Disable Headlight Washers

pkcormier · 11-04-2008, 11:24 AM

Has anyone figured out how to disable the headlight washers?

EspressoBoy · 11-04-2008, 11:27 AM

Just wondering, why would you want to?

I think if I am not mistaken, it will only come on when your headlight setting is in AUTO, switched to Manual, and they don't come on. Don't quote me, I am using my faulty memory, not the faulty manual.

LOL

EspressoBoy

pkcormier · 11-04-2008, 11:46 AM

I live in Texas where I will never need to clean my headlights between car wash intervals. And the headlight washer makes a brilliant display of overspray. I keep my lights on Auto and will never remember to switch to manual when using the windshield washers. I'm too busy trying to remember how to get home.

EspressoBoy · 11-04-2008, 11:55 AM

LOL, that's why I have NAV, the car tells me where to go every day...

I love it when I miss the street and it sounds like "make an illegal tern" but it is really saying "make a legal tern".

Anyway, so it is true, leave it on manual and no wash then. That seems like a fair solution. I bet if you found the tube that goes to the pump, you could just disconect them.

EspressoBoy

pit1 · 11-04-2008, 12:26 PM

I'm not sure about the manual vs auto conditions...but the washers will ONLY activate when the headlights are ON. I THINK it's an On/Off thing rather than a Manual/Auto thing.

If I've just washed her and it's overcast or dusk, I'll briefly turn off the headlights while and pull the trigger and turn them back to auto after the spray. A bit of a problem, however, when you might just need those headlights.

pkcormier · 11-04-2008, 04:09 PM

I leave my lights on auto and used the washer this am on the way to work. Bright daylight. Headlight washer blasted my lights leaving a shimmering reminder on my clean hood. Auto mode activates the daytime running lights. I wish there was a fuse dedicated to the washers. I will look for the hose leading to the washer nozzel and disconnect or pinch off. But I suspect it will be hard to reach without removing the bumper cover.

I do know that it does not activate the headlight washer each time. It is on an every 3rd or 4th cycle. At least that's better than my old Audi S4 which was every time.

Haywood · 11-04-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkcormier

I leave my lights on auto and used the washer this am on the way to work. Bright daylight. Headlight washer blasted my lights leaving a shimmering reminder on my clean hood. Auto mode activates the daytime running lights. I wish there was a fuse dedicated to the washers. I will look for the hose leading to the washer nozzel and disconnect or pinch off. But I suspect it will be hard to reach without removing the bumper cover.

I do know that it does not activate the headlight washer each time. It is on an every 3rd or 4th cycle. At least that's better than my old Audi S4 which was every time.

Just so I understand, if you turn your switch to manual, you don't get the Daytime Running Lamps?

gyrfalcon · 11-04-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood

Just so I understand, if you turn your switch to manual, you don't get the Daytime Running Lamps?

You will always have daytime running lamps on, regardless of switch position, if you have them enabled in either the left stalk menu or I-drive.

EspressoBoy · 11-04-2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gyrfalcon

You will always have daytime running lamps on, regardless of switch position.

That might depend on which country. I know in Canada we have them, but not sure in USA. I think I remember someone saying they don't have that.

Correct me if I am wrong. (PM me)

EspressoBoy

Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! · 11-04-2008, 09:48 PM

Should I cut the blue wire first?

Or the red wire?

:iono:

ben14142001 · 11-04-2008, 10:05 PM

You can turn them off through the iDrive system.

-Ben

Quote:

Originally Posted by gyrfalcon

You will always have daytime running lamps on, regardless of switch position.

pit1 · 11-05-2008, 09:12 AM

You can also turn off DRLs with no iDrive, in left stalk options.

If your headlight washers are going off, it should ONLY be because your headlights are ON. I've also been driving in early morning daylight and my headlights were ON in Auto mode. IMO the sensor does an excellent job at managing the headlights. Even in direct sunrise/sunset lighting, the headlights are ON giving the necessary rear lighting.

Anyone know where the headlight sensor is?

123D-M · 11-05-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pit1

You can also turn off DRLs with no iDrive, in left stalk options.

If your headlight washers are going off, it should ONLY be because your headlights are ON. I've also been driving in early morning daylight and my headlights were ON in Auto mode. IMO the sensor does an excellent job at managing the headlights. Even in direct sunrise/sunset lighting, the headlights are ON giving the necessary rear lighting.

Anyone know where the headlight sensor is?

It's in the windscreen. Next to the rain sensor.

F31TanzBlue · 11-05-2008, 01:08 PM

Head lamp washers activate when the headlights are on... so turn off the headlights completely including day time running.

pkcormier · 11-05-2008, 01:42 PM

US spec 135i does not activate daytime running lights in the manual or Off position. Just in Auto mode.

I am looking for the lazy man solution, if there is one. I like the idea of daytime running lights and the convenience of never needing to decide when to turn on/off the headlights.

I think what I will do is take some duct tap and slap if over the washer covers.

pkcormier · 11-05-2008, 05:29 PM

Exactly! The only time in my life I have ever needed to clean my headlights between washing my car was coming down the mountain at night from a ski weekend, and the dirty sludge on the road began to degrade my visibility. I pulled over and wiped them with a rag. Problem solved. Now I cross my fingers when I pull my washer lever that I am not on the headlight interval.

SlapSmak · 11-05-2008, 08:51 PM

8000 miles, I have never had my wipers on. RainX rules

pkcormier · 11-05-2008, 10:38 PM

It's not an issue of rain. I just can't stand a dirty windshield. It only takes a day or so after washing my car for the windshield to get a thin layer of haze. A quick shot of washer fluid and a few swipes of the blades and I'm sane again. Now if I could just stop the headlight washers from spotting the hood and bumper. Duct tape didn't work.

