Headlamp washers

fwmcb · 03-20-2009, 07:58 PM

How do the headlamp washers work? The owner's manual states that they will spray at regular and appropriate intervals. Do the headlights have to be on, or is it okay to leave it in the auto setting?

Thanks for the help.

Zirenz2006 · 03-20-2009, 08:09 PM

They will only come on when the headlights are actually on. It is on the first spray of the windshield washers and I think every 5th time after that, but I could be wrong.

Tonybest · 03-20-2009, 08:15 PM

I don't remember the actual timing of it, but it's in the manual for sure.

fwmcb · 03-20-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonybest

I don't remember the actual timing of it, but it's in the manual for sure.

In the 2009 manual, it only says at regular and appropriate intervals. It does not specify if the low beams have to be on. If it did I wouldn't have asked.

fwmcb · 03-20-2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zirenz2006

They will only come on when the headlights are actually on. It is on the first spray of the windshield washers and I think every 5th time after that, but I could be wrong.

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

methodtim · 03-20-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zirenz2006

They will only come on when the headlights are actually on. It is on the first spray of the windshield washers and I think every 5th time after that, but I could be wrong.

Not completely true. Headlight switch needs to be on auto. I'm not sure about the interval.

PS: I reserve the right to be wrong too.

Oulixes · 03-20-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fwmcb

The owner's manual states that they will spray at regular and appropriate intervals.

As a rule, the manual is of much help, but when reading it, one often encounters doubletalk statements as you did. Manual for some reason attempts to avoid saying how the spray system works by including the sentence you have quoted. Many BMW owners recognize that the phrasing 'regular and appropriate intervals' is logically irreconcilable, which makes them lose confidence in the manual.

SGxi · 03-21-2009, 12:01 AM

On earlier cars, the headlight washer will not pop out unless the headlight (Xenons) is on (literally on, regardless of the switch position is in Auto or On)

If you pull the lever long and "further" enough for the windsheild washer fluid, the headlight washers will also pop out to clean your headlights (when the headlight is on)

If you don't have xDrive, I don't think the Canadian cars have the headlight washers. They are only dummy covers.

MusclezMarinara · 03-21-2009, 12:55 AM

When you activate the windshield washer hold it for 2 seconds the xenon washer will eject and operate.

methodtim · 03-21-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335xi-blk

When you activate the windshield washer hold it for 2 seconds the xenon washer will eject and operate.

Sorry, that's ridiculous. In my experience, the headlight washer comes on the instant the regular spray comes on. There's no need to hold it for any number of seconds.

EMG E92 · 03-21-2009, 01:24 AM

sorry for this noob question, but what is the purpose of the headlight washer? If the fluid heated? If so maybe it benefit those on the east coast when ice form on the headlights? I dunno...

methodtim · 03-21-2009, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMG E92

sorry for this noob question, but what is the purpose of the headlight washer? If the fluid heated? If so maybe it benefit those on the east coast when ice form on the headlights? I dunno...

Headlight washers are highly pressurized, so they're supposed to wash off road grime from the headlights. It's a benefit anywhere the roads are salted or covered in mud, grime, etc.

Also, per the manual:

The windshield washer nozzles are heated automatically while the engine is running or the ignition is switched on.

visor · 03-21-2009, 02:29 AM

I don't know about you guys, but on my previous E46, I had to disconnect the wires to the headlight washer pump. It was very annoying when it sprayed washer fluid every 5th time all over the car when I only wanted to get a little bit of washer fluid to clean the windshield.

I'm glad my current E90 doesn't have these doodads!

3er BMW · 03-21-2009, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonybest

I don't remember the actual timing of it, but it's in the manual for sure.

Not in manual.

777ER · 03-21-2009, 08:54 AM

Not sure if the timing is changed from the '07 but it sprays on the first pull of the windshield washer stalk when the headlights are on, then every 4th pull afterwards.

It will spray in twlight mode (angel eyes on)...so the headlights either have to be off with enough daylight while in AUTO mode or the switch is put in OFF position for the headlights washers not to spray.

Two Sheds · 03-21-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by visor

I don't know about you guys, but on my previous E46, I had to disconnect the wires to the headlight washer pump. It was very annoying when it sprayed washer fluid every 5th time all over the car when I only wanted to get a little bit of washer fluid to clean the windshield.

I'm glad my current E90 doesn't have these doodads!

In my experience with an 06 e90 they haven't changed much. In fact when looking at the car in winter with grime all over the front and when the head light washers have just been used they don't do a very good job at cleaning the headlights either.

They do however make great sense for the manufacturers of winter anti freeze windshield solution since in winter I go through a bottle (just under 4l) of the stuff every week.

2kaccordocoupe · 03-21-2009, 02:44 PM

On another note, the headlight spray drains your tank quickly especially during the winters months.

jpsum · 03-21-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

On another note, the headlight spray drains your tank quickly especially during the winters months.

