[snage]

Here's the deal with these headlight washers and them flying out:

The basic problem as many have pointed out is that they freeze up when the weather's particularly cold if you don't have the correct type and strength of screenwash. This can result in them extending out of the bumper as the ice expands, which may right itself when thawed or if not you may be able to refit the jet if it's not damaged. It can also split the jet body in which case it's junk and you need to buy a new jet. (but keep the cover if you can) BMW will only entertain a claim if they test and find the right concentration of screenwash to prevent the system freezing up. FOC 'goodwill' replacements are not uncommon but it seems to be the luck of the draw.
Also be aware that the pipework that carries the fluid can split as well, particularly at joints.

If yours freeze up and protrude slightly from the bumper DO NOT push them back in as it can easily damage them. You need to wait until it's thawed then see if they sit flush again. If they're still sitting proud when fully thawed, it's likely that the whole unit has unseated from it's mounting and will fly off at the first opportunity. Best to test them a couple of times to be sure before driving off!

The jet itself comes in 2 parts - the telescopic jet part, which extends around 1 1/2" from the bumper when in use, and the painted cover.

Here's how to fit them:

Separate the cover from the telescopic jet - the cover has 2 plastic clips either side - note which way up it goes before removing. Make sure the seating on the base is free from any dirt, grit etc. A blow from an airline is a good idea if you have one. Put a little lube (screenwash, washing up liquid etc) on the o ring on the jet body and carefully insert into the bumper - it snaps into the base fitting. You then need to reach into the bumper hole and pull the telescopic jet so that it fully extends and hold it there. I found a length of welding rod is perfect to grab hold of it with. With the jet body still extended, snap the cover back on. The spring is quite strong and I found if I protected the bumper with some rag, I could hold the extended jet with a pair of long nosed pliers while I refitted the cover. When you let go of the jet it will retract back into to place.

That's it! BMW WILL sting you for doing this job, particularly painting the cover - you can just as easily buy a can of the right paint plus clear lacquer to finish the covers properly, it's not difficult.

Hope this helps a few people!

Andy

[TMP]

Originally Posted by Nickhub

Had one of mine replaced today it cost me £100 for the extended warranty excess.
The dealer has put in a goodwill claim with BMW for the excess but I have to wait untill Monday to see if its been successful.

They also mentioned that it would have been replaced free of charge if the car was covered under the original warranty but they do have to check the concentration of the washer fluid is correct.

So if anybody is off to the dealers make sure you put plenty of BMW washer fluid in before you go if you want to get them fixed for free.

Mine is is today for this and the 3 year warranty . Have 50:50 of Halfords double concrentrate which has as not frozen. - Dealler did say they would need to charge if they found the concentrate wasnt enough...i said you better call me first and i will pay for some more screen wash

[Dr Dave]

Originally Posted by snage

Here's the deal with these headlight washers and them flying out:

The basic problem as many have pointed out is that they freeze up when the weather's particularly cold if you don't have the correct type and strength of screenwash. This can result in them extending out of the bumper as the ice expands, which may right itself when thawed or if not you may be able to refit the jet if it's not damaged. It can also split the jet body in which case it's junk and you need to buy a new jet. (but keep the cover if you can) BMW will only entertain a claim if they test and find the right concentration of screenwash to prevent the system freezing up. FOC 'goodwill' replacements are not uncommon but it seems to be the luck of the draw.
Also be aware that the pipework that carries the fluid can split as well, particularly at joints.

If yours freeze up and protrude slightly from the bumper DO NOT push them back in as it can easily damage them. You need to wait until it's thawed then see if they sit flush again. If they're still sitting proud when fully thawed, it's likely that the whole unit has unseated from it's mounting and will fly off at the first opportunity. Best to test them a couple of times to be sure before driving off!

The jet itself comes in 2 parts - the telescopic jet part, which extends around 1 1/2" from the bumper when in use, and the painted cover.

Here's how to fit them:

Separate the cover from the telescopic jet - the cover has 2 plastic clips either side - note which way up it goes before removing. Make sure the seating on the base is free from any dirt, grit etc. A blow from an airline is a good idea if you have one. Put a little lube (screenwash, washing up liquid etc) on the o ring on the jet body and carefully insert into the bumper - it snaps into the base fitting. You then need to reach into the bumper hole and pull the telescopic jet so that it fully extends and hold it there. I found a length of welding rod is perfect to grab hold of it with. With the jet body still extended, snap the cover back on. The spring is quite strong and I found if I protected the bumper with some rag, I could hold the extended jet with a pair of long nosed pliers while I refitted the cover. When you let go of the jet it will retract back into to place.

That's it! BMW WILL sting you for doing this job, particularly painting the cover - you can just as easily buy a can of the right paint plus clear lacquer to finish the covers properly, it's not difficult.

Hope this helps a few people!

Andy

Great write-up, cheers Andy

[snage]

Dropped mine in at the dealer this morning for service and to investigate an intermittent clutch judder (a whole other story) and saw several cars in the carpark with washer jets missing.....

It's strange, but my previous E46 325 felt much more solidly built and I did 100K miles with very few probs. Maybe BMW are subbing work out to Toyota these days!

I'm in a Mini Cooper diesel for the next few days which could be fun! Meanwhile the Beemer's gearbox is coming out and I wait to hear what clutch parts they're prepared to cover under goodwill warranty!

Andy

[grant1987]

Definately a common problem, must has seen around 6 or 7 E9X's with both washers/covers missing. All in one week!


Grant

[CarAbuser]

I just replaced one of my washer covers, £10 delivered for the primed part from a BMW parts specialist in the Cotswolds and £15 for a can of halfords custom mixed metallic spray paint (they didn't have Le Mans Blue ready made).

Just pulled the nozzle out with some pinch-nose pliers and clipped the cover.

The fuse is now removed so hopefully it wont ever happen again, I think it's disgusting that things just fall off a BMW, not really what I expected from German build quality.

[jonnydrama]

Anyone that's had a warranty claim done got a spare rubber tube that sits inside the telescopic arm? It must be about 1cm outer diameter and around 1.5 to 2" long?