Berduderunner · 11-06-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkcormier

It's not an issue of rain. I just can't stand a dirty windshield. It only takes a day or so after washing my car for the windshield to get a thin layer of haze. A quick shot of washer fluid and a few swipes of the blades and I'm sane again. Now if I could just stop the headlight washers from spotting the hood and bumper. Duct tape didn't work.

AMEN.

xbook · 11-06-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!

Should I cut the blue wire first?

Or the red wire?

:iono:

NOT THE RED WIRE!!!!! Cut the green one, otherwise we're all gonna blow up!!!

Qube · 11-06-2008, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlapSmak

8000 miles, I have never had my wipers on. RainX rules

+1. Always. New car, used car, friends car... Rain-x is the first thing to go on... then wax.

Mad Dragon · 11-06-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!

Should I cut the blue wire first?

Or the red wire?

:iono:

shoot the hostage

11-04-2008, 11:24 AM	#1
pkcormier Private First Class 15 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Disable Headlight Washers Has anyone figured out how to disable the headlight washers?
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11-04-2008, 11:27 AM	#2
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Just wondering, why would you want to? I think if I am not mistaken, it will only come on when your headlight setting is in AUTO, switched to Manual, and they don't come on. Don't quote me, I am using my faulty memory, not the faulty manual. LOL EspressoBoy
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11-04-2008, 11:46 AM	#3
pkcormier Private First Class 15 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I live in Texas where I will never need to clean my headlights between car wash intervals. And the headlight washer makes a brilliant display of overspray. I keep my lights on Auto and will never remember to switch to manual when using the windshield washers. I'm too busy trying to remember how to get home.
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11-04-2008, 11:55 AM	#4
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	LOL, that's why I have NAV, the car tells me where to go every day... I love it when I miss the street and it sounds like "make an illegal tern" but it is really saying "make a legal tern". Anyway, so it is true, leave it on manual and no wash then. That seems like a fair solution. I bet if you found the tube that goes to the pump, you could just disconect them. EspressoBoy
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11-04-2008, 12:26 PM	#5
pit1 Captain 239 Rep 790 Posts Drives: F87 M2 Join Date: May 2008 Location: It's always Sunny... iTrader: (1)	I'm not sure about the manual vs auto conditions...but the washers will ONLY activate when the headlights are ON. I THINK it's an On/Off thing rather than a Manual/Auto thing. If I've just washed her and it's overcast or dusk, I'll briefly turn off the headlights while and pull the trigger and turn them back to auto after the spray. A bit of a problem, however, when you might just need those headlights.
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11-04-2008, 04:09 PM	#6
pkcormier Private First Class 15 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I leave my lights on auto and used the washer this am on the way to work. Bright daylight. Headlight washer blasted my lights leaving a shimmering reminder on my clean hood. Auto mode activates the daytime running lights. I wish there was a fuse dedicated to the washers. I will look for the hose leading to the washer nozzel and disconnect or pinch off. But I suspect it will be hard to reach without removing the bumper cover. I do know that it does not activate the headlight washer each time. It is on an every 3rd or 4th cycle. At least that's better than my old Audi S4 which was every time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-04-2008, 09:48 PM	#10
Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! Captain 34 Rep 786 Posts Drives: 09 135i, 98 M rdstr Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Should I cut the blue wire first? Or the red wire? :iono: __________________ '09 135i 6MT : Space Grey/Black ette : Cold Weather Package : Sport Package : Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim : iPod and USB : Nav : HD radio : Premium hi-fi system
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11-05-2008, 09:12 AM	#12
pit1 Captain 239 Rep 790 Posts Drives: F87 M2 Join Date: May 2008 Location: It's always Sunny... iTrader: (1)	You can also turn off DRLs with no iDrive, in left stalk options. If your headlight washers are going off, it should ONLY be because your headlights are ON. I've also been driving in early morning daylight and my headlights were ON in Auto mode. IMO the sensor does an excellent job at managing the headlights. Even in direct sunrise/sunset lighting, the headlights are ON giving the necessary rear lighting. Anyone know where the headlight sensor is?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-05-2008, 01:08 PM	#14
F31TanzBlue Private 3 Rep 51 Posts Drives: BMW 340 F31 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Head lamp washers activate when the headlights are on... so turn off the headlights completely including day time running.
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11-05-2008, 01:42 PM	#15
pkcormier Private First Class 15 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	US spec 135i does not activate daytime running lights in the manual or Off position. Just in Auto mode. I am looking for the lazy man solution, if there is one. I like the idea of daytime running lights and the convenience of never needing to decide when to turn on/off the headlights. I think what I will do is take some duct tap and slap if over the washer covers.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-05-2008, 05:29 PM	#16
pkcormier Private First Class 15 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Exactly! The only time in my life I have ever needed to clean my headlights between washing my car was coming down the mountain at night from a ski weekend, and the dirty sludge on the road began to degrade my visibility. I pulled over and wiped them with a rag. Problem solved. Now I cross my fingers when I pull my washer lever that I am not on the headlight interval.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-05-2008, 08:51 PM	#17
SlapSmak Private 4 Rep 96 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (1)	8000 miles, I have never had my wipers on. RainX rules __________________ 98 Type R
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11-05-2008, 10:38 PM	#18
pkcormier Private First Class 15 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	It's not an issue of rain. I just can't stand a dirty windshield. It only takes a day or so after washing my car for the windshield to get a thin layer of haze. A quick shot of washer fluid and a few swipes of the blades and I'm sane again. Now if I could just stop the headlight washers from spotting the hood and bumper. Duct tape didn't work.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

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