E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Where is the low washer fluid indicator?

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Old Jan 7, 2004 | 09:15 AM
  #1  
rdtjr's Avatar
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From: chicago
2003 E500
Where is the low washer fluid indicator?

I know there is one because the manual says so but doesn't give the location - as far as I could tell. I assume it is somewhere in the instrument cluster. Must not work because I ran dry last night.
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Old Jan 7, 2004 | 10:51 AM
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it should alert you to a malfunction in the cluster. i don't remember a dedicated lamp.
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Old Jan 7, 2004 | 01:39 PM
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2003 E500
The indicator for running low on washer fluid looks like a little fountain which comes on in the middle of the instrument panel.
The same symbol appears on the tank cover where you add replacement fluid.

This morning it was quite cold (19 degrees F) for the first time this winter where I live (in Washington, DC). I tried washing the windshield, but no fluid came out. There was no indicator light. Perhaps it does not spray if it senses that the windshield is too cold? Maybe that is what happened to you as well. The low-fluid indicator definitely did not come on.

I haven't had time to check the manual. Anyone had this experience?
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Old Jan 7, 2004 | 03:42 PM
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did you try to use the washer when the car was cold? hopefully the washer will work when the car/windshield has warmed up.
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Old Jan 7, 2004 | 04:09 PM
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From: chicago
2003 E500
bmw2mb:

If your comment is directed at me, I tried a few times after the car was warmed up - took about an hour to get home last night. Added a little of the blue stuff this morning (in my unheated garage) and the washers for both the windshield and headlights sprayed immediately.
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Old Jan 12, 2004 | 03:00 AM
  #6  
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From: Los Angeles
2003 E320
It shows as a "malfunction" on your instrument cluster. It says something like "malfunction"--need to add washer fluid. I've gotten this alert twice in the year I've had my car. I've never actually run out of fluid.
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Old Jan 12, 2004 | 09:49 AM
  #7  
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From: chicago
2003 E500
Definitely ran out of fluid. Added a full gallon this weekend. Never saw a "malfunction" message. I would hope malfunction messages would show up without having to constantly scroll to see if one is there.
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Old Jan 12, 2004 | 10:38 AM
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Does one have to use the MB washer fluid or can I use the regular blue stuff without problems?

My indicator for "low washer fluid" just came on and the dealer is too far to make a trip just to buy fluid (unless it's a necessity).
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Old Jan 12, 2004 | 11:54 AM
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From: Washington, DC
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While driving around this weekend, with temperatures in the teens, the windshield wiper fluid would not work, even after the car was warmed up. Fortunately, this morning, which is warmer, the fluid again came out. So apparently my problem was not having insufficient fluid.

Anyone in colder climes who can shed any light on this?
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