Someone's gotta know how to make washer nozzles spray like new...

[TC535i]

Is there a way to clean these things out, or is it just best to buy new ones from the dealership? Anyone know the secret to like-new windshield washer performance??

[632 Regal]

stick a small wire in the nozzle, such as one from a piece of wire, I think a pin is too thick. They are also adjustable too!

[winfred]

new is better but you can sometimes take them apart and clean the crud out without destroying them, i don't even try anymore, not worth my time

[black_bird_blue]

I've always used a pin - I'm in the habit of pushing a pin into the end of the passenger wiper blade so if the nozzles clog up I have one to hand. It's a sewing pin rather than a safety pin and fits right down into the nozzle. I also only use BMW screenwash - I have a thing about the smell, it's just soooo nice - and that seems to discourage clogging somehow (I know not how).

Damian

[mholbrook]

I can tell you that new is good but expensive because these are heated nozzles. I always have used a pin and had a helper hit the sprayer while I was cleaning and aiming them. Unfortunately, there does not appear to be a "non-heated" version to replace the heated. I live in San Diego and don't really need heat.

[632 Regal]

heated hmm...I wondered what them wires were

[MicahO]

Is there a way to clean these things out, or is it just best to buy new ones from the dealership? Anyone know the secret to like-new windshield washer performance??

Pin always worked, except for the previous owner's error. Driver's side was always weak, so I finally took the thing apart to replace the driver's side nozzle, and what do I find? That the previous owner had apparently replaced the driver's side nozzle with a nozzle with two fittings, I suppose the second fitting was for the high-intensity system? Well, the guy had only connected one of the fittings, and perhaps plugged the second one. Eventually that second fitting got un-plugged and was letting off a lot of pressure - right into the hood insulation, which was a mess.

A small pin - very narrow gauge, should be able to break up whatever is in there. And don't be afraid to drop the insulation and see what's lurking - it may just be a loose fitting.

[Jason]

Pin always worked, except for the previous owner's error. Driver's side was always weak, so I finally took the thing apart to replace the driver's side nozzle, and what do I find? That the previous owner had apparently replaced the driver's side nozzle with a nozzle with two fittings, I suppose the second fitting was for the high-intensity system? Well, the guy had only connected one of the fittings, and perhaps plugged the second one. Eventually that second fitting got un-plugged and was letting off a lot of pressure - right into the hood insulation, which was a mess.

A small pin - very narrow gauge, should be able to break up whatever is in there. And don't be afraid to drop the insulation and see what's lurking - it may just be a loose fitting.

[Sweetwater]

After you break open the nozzle, anybody ever try some mild vinegar flush? It works great for my coffee maker's deposits. I would think if the nozzle is clogged, the whole system could use a decalcification. Maybe one of those tablets in solution would work too?

Disclosure: I haven't tried it yet, will probably experiment on a different auto before trying it on the bimmer.

[Mr Project]

I spent a great deal of time cleaning mine a while back. Carb cleaner, pins, toothpicks, and compressed air made a nice clean nozzle (watch out, the carb cleaner can eat the plastic). Of course I broke one putting it back in, and had to buy a new one from BMA at about $21. Of course, the new one works 10000% better than my 'cleaned' old one. Not worth it, IMO. And I'm CHEAP!!