Split headlight washer pipes

[RedLine]

I,ve been advised that a common problem on E89s is that the pipes feeding the headlamp washers split easily if they freeze. When it thaws the whole contents of the washer bottle gets dumped.
I always keep the mix quite strong in winter and never had problems with frozen washers on any car even when it's -10C or lower - has anyone had similar experiences with their zed?

I was also told that headlamp washers are mandatory on xenon headlights and would be an MOT failure if they don't work. I've never heard that before. Is it correct?

 

[Ewazix]

Freezing washers popping pipes and busting washer units is a common problem not just on BMW and they are required to be fitted and working under MOT rules for Xenon lights although I'm sure people have got away without fitting them at all when adding retro-fitted Xenons. Fitted and not working on Xenons is a fail.

 

[RedLine]

Hopefully I won't have problems - I use 25% (and even as high as 50% mix when it looks like going to and below -10C which it often does out in the country) using concentrated wash. The expensive premix that you find just inside the door as you go into Halfords (Concentrated is always hidden down the back of the store nowadays) is weak by comparison and still quite likely to freeze not far below zero i.e. -4C and possibly why people experience problems. -4C isn't that uncommon. It isn't the pipes or bottles etc - its what people put in them (or don't).

Are people unable to mix screen wash nowadays?

Why are washers mandatory on Xenons? What is it about them that demand screen washers to be fitted?
Do the high voltages involved charge them so they attract dirt?
Sorry - it's the engineer in me….. I need to know why

 

[srhutch]

Even when they do work they don't clean the lights, waste of time. Needs wipers as well, had them on my old cavalier, head lights always clean.

 

[RedLine]

Even when they do work they don't clean the lights, waste of time. Needs wipers as well, had them on my old cavalier, head lights always clean.

I agree - washers do little to keep lights clean. They just end up emptying your wash bottle more quickly :-(

 

[Angie4m]

Why are washers mandatory on Xenons? What is it about them that demand screen washers to be fitted?
Do the high voltages involved charge them so they attract dirt?
Sorry - it's the engineer in me….. I need to know why

It's to do with glare and beam patterns. Incorrect beam patterns can be a MOT failure in itself and washers help remove the dirt which can effect this and the glare to other road users. Here is a write up on it.

Most people think it is so that dirt cannot dim the light. This is only partly true, and in fact, this wouldn’t be a particularly crucial concern with xenon lights, which have such a very high light output. The main reason for the requirement is that dirt can impair the optical features of the headlamp and cause glare. Incidentally, headlamps which are only slightly soiled cause a stronger glare, and of course the brighter the headlamp, the stronger the glare.

Are people unable to mix screen wash nowadays?

Well you can, just don't mix BMW Screen wash and other brands otherwise that may cause an issue as they seem to react. Not sure of adding some rather strong vodka into the bottle would cause a reaction but would help stop the freezing of it was over 40%

 

[Angie4m]

Even when they do work they don't clean the lights, waste of time. Needs wipers as well, had them on my old cavalier, head lights always clean.

I agree - washers do little to keep lights clean. They just end up emptying your wash bottle more quickly :-(

Yes but as headlight lenses are now polycarbonate I.e. A form of heat resistant Plastic and not glass the dirt and wipers would possibly scratch the surface and prematurely wear out the lenses causing most people to have them replaced.

 

[metal licker]

I,ve been advised that a common problem on E89s is that the pipes feeding the headlamp washers split easily if they freeze. When it thaws the whole contents of the washer bottle gets dumped.
I always keep the mix quite strong in winter and never had problems with frozen washers on any car even when it's -10C or lower - has anyone had similar experiences with their zed?

I was also told that headlamp washers are mandatory on xenon headlights and would be an MOT failure if they don't work. I've never heard that before. Is it correct?

Never heard of this happening before and think it's the first time i've seen it mentioned on the forum :?

 

[RedLine]

Why are washers mandatory on Xenons? What is it about them that demand screen washers to be fitted?
Do the high voltages involved charge them so they attract dirt?
Sorry - it's the engineer in me….. I need to know why

It's to do with glare and beam patterns. Incorrect beam patterns can be a MOT failure in itself and washers help remove the dirt which can effect this and the glare to other road users. Here is a write up on it.

Most people think it is so that dirt cannot dim the light. This is only partly true, and in fact, this wouldn’t be a particularly crucial concern with xenon lights, which have such a very high light output. The main reason for the requirement is that dirt can impair the optical features of the headlamp and cause glare. Incidentally, headlamps which are only slightly soiled cause a stronger glare, and of course the brighter the headlamp, the stronger the glare.

Are people unable to mix screen wash nowadays?

Well you can, just don't mix BMW Screen wash and other brands otherwise that may cause an issue as they seem to react. Not sure of adding some rather strong vodka into the bottle would cause a reaction but would help stop the freezing of it was over 40%

Thanks about the glare. I've noticed how poorly some Xenons appear to be, but, it's probably glare causing it not adjustments. That explains the washer requirement.
I just read elsewhere about the bmw screen wash issue. I'll have to check the manual and the instruction on the bottle . I suspect neither warn about mixing them.