headlight washer

[torpedo]

I know from owners manual that it's supposed to come out every 5 times you use windshield washer. But sometimes it seems to come out more often. It came out twice even three times in a row sometimes. That was summer, I didn't mind it came out too often. Now in the winter, it doesn't come out at all. I swear I used windsheild washer more than 5 times, maybe close to 10 times, the headlight washer still doesn't come out.
I have 02 325i, 22 thousand km. Should I take this to dealer? Is it still under warantee?

 

[Tweet227]

I've noticed the same thing too. Sometimes it comes out 2-3 times in a row other times it seems no matter how many times i clean the windshield they dont clean. I don't know what to tell you It is still under warranty so if it really bothers you take it in. Has anyone else noticed this too [???1]

 

[MrElussive]

Maybe the outside temperature somehow affects how often it works? Or maybe how long you hold the washer lever down affects it...meaning maybe it is time-based?

 

[Bimmin' in BC]

I have an '04 325i and I looked it up in the manual. Mine states that it will deploy "at reasonable intervals" and only when you activate the windshield washer with the headlights on. Hope this helps.

 

[Tweet227]

Interesting. I would really like to know how they determine what "reasonable intervals" are.

 

[Average Jae]

i think the key is the "while head lights are on. one time i was showing off the xenons on my car and hit the windshield washer.. everyone jumped as the headlight washer came on and started spraying it wasn't even on purpose pretty damn funny and cool at the same time.

i wish there was a dedicated btn for it, rather than letting it determind when to wash the headlights.. ah well

 

[Tweet227]

I have daytime running lights and i always put my driving lamps on too - so if i am driving my xenons are on. I don't think thats the reason for the inconsistency in my case.

I agree a separate button would be cool!

 

[Average Jae]

i wonder if the time the lights are on is what determins the "intervals" say you had the car on for x number of hours, or have driven at highway speeds for a certain duration, or how many times you used the wiper w/out the spray (like it's been raining or snowing) that might cause the headlight washer to come on more frequently.

it's prolly the un-understood variable that's causing the inconsistency, not the system fault.

 

[Tweet227]

I would tend to agree.

 

[MrElussive]

Wait, 3-series with headlight washers doesn't have a button to use them? Mercedes and Audi have a button on the dash you push and the headlight washers come out and do their thing. I guess I just assumed every other car out there with headlight washers would have a designated button rather than having the headlight washers come out whenever they want. [???1]

 

[Tweet227]

Nope, no separate button. Headlight washers come out the same time you wash your windshield.