SL/R230: Headlamp Washers
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 32
Likes: 5
SL350 (R230)
Headlamp Washers
On my SL350, the headlamp washers extend correctly and produce water. BUT on the nearside, the water appears to just go nowhere.
The volume seems good but no jet.
Is there a way of stopping the mechanism out of its hideaway to have a chance to clean the jets find out whats happening etc,??
Thanks
The volume seems good but no jet.
Is there a way of stopping the mechanism out of its hideaway to have a chance to clean the jets find out whats happening etc,??
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 407
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
I would guess that you should able to open the little flap in the bumper cover with a small pick/hook and then lift the headlight washer nozzle up manually to have a look at it.
Or just take the bumper cover off. It's really easy to do, just takes 15 minutes or so.
From what you describe, you probably need to replace the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly has two separate small jets/nozzles that are a ball and socket design that allow the small jets to be adjusted/aimed. On my car, some of the sockets had deteriorated and crumbled allowing the ball/jet to fall completely out, leaving a relatively large open hole.
Or just take the bumper cover off. It's really easy to do, just takes 15 minutes or so.
From what you describe, you probably need to replace the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly has two separate small jets/nozzles that are a ball and socket design that allow the small jets to be adjusted/aimed. On my car, some of the sockets had deteriorated and crumbled allowing the ball/jet to fall completely out, leaving a relatively large open hole.
Last edited by brucewane; Nov 10, 2025 at 12:01 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 474
Likes: 120
From: North West England
SL500
I would guess that you should able to open the little flap in the bumper cover with a small pick/hook and then lift the headlight washer nozzle up manually to have a look at it.
Or just take the bumper cover off. It's really easy to do, just takes 15 minutes or so.
From what you describe, you probably need to replace the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly has two separate small jets/nozzles that are a ball and socket design that allow the small jets to be adjusted/aimed. On my car, some of the sockets had deteriorated and crumbled allowing the ball/jet to fall completely out, leaving a relatively large open hole.
Or just take the bumper cover off. It's really easy to do, just takes 15 minutes or so.
From what you describe, you probably need to replace the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly has two separate small jets/nozzles that are a ball and socket design that allow the small jets to be adjusted/aimed. On my car, some of the sockets had deteriorated and crumbled allowing the ball/jet to fall completely out, leaving a relatively large open hole.
They extend by water pressure pushing it out. When it is fully out the pressure should build up enough to then come out the jets.
What happens is either they do not extend due to weak or aftermarket washer pump, the pipe leaks, or they leak where they extend, or the the jet mounting cracks at the end. Only solution will be to buy a new washer jet, but will need bumper removing to fit.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 474
Likes: 120
From: North West England
SL500
Best tip is to have some of the correct screws and screw clips ready to replace the old ones from where the bumper meets the front wing.
Place a blanket on the ground so when you drop the bumper it lands on it, not the roadway.
Also plan as many jobs as possible with bumper off, like cleaning, painting, headlight refurbishment parking sensors etc.
