Windshield Washer - I think I screwed up

[Mitch90535im]

Tired of having to ask my wife who has small hands to do all the tight-spot work for me I got over anxious while at home telecommuting today to replace the washer fluid level sensor in my 535i. Not seeing it at first I unplugged the washer fluid pump instead and what appeared to be a little metal clip of somesort (I suppose with the purpose of holding the pump in place) popped away and disappeared into never never land in that general vicinity of the car where I can't see a damn thing. So, I'm curious if that is indeed a clip that is necessary for holding the pump in place on the tank, what it's called, where I can find one, and most importanly, how in Hell are you supposed to get access to it to install it?

Or, second part of the question, does the gromet pictured above hold the pump in place all by itself?

Also, while I'm asking, not that my tank is empty and I now know where the level sensor is, which direction should the clear plastic float actually face in the tank, up or down?


------------------- UPDATE ------------------------------

In the words of Emily Latella - "Nevermind"

[glen-sj]

That metal clip may not be metal but a plastic clip on the electrical plug that came off when you removed the pump. The grommet holds the pump suction and keep it water tight. The washer bottle is molded in such a way that the pump body is wedged into the space and thus hold the pump in place. At least that is how the pumps are installed on my 92-525 and 95-530.

The level sensor should only be installed one way. There is a flat side on the flange of the sensor allow for its installation. Anyway, the sensor should be installed with the clear plastic facing down so that as you fill the bottle the fluid lever rises and lift the float up to close the circuit.

[Mitch90535im]

You're correct in both instances. That was a piece of a plug I saw, and I must say it is very nice to start up without the annoying "Washer fluid low"
now.

Thanks for the reply.