I got Magneti Marelli, who I think were the OEM, for the headlight washer (711300510003), as well as the nozzle (711307030115) - seem ok so far

 

I bought a pair from Aliexpress for $25 CAD shipped and it fits like a charm on my M3

 

Thanks both for the feedback. I was aware that Magnetti Marelli (AL)is the OEM for these and that is fine except from the prices I saw they are not that much cheaper than genuine BMW.

The problem I have is that the system on my car is leaking, probably from the left hand side and draining the tank.

The system is not very useful but is required by UK law to be functional on cars fitted with xenon lights.

I priced up two genuine nozzles and two genuine telescopic nozzles and it's not much short of £200.

If these aftermarket ones at at about £37 for a full set are any good then it might make sense. Waste of money if they are unreliable rubbish.

Left Right Headlight Washer Jet Sprayer Nozzle For BMW E46 316 320 325 1999-2005 | eBay

 

I’d buy 1 if these aftermarket nozzles to fix the left side leak. If the nozzle works properly and seems to of good quality I’d buy another for the right side. Also, are you sure it’s the nozzles that are leaking?

 

Judging by the fact you only need it to pass the MOT, you might as well buy the cheapest one available - just don't use them very often or something.
After all, it's not terribly sophisticated technology - but I don't think you'll find any feedback on these particular ones, since they don't have any branding, so you need people that bought from that particular ebay seller to find out.

That said, you could diagnose the leak, find eg that it's due to eg an adapter that's come off the water line, and just put some zip ties on it, saving even more.

 

Thanks all. Looks like I have to make a decision as to removing the headlights and diagnosing.

 

I have no problems passing the MOT without them, though I have removed the pump from the tank. Maybe that helps? The aftermarket nozzles work fine, but the aftermarket actuators do not. Leaking has been my experience. I had them replaced twice, gave up, and disconnected it all again.
The actuator is easily accessed by removing the front part of the arch cover. It is only a few screws.

 

Finally seemed to have fixed the problem.
Bought a pair of cheap nozzles on ebay for £11. Swapped both over. Found that the old left hand nozzle you could blow through and it hissed. Neither the old right hand nozzle or the two new ones did this.

Tested the system and new left nozzle had a good strong jet but the new right nozzle was a weak trickle. Swapped back the old right nozzle and strong jets on both sides.

Conclusion. Cheap Chinese nozzles can work but quality control possibly poor. So it's a bit of a crap shoot (phrase I picked up on this forum).

May not bother returning the nozzles due to the hassle and the fact the system now works. Would buy individually in future.

 

Update. Spray nozzles were not enough. The telescopic nozzles also leaked and were draining the tank over a day or so.

I pulled the headlights and replaced them.

The Magnetti Marelli (AL) ones I bought for about £45 each are identical bar the BMW logo.

 

The new one looks bigger.

 

Do not throw to the bin the old ones, they can be fixed.

 

Might have already done done so. Will have to check. Good info anyway. Old ones dated 2002 and new ones 2022 so they should last a while. Good info though to save people quite a bit or money.

 

I think this vídeo explains how.