Headlight washers stuck - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

smacg · 12-09-2012, 08:56 AM

Since the recent cold snap with snow and sub zero's, my headlight washers seem to be stuck in place? When I pull the lever I can hear them working but they sound restricted and I don't see the spray up onto the bonnet.

I thought they might be frozen in place but weather has thaw'd since then.

Has anyone had this problem? How can I fix it?

Kerr · 12-09-2012, 09:33 AM

Very common problem.

It is even more of an issue when they block up and get blown off the car leaving you to buy new ones.

It is mild now and they should defrost fast. Have you tried hot water to accelerate the process?

Make sure to be using screenwash that has a very low freezing point.

Lidl usually keep stuff that is good for -60 for £6 for 5l. I got mine a few weeks back from the one on King Street.

smacg · 12-09-2012, 09:44 AM

Cheers Kerr, I'll give that a bash. Do you mean just pouring over the bumper or somewhere in the engine?

Dr Dave · 12-09-2012, 12:18 PM

It's always cold in Scotland so I think you are doomed!

m1bjr · 12-09-2012, 01:44 PM

They gunk up inside.

Then the seals fail so pressure isn't enough to force them out on the stalks.

Only remedy is to replace both with new units. Its a bumper off job but very simple to DIY.

smacg · 12-09-2012, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

It's always cold in Scotland so I think you are doomed!

Ha ha dave, it's not that bad!

Tried the hot water thing to no avail. It's mot time soon so ill get them to take a look at it then.

Out of interest, Kerr, where do you put your car in aberdeen?

m1bjr · 12-10-2012, 03:36 AM

Mixing some screen wash doesnt help.
I noticed some combinations produce a slight sludge.

Having stripped both of my defective washers and breaking them apart for a look,
its clear that the O rings and sludge are the issue, and also why they weep eventually.

Kerr · 12-10-2012, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smacg

Ha ha dave, it's not that bad!

Tried the hot water thing to no avail. It's mot time soon so ill get them to take a look at it then.

Out of interest, Kerr, where do you put your car in aberdeen?

Anytime I've had warranty work or servicing work done it has always been to John Clark.

I've been let down pretty much every single time. Not impressed with them.

Not really got much experience of other garages up here.

Bavaria autowerke have been recommended but I've not used them and I'm told their prices are very close to main dealer.

There was also AW autotech but I'm not sure when that will reopen after fire. The arson attack on the garage behind him wiped him out too.

Not aware of any other BMW specialist.

warriorboy · 12-10-2012, 06:31 AM

pulled the fuse on mine a couple of years back as didnt want to lose the covers

nealer74 · 12-10-2012, 08:05 AM

had the same issue and I've had to get the wee tube replaced in mine a couple of times - 20mins dealer job, didn't charge for it the second time, part of the service the first time.

smacg · 12-10-2012, 08:16 AM

Strangely, when on the way to work this morning, they decided to work and did again when nipping out at lunch. I put in some screenwash/anti freeze last night along with some hot water and gave it a long blast as well as spraying some de-icer directly on the flaps. From the reports on here it may just be luck that they are working again but whatever the reason, panic about blowout of caps over.......for now!

12-09-2012, 08:56 AM	#1
smacg Smacg Drives: 08 E92 320d Msport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 57 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 320d M Sport [0.00]	Headlight washers stuck Since the recent cold snap with snow and sub zero's, my headlight washers seem to be stuck in place? When I pull the lever I can hear them working but they sound restricted and I don't see the spray up onto the bonnet. I thought they might be frozen in place but weather has thaw'd since then. Has anyone had this problem? How can I fix it?
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12-09-2012, 01:44 PM	#5
m1bjr LSD - No, you're not seeing things Drives: RS250 CUP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Somerset UK Posts: 3,279 iTrader: (4)	They gunk up inside. Then the seals fail so pressure isn't enough to force them out on the stalks. Only remedy is to replace both with new units. Its a bumper off job but very simple to DIY. __________________

12-10-2012, 03:36 AM	#7
m1bjr LSD - No, you're not seeing things Drives: RS250 CUP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Somerset UK Posts: 3,279 iTrader: (4)	Mixing some screen wash doesnt help. I noticed some combinations produce a slight sludge. Having stripped both of my defective washers and breaking them apart for a look, its clear that the O rings and sludge are the issue, and also why they weep eventually. __________________

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12-09-2012, 09:33 AM	#2
Kerr Colonel Drives: 08' 335i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 2,761 iTrader: (0)	Very common problem. It is even more of an issue when they block up and get blown off the car leaving you to buy new ones. It is mild now and they should defrost fast. Have you tried hot water to accelerate the process? Make sure to be using screenwash that has a very low freezing point. Lidl usually keep stuff that is good for -60 for £6 for 5l. I got mine a few weeks back from the one on King Street.

12-09-2012, 09:44 AM	#3
smacg Smacg Drives: 08 E92 320d Msport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 57 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 320d M Sport [0.00]	Cheers Kerr, I'll give that a bash. Do you mean just pouring over the bumper or somewhere in the engine?

12-09-2012, 12:18 PM	#4
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset Posts: 5,485 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	It's always cold in Scotland so I think you are doomed!

12-10-2012, 06:31 AM	#9
warriorboy Private Drives: 320d M Sport coupe Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NW England Posts: 81 iTrader: (1)	pulled the fuse on mine a couple of years back as didnt want to lose the covers

12-10-2012, 08:05 AM	#10
nealer74 Enlisted Member Drives: 2008 E93 330 MSport Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Posts: 46 iTrader: (0)	had the same issue and I've had to get the wee tube replaced in mine a couple of times - 20mins dealer job, didn't charge for it the second time, part of the service the first time.

12-10-2012, 08:16 AM	#11
smacg Smacg Drives: 08 E92 320d Msport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 57 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 320d M Sport [0.00]	Strangely, when on the way to work this morning, they decided to work and did again when nipping out at lunch. I put in some screenwash/anti freeze last night along with some hot water and gave it a long blast as well as spraying some de-icer directly on the flaps. From the reports on here it may just be luck that they are working again but whatever the reason, panic about blowout of caps over.......for now!