+1

The headlight sprayer comes out way too often. It's a waste of the $5 per gallon windshield washer fluid.

fwmcb · 03-21-2009, 04:05 PM

Thanks, I guess I don't have them because I don't have Xdrive, the price to pay for RWD fun I guess. I just liked them on my previous cars because I drive through salty roads most of the year.

methodtim · 03-21-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fwmcb

Thanks, I guess I don't have them because I don't have Xdrive, the price to pay for RWD fun I guess. I just liked them on my previous cars because I drive through salty roads most of the year.

If you had ordered the Cold Weather package, you'd have them.

Heartless · 03-21-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by methodtim

If you had ordered the Cold Weather package, you'd have them.

I have them but no heated steering wheel....

methodtim · 03-21-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heartless

I have them but no heated steering wheel....

Do you have an 09?

03-20-2009, 07:58 PM	#1
fwmcb Major 31 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: 2015 F30 328i X-drive Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 128i [0.00]	Headlamp washers How do the headlamp washers work? The owner's manual states that they will spray at regular and appropriate intervals. Do the headlights have to be on, or is it okay to leave it in the auto setting? Thanks for the help.
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03-20-2009, 08:09 PM	#2
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1542 Rep 4,558 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Comp IOMG Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	They will only come on when the headlights are actually on. It is on the first spray of the windshield washers and I think every 5th time after that, but I could be wrong.
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03-20-2009, 08:15 PM	#3
Tonybest Enrollment Officer 114 Rep 5,014 Posts Drives: 997.2 Porsche C4S Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Montreal, Qc. iTrader: (2)	I don't remember the actual timing of it, but it's in the manual for sure.
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03-21-2009, 12:01 AM	#8
SGxi Major General 158 Rep 6,805 Posts Drives: E90 328xi Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (17) Garage List 2007 328xi [0.00]	On earlier cars, the headlight washer will not pop out unless the headlight (Xenons) is on (literally on, regardless of the switch position is in Auto or On) If you pull the lever long and "further" enough for the windsheild washer fluid, the headlight washers will also pop out to clean your headlights (when the headlight is on) If you don't have xDrive, I don't think the Canadian cars have the headlight washers. They are only dummy covers. __________________ MY07 A22 E90 N52Nxi
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03-21-2009, 12:55 AM	#9
MusclezMarinara Banned 262 Rep 5,018 Posts Drives: VALNCYA Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jersey iTrader: (23) Garage List 2011 BMW 1M [9.22] 2009 335i Sedan xdrive [9.34]	When you activate the windshield washer hold it for 2 seconds the xenon washer will eject and operate.
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03-21-2009, 01:24 AM	#11
EMG E92 Private 0 Rep 75 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: hb iTrader: (0)	sorry for this noob question, but what is the purpose of the headlight washer? If the fluid heated? If so maybe it benefit those on the east coast when ice form on the headlights? I dunno... __________________ 2008 BMW 335i Freelance SEO
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03-21-2009, 02:29 AM	#13
visor BMW, can I have some LSD please? 88 Rep 1,591 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i xDrive Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	I don't know about you guys, but on my previous E46, I had to disconnect the wires to the headlight washer pump. It was very annoying when it sprayed washer fluid every 5th time all over the car when I only wanted to get a little bit of washer fluid to clean the windshield. I'm glad my current E90 doesn't have these doodads! __________________ 2006 330i \| TiAg \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2008 335i \| AW \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2013 328xi \| Red \| Gray \| Al \| 8AT \| Sports Line \| Premium \| Executive \| Heat Pkg retired 2017 340i xDrive \| Estoril \| Black \| Al \| 8AT \| M Package
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03-21-2009, 08:54 AM	#15
777ER Lieutenant 36 Rep 561 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NY iTrader: (2)	Not sure if the timing is changed from the '07 but it sprays on the first pull of the windshield washer stalk when the headlights are on, then every 4th pull afterwards. It will spray in twlight mode (angel eyes on)...so the headlights either have to be off with enough daylight while in AUTO mode or the switch is put in OFF position for the headlights washers not to spray. __________________ -Chris 2007 Montego Blue 328xi Sedan \| Poplar trim \| Steptronic \| Cold Package \| Power front seats w/memory \| Xenon Adaptive Headlights \| PDC \| 2008 Plate LED's \| PBX \| LUX v5.2
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03-21-2009, 02:44 PM	#17
2kaccordocoupe Brigadier General 1274 Rep 4,703 Posts Drives: Former ///M Driver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The 6ix iTrader: (2)	On another note, the headlight spray drains your tank quickly especially during the winters months.
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03-21-2009, 04:05 PM	#19
fwmcb Major 31 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: 2015 F30 328i X-drive Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 128i [0.00]	Thanks, I guess I don't have them because I don't have Xdrive, the price to pay for RWD fun I guess. I just liked them on my previous cars because I drive through salty roads most of the year.
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