E46 330 headlight washer leaking?
Discussion
On my E46 330xi touring it seems the washer bottle is being drained of liquid everytime I put the windscreen washers on which in turn activates the headlight washer (when the headlights are on). I notice it is the headlight washer unit because when I park up you can see it leaking.
Does anyone know how easy it is to get access to the headlight washer unit so I can fix the issue e.g. does Haynes manual have an example or is it a bumper removal jobbie.
Does anyone know how easy it is to get access to the headlight washer unit so I can fix the issue e.g. does Haynes manual have an example or is it a bumper removal jobbie.
You should be able to pull them out with your finger tips. One or the other may have cracked in the recent spate of cold weather if your fluid froze.
If you don't mind losing the function you can just disconnect the electrical connector to the pump that provides fluid to the headlamp washers.
If you don't mind losing the function you can just disconnect the electrical connector to the pump that provides fluid to the headlamp washers.
On my pre-facelift 330Ci e46 I only needed to take the indicator and headlamp out to get full access. The early headlamp washer plunger assemblies tend to develop leaks and are quite pricey, but I found that the sealing ring on the demountable pipe connector had become distorted and failed. A new connector from BMW is very cheap and I just swapped the seal over as it was easier than changing the connector.
Thanks for the replies, I think I will try phelix's disconnect the headlamp washers idea first because I don't need the functionality that much.
The Swiss main BMW garage I use charge a small fortune to do any types of work. With it being minus something degrees here in Switzerland for the next few months I will try to wait until the spring to start car DIY (and not on Sundays as the Swiss authorities won't like it).
The Swiss main BMW garage I use charge a small fortune to do any types of work. With it being minus something degrees here in Switzerland for the next few months I will try to wait until the spring to start car DIY (and not on Sundays as the Swiss authorities won't like it).
Here's a couple of how to's I found that might be of some help:
http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f3/repairing-h...
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/lighting-diys/1...
http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f3/repairing-h...
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/lighting-diys/1...
Sorry to dig up an old thread, but im desperate!!
Does anyone know the official BMW procedure for replacing headlight washers? does it involve removing the headlight?
I had my headlight washer replaced under warranty on my 2005 E46 330 M-Sport and when I got the car back. a couple of weeks later and i've noticed the rubber seal that's between the headlight and front wing is poking out.
The dealer say that they did not disturb the headlight to change the washer. So why is the rubber poking out??
They are trying to charge me to put the rubber back, but i'm 100% convinced this was their mistake.
So, does anyone know if its even possible to replace the washer without removing the headlight as the dealer claim they have done??
Does anyone know the official BMW procedure for replacing headlight washers? does it involve removing the headlight?
I had my headlight washer replaced under warranty on my 2005 E46 330 M-Sport and when I got the car back. a couple of weeks later and i've noticed the rubber seal that's between the headlight and front wing is poking out.
The dealer say that they did not disturb the headlight to change the washer. So why is the rubber poking out??
They are trying to charge me to put the rubber back, but i'm 100% convinced this was their mistake.
So, does anyone know if its even possible to replace the washer without removing the headlight as the dealer claim they have done??
Sticks. said:
Long time back now but iirc when I had mine done the stealer said they took the bumper off (although I can see it can be done without). 2nd one went a couple of weeks late 
No problem with lights.
Thanks for the reply... so i'm guessing they either go in from underneath (bumper off) or in from above (headlight out). going to call up the dealer principal and have some words with him about it, as they virtually accused me of doing the damage myself!! No problem with lights.Replacing the telescopic Headlight washer is an really easy job, before ordering the part which is £30 odd quid check the pipe connection to the reserviour and Headlight washer first as I have found that sometimes these can wiggle loose and drain down your reservior.. If the telescopic Headlight washer unit is the problem you will see a build up of limescale/grit next to a tiny hole on the u/s of the component this is an indication that the valve inside has gone. All you need to do is remove the side undersheild panels by turning the front wheels so that you can get access to remove the 3 or4 nos(IIRC) bolts that secure the wheel well liner this is attached/clips into undersheild panel which is held in with 3nos bolts. once those are off you can access the Headlight washer from underneath it is held in by pressure release clips.
