet and how the fluid hose connects to the reservoir, as your new pump will come with a new rubber grommet and fluid hose. Mount the new pump in the same position until it's up against the firewall; reattach the wiring harness.
4. Place the fluid reservoir back into its original place and connect the hose from the pump into the nipple on the bottom of the reservoir. Reconnect the wiring to the fluid transfer case and rethread the mounting bolts back into place. Tighten them with a wrench or the socket set. Fill the reservoir with fluid and close the hood of your vehicle. Start the engine and test the new pump until fluid comes out onto your windshield.