Headlight Wiper on/off?

craig748 · 01-22-2010, 08:17 PM

Is there a way with the onboard computer to turn the headlight washers on/off, or another way? For some reason my headlight washers spray the whole hood and turn a newly clean car dirty. On my e92 it wasn't an issue at all. The washers didn't really get on the hood at all. On my e90 it makes a mess. I would like to turn it off unless I am driving in snowy / dirty conditions and manually clean them under normal driving.

I found a few functions the other day like control over the door locking mechanisms, etc. I thought it may be one of the computer options but the [my] manual doesn't have a key to many of the functions in the computer for some reason and I can't find it online?

CHCCubs · 01-24-2010, 12:13 PM

I don't think there is a way to turn them off, but they will not engage if your lights are not on. As well, if you pull the washer/wiper leaver lightly (not all the way towards you) it will only spray the windshield and not the lights.

Taryon · 01-25-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHCCubs

I don't think there is a way to turn them off, but they will not engage if your lights are not on. As well, if you pull the washer/wiper leaver lightly (not all the way towards you) it will only spray the windshield and not the lights.

I have to resort to turning my headlights off (if they're on) in order to not engage the headlight washers. Are you sure about pulling the wiper stalk lightly? I've tried it and it still washes my headlights... either that, or I don't have the precision of pulling it lightly enough.

wrickem · 01-25-2010, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taryon

Are you sure about pulling the wiper stalk lightly? I've tried it and it still washes my headlights... either that, or I don't have the precision of pulling it lightly enough.

It only seems to work like that in some people's cars. I don't think that BMW intentinally made it work like that, but some people got lucky with their switches if they have the right touch.

CHCCubs · 01-26-2010, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taryon

I have to resort to turning my headlights off (if they're on) in order to not engage the headlight washers. Are you sure about pulling the wiper stalk lightly? I've tried it and it still washes my headlights... either that, or I don't have the precision of pulling it lightly enough.

I just pull on it lightly and quickly and it doesn't activate headlight washers. Essentially it just gives one quick spray on the windshield and that's it. Maybe like the other poster mentioned, some cars are different than others, mine is an 09 model.

jgalaxy · 01-26-2010, 11:56 PM

Infuriating isn't it? I have to turn my lights off or risk emptying the windshiled washer fluid prematurely. Lightly pulling the stock aint worth crap in the winter with all the baked on salt and dirt.

craig748 · 01-27-2010, 10:40 PM

Thanks guys, I didn't know about the light trick. Good to know my ride isnt the only crakced out sprayer out there. So has anyone ever found a key to the symbols buried in the trip computer? So weird the manual doesn't explain them...I keep forgetting to ask when it is in for service.

Marsch52 · 02-10-2010, 12:09 PM

On my earlier 2006 320, there were two pumps attached to the washer bottle. I just disconnected the one pump which ran the headlight washer. Now, on my current 2010 328, the bottle is hidden so i am not sure how to disconnect, but maybe pull the fuse? I will check and let you know if it works.

Placey · 02-10-2010, 12:15 PM

I believe that if you have the lights turned to the "on" position and not the "auto" position that it wont spray the headlights.....

wrickem · 02-10-2010, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Placey

I believe that if you have the lights turned to the "on" position and not the "auto" position that it wont spray the headlights.....

That's wrong. The position can be "auto" as well as "on". The headlights have to be illuminated at the time you pull the washer though, so if the switch is in auto, but the headlights are not on, they won't squirt. If they are lit, you'll get the squirt.

VTECaddict · 02-10-2010, 10:20 PM

I believe there's a fuse you can pull which will disable them. Search for it.

01-22-2010, 08:17 PM	#1
craig748 '15 S3 Sepang, '09 E92 Space Grey, '99 996 C2 Blk 1 Rep 33 Posts Drives: S3 8V Sepang Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ridgefield, CT iTrader: (2)	Headlight Wiper on/off? Is there a way with the onboard computer to turn the headlight washers on/off, or another way? For some reason my headlight washers spray the whole hood and turn a newly clean car dirty. On my e92 it wasn't an issue at all. The washers didn't really get on the hood at all. On my e90 it makes a mess. I would like to turn it off unless I am driving in snowy / dirty conditions and manually clean them under normal driving. I found a few functions the other day like control over the door locking mechanisms, etc. I thought it may be one of the computer options but the [my] manual doesn't have a key to many of the functions in the computer for some reason and I can't find it online?
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01-24-2010, 12:13 PM	#2
CHCCubs Colonel 97 Rep 2,101 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada iTrader: (0)	I don't think there is a way to turn them off, but they will not engage if your lights are not on. As well, if you pull the washer/wiper leaver lightly (not all the way towards you) it will only spray the windshield and not the lights. __________________ 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Line Mineral Grey on Everest Grey
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01-26-2010, 11:56 PM	#6
jgalaxy Gearing 87 Rep 3,962 Posts Drives: E46 M3, F22 M240 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Out East Canada iTrader: (3)	Infuriating isn't it? I have to turn my lights off or risk emptying the windshiled washer fluid prematurely. Lightly pulling the stock aint worth crap in the winter with all the baked on salt and dirt. __________________ If at first you don't succeed ...
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01-27-2010, 10:40 PM	#7
craig748 '15 S3 Sepang, '09 E92 Space Grey, '99 996 C2 Blk 1 Rep 33 Posts Drives: S3 8V Sepang Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ridgefield, CT iTrader: (2)	Thanks guys, I didn't know about the light trick. Good to know my ride isnt the only crakced out sprayer out there. So has anyone ever found a key to the symbols buried in the trip computer? So weird the manual doesn't explain them...I keep forgetting to ask when it is in for service.
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02-10-2010, 12:09 PM	#8
Marsch52 Type A - BMW Concours Judge 19 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2010 328i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1)	There are two pumps On my earlier 2006 320, there were two pumps attached to the washer bottle. I just disconnected the one pump which ran the headlight washer. Now, on my current 2010 328, the bottle is hidden so i am not sure how to disconnect, but maybe pull the fuse? I will check and let you know if it works. __________________ 2010 328i xDrive, Jet Black, K&N filter, Euro headlight switch, Alarm/door lock beep kit, BMS, slotted rotors with ceramic pads, etc
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02-10-2010, 12:15 PM	#9
Placey First Lieutenant 15 Rep 367 Posts Drives: 08 Z4 3.0SI Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (1)	I believe that if you have the lights turned to the "on" position and not the "auto" position that it wont spray the headlights..... __________________ 08 Z4 3.0SI Black Sapphire/Black Int, 6sp, Sport/Premium --- retired --- 2010 BMW 650GS -- Z4 replacement Working with the most talented people on the most technically advanced automobiles....
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02-10-2010, 10:20 PM	#11
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 488 Rep 6,068 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	I believe there's a fuse you can pull which will disable them. Search for it. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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