Note the telescopic Headlight washer units work for both sides you may need to rotate the fixing bracket by twisting the front section and holding the back in place. When you look at the part youll know what I mean.
For gods sake dont race in and remove the headlights assemblies as this will alter/change the headlight alignment which will cost you money to get realigned plus its a MOT failure too.
I would point out that if your changing the telescopic Headlight washer you will need to replace the nozzle spray as BMW changed the design on the later models. best way to change the nozzle is to get a helper to activate to the headlight washer with the side lights on and you need to carefully catch the noozle when it pops out. It usually takes a few attempts but you will get the hang of it, the noozle then simply pulls off with a tug.
Goodluck let us know how you get on.
Note the telescopic Headlight washer units work for both sides you may need to rotate the fixing bracket by twisting the front section and holding the back in place. When you look at the part youll know what I mean.
For gods sake dont race in and remove the headlights assemblies as this will alter/change the headlight alignment which will cost you money to get realigned plus its a MOT failure too.
I would point out that if your changing the telescopic Headlight washer you will need to replace the nozzle spray as BMW changed the design on the later models. best way to change the nozzle is to get a helper to activate to the headlight washer with the side lights on and you need to carefully catch the noozle when it pops out. It usually takes a few attempts but you will get the hang of it, the noozle then simply pulls off with a tug.
Goodluck let us know how you get on.
Edited by fishman on Wednesday 11th January 13:29
joeman said:
Sticks. said:
Long time back now but iirc when I had mine done the stealer said they took the bumper off (although I can see it can be done without). 2nd one went a couple of weeks late No problem with lights.
Thanks for the reply... so i'm guessing they either go in from underneath (bumper off) or in from above (headlight out). going to call up the dealer principal and have some words with him about it, as they virtually accused me of doing the damage myself!! No problem with lights.DO NOT remove the headlight units this is not the correct proceedure and will stuff up your headlight alignment.
Edited by fishman on Wednesday 11th January 13:36
Bit of a thread resurrection I know, but I'm having issues trying to figure out how/why my washer fluid reservoir is draining so rapidly.
I've checked both pumps (headlight/windscreen) and neither appear to be leaking from the rubber seals underneath where they attach to the reservoir, so can I rule these out?
I can't find a leak on the line that runs to the headlight washer on the drivers side (can't follow the other side all the way) If it's not the hoses, could it be that both the telescopic bits need replacing? If so, which bits need replacing, just the nozzle or is there something behind that.
Or, could it be leaking from windscreen washer jets/hoses?
Bit reluctant to replace everything when it could just be one small item.
Hopefully someone can shed some more light on this or share some experience.
thanks
I've checked both pumps (headlight/windscreen) and neither appear to be leaking from the rubber seals underneath where they attach to the reservoir, so can I rule these out?
I can't find a leak on the line that runs to the headlight washer on the drivers side (can't follow the other side all the way) If it's not the hoses, could it be that both the telescopic bits need replacing? If so, which bits need replacing, just the nozzle or is there something behind that.
Or, could it be leaking from windscreen washer jets/hoses?
Bit reluctant to replace everything when it could just be one small item.
Hopefully someone can shed some more light on this or share some experience.
thanks
RanchoGrande said:
Bit of a thread resurrection I know, but I'm having issues trying to figure out how/why my washer fluid reservoir is draining so rapidly.
I've checked both pumps (headlight/windscreen) and neither appear to be leaking from the rubber seals underneath where they attach to the reservoir, so can I rule these out?
I can't find a leak on the line that runs to the headlight washer on the drivers side (can't follow the other side all the way) If it's not the hoses, could it be that both the telescopic bits need replacing? If so, which bits need replacing, just the nozzle or is there something behind that.
Or, could it be leaking from windscreen washer jets/hoses?
Bit reluctant to replace everything when it could just be one small item.
Hopefully someone can shed some more light on this or share some experience.
thanks
Another bump for help...I've checked both pumps (headlight/windscreen) and neither appear to be leaking from the rubber seals underneath where they attach to the reservoir, so can I rule these out?
