Problems with washer, engine and rear axle in BMW – how to fix it?

BMW driver question

I have a series of problems with the headlight washer and strange noises in the rear of the car and in the engine. I describe the details below and ask for technical support.

I was about to change the washer fluid from summer to winter. While driving I sprayed as much as I could to use it all up. Once I refilled for winter, I found that the headlight washers were not working. Previously, there were no problems with them. The ones on the windshield work properly.

A few days earlier, before the idea of draining the washer fluid, I noticed that there was a slight dripping of fluid from the washer on the right (passenger) side. I came up with the idea of replacing the strainer of the general washer pump and cleaned this small strainer from the headlights. Unfortunately, this did not help and they still do not work. When turning on the washer, I can hear it trying to give me fluid to the headlights twice, but nothing.

The second problem. Sometimes when accelerating around 110-140 km/h I can hear a strange sound from the rear of the car. The sound is similar to when you pull over to the emergency lane lines on the highway and there is such a noise in the car and a slight vibration is transmitted. Maybe it’s also related to the fact that sometimes when I give reverse and start, you can hear such an unpleasant knocking sound.

The third problem. I checked the engine – there are no errors, but I can hear as if something is ticking and sometimes it stops, I do not know if it is the timing chain or maybe some injection that does not get pressure or a tappet.

The problem was on a 2004 BMW 330d E46, but it can happen on other models as well.

Response from BM Cars service

The described problems with the BMW E46 car require a visit to the service center and checking of individual components.

The headlight washers are operated by a different pump than the windshield washers. It is necessary to check the operation of the pump and its control. Fluid leakage from the headlight washer nozzle may indicate that it is unsealed. It is necessary to check the washer system.

Sounds and vibrations when driving at a certain speed heard from the rear of the vehicle can come from the rear axle gearbox and from the drive axles and worn joints. A knocking sound when reversing is usually a problem of excessive play in the driveshaft flex link or broken rear axle mounting bushings. Verification at a service center is necessary.

Engine noises can come from a great many components. A full engine diagnostic is necessary.

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