[F31-340i]

After getting a washer replaced under goodwill (for free after a fight) by BMW a couple of years ack, I noticed this morning (-12c) that they were both sticking up 5mm. My wife was using the car today, so I just said be careful today, and....
1. Don't put the lights on
2. Don't use the washers
3. Check before you set off if the washers have dropped out.

I found this when I got home.....









.....how did that happen I asked?

Well, I thought it had thawed as the washers were flush, so I put the lights on (!) and then used the washers (!!), and one fell out.*

Oh well, 1 out of 3 not bad*

Question- can I just push this back in, or will it be damaged?*

[crypticc]

tip of hole frozen then popped out when you used it (think like blowing a spud gun). just gently eaze it back in. or take it to dealer so they do it

[m@rk]

Originally Posted by ///ajd

After getting a washer replaced under goodwill (for free after a fight) by BMW a couple of years ack, I noticed this morning (-12c) that they were both sticking up 5mm.

Not Enough Screen Wash!

You might want to do a search on here as this is totally avoidable

[F31-340i]

Originally Posted by m@rk

Not Enough Screen Wash!

You might want to do a search on here as this is totally avoidable

Yeah, I know the history. It's totally avoidable by better design too!

So I should be able to stick it back in? There is no missing spring? Assume thats only on coupes?

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by ///ajd

Yeah, I know the history. It's totally avoidable by better design too!

So I should be able to stick it back in? There is no missing spring? Assume thats only on coupes?

Be prepared 50/50 screen wash sorts that!

My wifes Civic does the same BTW.

I would think they all have the retraction spring, something has to pull it back in?

[coopersim]

Activate the washers and when the washer pops out grab it with a pair of pliers, this allows you to push the cap back on

It's no good trying to push it back in without extending the washer jet as its too far 'home'

[m1bjr]

Quite different to E92 and new E93 then.

[F31-340i]

Just refitted the wayward washer.

It pushes back in very easily - as above, remove the painted cap, then insert the black piston part all the way into the cylinder until it will go no further.

You can then pull the piston it out (and it will automatically retract when you release), and fit the painted cap - you can use the outer set of slots on the cap to help pull the piston out so you can grab it, and then finally attach it using all inner and outer (four) slots in the correct way.

Lesson for me:

a) remember to put screenwash in
b) when you forget a), look out for the telltale sticking up washers in cold weather - I wouldn't drive with them like this as once the piston is unclipped from the cylinder, they become very loose and will probably fall out (=£££ if lost) - I'd recommend removing them until the system thaws and you can get screenwash in (=free!)

[Mart1000]

Ive still got both mine to do

Having a bit of a fight as I'm trying to get them done under the 3 month warranty the car comes with and as it stands they are refusing.

Friggin' royal pain in the arse and such a shite design.

[Kerr]

Originally Posted by Mart1000

Ive still got both mine to do

Having a bit of a fight as I'm trying to get them done under the 3 month warranty the car comes with and as it stands they are refusing.

Friggin' royal pain in the arse and such a shite design.

Try not fit for purpose as your argument.

It's a legal requirement to have headlamp washers with xenon lights.

[Mart1000]

Unfortunately I've nt got xenons. Still, shit shouldn't be falling off these cars though.