I can't find a leak on the line that runs to the headlight washer on the drivers side (can't follow the other side all the way) If it's not the hoses, could it be that both the telescopic bits need replacing? If so, which bits need replacing, just the nozzle or is there something behind that.
Or, could it be leaking from windscreen washer jets/hoses?
Bit reluctant to replace everything when it could just be one small item.
Hopefully someone can shed some more light on this or share some experience.
thanks
I replaced the windscreen pump but I still seem to be losing washer fluid. Any ideas? maybe replace the headlight pump as well?
I've had this problem recently too. No conclusion yet.
If you've got halogen lights, you can just unplug the headlight pump, which is what I've done. (You only need washers if you've got xenons.) TAnk still drained again though.
While investigating, I noticed that the screen pump on mine was a bit loose, and could move freely up and down a bit. Move it up enough, and wiggle it a bit, and some fluid would come out. My best guess is that something's melted a bit, due to heat from the engine. (Note the heatshield!) So I made a mental note that the pump and grommet will need replacing. Then I took the tank out to check for leaks (none found), washed it out, gave the grommets a rinse, put everything back together again, and... it's been fine ever since.
If it's still OK next week the headlight pump is getting plugged back in and observations will continue.
I know this is a crap story, but it's the only one I've got
If you've got halogen lights, you can just unplug the headlight pump, which is what I've done. (You only need washers if you've got xenons.) TAnk still drained again though.
While investigating, I noticed that the screen pump on mine was a bit loose, and could move freely up and down a bit. Move it up enough, and wiggle it a bit, and some fluid would come out. My best guess is that something's melted a bit, due to heat from the engine. (Note the heatshield!) So I made a mental note that the pump and grommet will need replacing. Then I took the tank out to check for leaks (none found), washed it out, gave the grommets a rinse, put everything back together again, and... it's been fine ever since.
If it's still OK next week the headlight pump is getting plugged back in and observations will continue.
I know this is a crap story, but it's the only one I've got
Edited by to3m on Monday 11th July 01:56
to3m said:
I've had this problem recently too. No conclusion yet.
If you've got halogen lights, you can just unplug the headlight pump, which is what I've done. (You only need washers if you've got xenons.) TAnk still drained again though.
While investigating, I noticed that the screen pump on mine was a bit loose, and could move freely up and down a bit. Move it up enough, and wiggle it a bit, and some fluid would come out. My best guess is that something's melted a bit, due to heat from the engine. (Note the heatshield!) So I made a mental note that the pump and grommet will need replacing. Then I took the tank out to check for leaks (none found), washed it out, gave the grommets a rinse, put everything back together again, and... it's been fine ever since.
If it's still OK next week the headlight pump is getting plugged back in and observations will continue.
I know this is a crap story, but it's the only one I've got
I think mine moves up and down a bit even after replacing the pump. My headlight washers are plugged back in again now after being unplugged for a bit so I can't tell if it's this that's causing it, although I'm suspecting that it is. You're right though, there doesn't appear to be any need for them to be plugged in so I'll just ditch that functionality. If you've got halogen lights, you can just unplug the headlight pump, which is what I've done. (You only need washers if you've got xenons.) TAnk still drained again though.
While investigating, I noticed that the screen pump on mine was a bit loose, and could move freely up and down a bit. Move it up enough, and wiggle it a bit, and some fluid would come out. My best guess is that something's melted a bit, due to heat from the engine. (Note the heatshield!) So I made a mental note that the pump and grommet will need replacing. Then I took the tank out to check for leaks (none found), washed it out, gave the grommets a rinse, put everything back together again, and... it's been fine ever since.
If it's still OK next week the headlight pump is getting plugged back in and observations will continue.
I know this is a crap story, but it's the only one I've got
Edited by to3m on Monday 11th July 01:56
Part of my problem has been that I've never caught the leaking in the act - but I noticed the other day (with headlight washer pump still unplugged) that there were some spots of screenwash on the driver's side bumper near the washer jet. And sure enough after removing the plastic cover it was clear that the plug at the end of the washer jet had fallen off, leaving a VERY OBVIOUS hole for fluid to leak through.
