[tpryor]

My wife took her E92 in for the dreaded HPFP (long cranking) - which they say BMW will not let them replace without a code.....(sorry - I digress).

In the process, she had noticed that everytime we fill the washer fluid bottle, some runs out onto the ground from beneath the car. She mentioned this as well and was told - wait for it - that BMW puts a relief valve in the washer fluid bottle to prevent it being filled to capacity!

Really?

A. Why would anyone care if the washer bottle is full?
B. Why wouldn't it mention this in the owners manual?
C. What possible harm could it do to be full?
D. How do you know when to stop filling it?

Is there a professional technician who could set me straight on this one?

I know its a silly question - I searched - I looked for the bottle on realoem parts site (couldn't find it) - and now I'll just ask.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[blue2fire]

I found a little illustration of this system. Cant see a Relief Valve listed in the content.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

[JayKay335i]

The headlight washer systems are notorious for leaking. And a couple long cranks doesnt instantaneously and necessarily mean death of the HPFP.

[MrDummy]

I had a headlight washer leak the day I brought my car home from dealer, and I have never heard about a relief valve, but check into my issues I have had and I can HONESTLY tell you a LOT of bimmer dealerships do NOT care about you once you buy or lease the vehicle.

I went to 3 dealers in my area and stuck with my dealership in which I bought the car, but in the 1st 40 days the car was in the shop more than half that time, and I had 3 different loaners.

And they always say its either, in spec, or normal wear and tear, or the best one = No trouble found at this time

[tpryor]

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

The headlight washer systems are notorious for leaking. And a couple long cranks doesnt instantaneously and necessarily mean death of the HPFP.

True - if it were a couple - but 10-15 second cranking every morning when it used to start instantly probably does. If it sits for a couple of days it doesn't seem like it will ever crank.

It's even done it for the dealer, and he agrees that is the issue, but says BMW will not allow him to replace it without a code.

And - just so I am clear - I don't have headlight washers. This is the bottle for the windshield washer (maybe the same thing). I don't want to mislead anyone.

[piezo]

I don't know about a relief valve, that sounds like typical SA

The first time I parked on my inclined driveway, when the tank was still quite full (as I had yet to test the washers), I noticed it leaking out the rear end of the rocker panel. The dealer assured me that it was normal, and since the rockers are plastic anyway I decided to let it go.

The reason you don't want it completely full is if you're in an area prone to freezing temps and it's been topped off with enough plain water to dilute the antifreeze past the point of effectiveness.

[tpryor]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

I found a little illustration of this system. Cant see a Relief Valve listed in the content.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

Excellent, thank you.

I will take him the drawing and ask him to point out the relief valve. Should be entertaining.

[tpryor]

Originally Posted by piezo

The reason you don't want it completely full is if you're in an area prone to freezing temps and it's been topped off with enough plain water to dilute the antifreeze past the point of effectiveness.

Completely agree. I live in Houston, TX and it hardly ever gets to freezing - and if it does it's only for a few minutes.

I only use the premixed Rain-X fluid, never plain water - and I am not about to let the dealer top it off.

Thanks for the help.

[DASHOCKER]

Have the SA show you this "relief valve" for reference. What a joke! Go to another BMW Center for warranty work..