What are those nipples on the bumper

[Meestahbig]

My car doesn't have them, but when I look at other X5 2003 models, they all seem to have these 4 nipples on the front bumper, I think they look ugly. What are they for and why did some cars not have. I saw one car with two removed and there are holes below them, so I guess removal is not really an option.

[edogg]

For milking, of course!


They are actually headlight washer nozzles and part of the cold weather package. They're like your windshield squirter, just for the headlights. They get the grime off when you're driving through dirt, mud, and snow.

[motordavid]

They are headlight washers...

From fading memory, they squirt the headlight lenses every so often when the windshield washer is activated, or if one hits the 'super wash' function on the stalk.

If you don't have them, why do you care?
GL, mD

[Meestahbig]

ah. ok. Really nice picture.

I am looking at another older X5 (can't beat the price) and like I said, most have these nipples. Not a fan, but hey the car would be for my mom... she won't car or know the difference.

[OrangeFurious]

I like the washers quite a bit. Gives the front end some teeth and ratchets up the tough truck look. To each their own though.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by motordavid

They are headlight washers...

From fading memory, they squirt the headlight lenses every so often when the windshield washer is activated, or if one hits the 'super wash' function on the stalk.

If you don't have them, why do you care?
GL, mD

The headlight washers are only activated if the headlights are on - so if you wash the front screen and the headlights are off, no headlight wash, but if you wash the front screen with the headlights on, the headlights get a dunking too.

Doesn't matter if you use the regular "pull the stalk" wash or the semi-auto "super-washer" - same behaviour.

And yeah, I think E53s look muted without the washers..

[4.8iS Le Mans_NZ]

Originally Posted by wpoll

The headlight washers are only activated if the headlights are on - so if you wash the front screen and the headlights are off, no headlight wash, but if you wash the front screen with the headlights on, the headlights get a dunking too.

...but not every time you pull the stalk.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by 4.8iS Le Mans_NZ

...but not every time you pull the stalk.

Dang - now I'm going to have to spend my morning tea break in the car park testing my damn headlight washers, just to see...

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Dang - now I'm going to have to spend my morning tea break in the car park testing my damn headlight washers, just to see...

Don't forget your towel to clean up the overspray.


FYI for those that don't have an owners manual...or have one, forgot how it works, and don't feel like looking for the manual.

BTW...I think the wash cycle is every 5th initiation of the windshield wash button or "special wash" (aka intensive wash) when the headlamps are on. (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).

[StephenVA]

If you do not want the FLOOD of washer solvent hitting the front end of your X on the 5th wash/wipe cycle when trying to get a few bugs splats off especially when the air temp is at melting point, just disconnect the H/L washer pump electrical connector at the pump on the washer Reservoir.

Try getting off died and fried washer solvent off what was clean and waxed paint after it boils away burning off your clear coat.....