So I bought a new right side washer jet ( 61674290868 - £32 from Sytner Sheffield) and fitted it today. You can do this without taking everything apart, but I took it apart anyway, following some random guide on bimmerforums, just to check there weren't any obvious leaks anywhere else. Which there weren't. (A bit of fluid on the telescopic thingy suggested that the system might not be 100% watertight. But - subject to further testing - it doesn't look like it would be losing much that way.)
After putting everything back together, it all now seems to roughly work again - though now that I'm looking more carefully, it's rather obvious that the passenger side washer is a bit weak It's a bit of a long way from the pump to the passenger side light, so I'm assuming the pump is on its last legs. But it mostly works, so I'm not spending any more for now until I'm sure the leak is fixed.
(One note, if you're following along - take care with the headlight washer covers. I managed to break all the clips off one of mine, and it's now held on basically by luck. I give it about 3 days before it falls off and gets lost. Fingers crossed the scrapyard has some in stock.)
EDIT: if you're going to buy, and you don't mind waiting for delivery, maybe do a google search on the part number - because it looks like there are places that will do it for more like £25 if you order via this or that forum.
So I bought a new right side washer jet ( 61674290868 - £32 from Sytner Sheffield) and fitted it today. You can do this without taking everything apart, but I took it apart anyway, following some random guide on bimmerforums, just to check there weren't any obvious leaks anywhere else. Which there weren't. (A bit of fluid on the telescopic thingy suggested that the system might not be 100% watertight. But - subject to further testing - it doesn't look like it would be losing much that way.)
After putting everything back together, it all now seems to roughly work again - though now that I'm looking more carefully, it's rather obvious that the passenger side washer is a bit weak
It's a bit of a long way from the pump to the passenger side light, so I'm assuming the pump is on its last legs. But it mostly works, so I'm not spending any more for now until I'm sure the leak is fixed.(One note, if you're following along - take care with the headlight washer covers. I managed to break all the clips off one of mine, and it's now held on basically by luck. I give it about 3 days before it falls off and gets lost. Fingers crossed the scrapyard has some in stock.)
EDIT: if you're going to buy, and you don't mind waiting for delivery, maybe do a google search on the part number - because it looks like there are places that will do it for more like £25 if you order via this or that forum.
Edited by to3m on Sunday 17th July 23:30
I thought I'd update the thread for posterity. Replacing the washer nozzle seems to have indeed fixed the leaking. (And the washer jet cover is - somehow - still there.) I haven't replaced the headlight washer pump yet, so I've still got one weak headlight washer, but it's not a problem in current weather, and I'm not sure how vital the headlight washers are anyway. Might sort it out in the autumn.
As a bonus, having done this, the screen wash jets are now working better then they've ever done. No more warm-up time, where they sit and do nothing for a second or so after pulling the stalk. I'm now pretty sure that the nozzle has been leaking the whole time I've had the car, and I'd never realised...
As a bonus, having done this, the screen wash jets are now working better then they've ever done. No more warm-up time, where they sit and do nothing for a second or so after pulling the stalk. I'm now pretty sure that the nozzle has been leaking the whole time I've had the car, and I'd never realised...
to3m said:
I thought I'd update the thread for posterity. Replacing the washer nozzle seems to have indeed fixed the leaking. (And the washer jet cover is - somehow - still there.) I haven't replaced the headlight washer pump yet, so I've still got one weak headlight washer, but it's not a problem in current weather, and I'm not sure how vital the headlight washers are anyway. Might sort it out in the autumn.
As a bonus, having done this, the screen wash jets are now working better then they've ever done. No more warm-up time, where they sit and do nothing for a second or so after pulling the stalk. I'm now pretty sure that the nozzle has been leaking the whole time I've had the car, and I'd never realised...
Thanks for the update, I've temporarily given up trying to solve my issue as I can't figure out where it's leaking from. Bit loath to keep replacing bits on the off chance it'll fix it.As a bonus, having done this, the screen wash jets are now working better then they've ever done. No more warm-up time, where they sit and do nothing for a second or so after pulling the stalk. I'm now pretty sure that the nozzle has been leaking the whole time I've had the car, and I'd never realised...
I think if I do start trying to solve it again, I'll start by replacing the headlight washer pump.
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