BMW washer fluid stinks and you have no choice

BEAR-AvHistory · 03-05-2015, 11:05 AM

Been using it for years on 5 different BMW's no issues with the fluid level warning?

MikeTerp · 03-05-2015, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philbake

Exactly. Cheap blue to-20F works great here in CO.

It works great in Maryland too. Put 170K on my E39 and have 125K on my E90 and always used that stuff with nary a problem.

Axman85 · 03-05-2015, 05:43 PM

No issue here. Just buy whatever is available to keep window clean. I don't go by the sensor because it always comes on when you're not in a position to buy any fluid. Top it off based on usage. Sometimes it's more other times it's less.

Guess those who need the sensor are also the ones who love the fact there isn't a dip stick.

shivaswrath · 03-05-2015, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gds52

Lol....best comment.
I use same thing on both my BMWs, never had any issue.

The blue stuff is all the F30 reservoir sensor will recognize, which was fine with me - cheap and easy!

n55x3 · 03-06-2015, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

The blue stuff is all the F30 reservoir sensor will recognize, which was fine with me - cheap and easy!

That is simply not true.

tex2670 · 03-06-2015, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

The blue stuff is all the F30 reservoir sensor will recognize, which was fine with me - cheap and easy!

I just filled up my washer reservoir with blue Splash I got at Walmart--no issues.

shivaswrath · 03-06-2015, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n55x3

That is simply not true.

If you search, you'll see 90% of the board had to have their reservoir sensors replaced because they used RAINX or some other non-blue washer fluid.

The blue stuff works with the 2012-13 F30 3-series...unsure if BMW updated the sensors for 2014+.

finaloption · 03-06-2015, 10:01 AM

i must be one of the 10% then.. no issues so far using rain-x.. now you guys got me worried

f30luxline · 03-06-2015, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

If you search, you'll see 90% of the board had to have their reservoir sensors replaced because they used RAINX or some other non-blue washer fluid.

The blue stuff works with the 2012-13 F30 3-series...unsure if BMW updated the sensors for 2014+.

The fluid I pulled out of mine was green and I have always had the dealer fill it.

Fronzdan · 03-06-2015, 02:29 PM

When you fixed the problem...that globbed up strainer you showed...did you just have to cleaned that out, maybe soaking it in alcohol or something? I'm guessing that's at the bottom of the tank and you had to remove the whole thing to get at it?

scramblur · 03-06-2015, 03:30 PM

This is my 3rd BMW and I've heard of the rainx issue for some time. I didn't have an issue with the previous two, but this one happened on the first fill.

And to those who say this is a first world problem...

We drive BMW's, and we are here to discuss them, any issue we bring up is a first world problem. We are lucky to be able to experience driving such machines.

Wiper fluid not working correctly and detecting levels when roads are wet from sand and ice from snow is a problem. It will impair your vision to the point you can't see out the window.

I'm also shocked that a dealer in a cold weather climate would fill the car with wiper fluid that could freeze.

f30luxline · 03-06-2015, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fronzdan

When you fixed the problem...that globbed up strainer you showed...did you just have to cleaned that out, maybe soaking it in alcohol or something? I'm guessing that's at the bottom of the tank and you had to remove the whole thing to get at it?

The actual strainer (#2) material is metal. I was able to simply wash it off and put it back in. Yes, Located at the bottom of the tank and had to remove it.

Fronzdan · 03-06-2015, 04:13 PM

They don't show a sensor..is it inside the pumps(s), you think?

CHCCubs · 03-07-2015, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

If you search, you'll see 90% of the board had to have their reservoir sensors replaced because they used RAINX or some other non-blue washer fluid.

The blue stuff works with the 2012-13 F30 3-series...unsure if BMW updated the sensors for 2014+.

While I did get the low fluid level warning when I used to use rain-x, I definitely never had to replace any sensors. Once I switched to a different fluid I no longer had any false warning lights.

P-Bass · 03-07-2015, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scramblur

This is my 3rd BMW and I've heard of the rainx issue for some time. I didn't have an issue with the previous two, but this one happened on the first fill.

And to those who say this is a first world problem...

We drive BMW's, and we are here to discuss them, any issue we bring up is a first world problem. We are lucky to be able to experience driving such machines.

Wiper fluid not working correctly and detecting levels when roads are wet from sand and ice from snow is a problem. It will impair your vision to the point you can't see out the window.

I'm also shocked that a dealer in a cold weather climate would fill the car with wiper fluid that could freeze.

Correct. I had to replace my reservoir and was told not to use RainX. Not acceptable BMW. RainX is a great product. It really works, fantastic in light and especially driving rain. I miss it and hope the problem is resolved when my lease ends in 12 months.

Billfitz · 03-07-2015, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scramblur

This is my 3rd BMW and I've heard of the rainx issue for some time. I didn't have an issue with the previous two, but this one happened on the first fill.

Chances are your older cars used a float to detect the fluid level. The newer models use electrical sensors. The change was probably made because in general electrical devices have a lower failure rate and longer life than mechanical devices, and in testing obviously BMW didn't encounter any issues with the fluid that they sell. Needless to say they didn't test the new sensors with RainX.

casualDIYer · 03-07-2015, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_alnimah

Well, I just use Water and add a little dish washer soap... Nothing happens, works perfectly... BUT i live in Qatar where the coldest is 50f so we get no snow...

Dish washer soap is great for ceramics like cups plates etc but harsh on clearcoat and other car coatings. Suggest sticking with window washing fluid.

m_alnimah · 03-07-2015, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menncars

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_alnimah

Well, I just use Water and add a little dish washer soap... Nothing happens, works perfectly... BUT i live in Qatar where the coldest is 50f so we get no snow...

Dish washer soap is great for ceramics like cups plates etc but harsh on clearcoat and other car coatings. Suggest sticking with window washing fluid.

Oh Well! BMW Dealer said its okay... I guess i gotta buy washer fluid

dreamspeed · 03-07-2015, 02:15 PM

What does the sensor do? Just tell you when the fluid is low? Seems pointless.... I know it's "low" when I try to use it and nothing comes out lol. But then I rarely ever use it.

:

tex2670 · 03-07-2015, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_alnimah

Oh Well! BMW Dealer said its okay... I guess i gotta buy washer fluid

$2.50 for a gallon jug.

Daftasabrush · 03-07-2015, 02:28 PM

On the F31s, when the system thinks it's low, it won't let you wash the rear window, only wipe.

BourbonLegend · 04-08-2015, 06:34 PM

Hey, I feel bad for bugging you about this but I haven't been able to find any walkthroughs or information on replacing/cleaning out the washer reservoir for an F30. I believe I'm having the same problem as you did; my reservoir is empty but won't fill, as if it's plugged up. I've been using RainX since the car was new so after reading about your problem I wouldn't be surprised. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction so I can figure out how to access and disassemble the reservoir? Thanks in advance, Kyle.

03-05-2015, 11:05 AM	#45
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3124 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	Been using it for years on 5 different BMW's no issues with the fluid level warning? __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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03-05-2015, 05:43 PM	#47
Axman85 First Lieutenant 77 Rep 345 Posts Drives: 335i x-Drive M-Sport Min. Grey Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	No issue here. Just buy whatever is available to keep window clean. I don't go by the sensor because it always comes on when you're not in a position to buy any fluid. Top it off based on usage. Sometimes it's more other times it's less. Guess those who need the sensor are also the ones who love the fact there isn't a dip stick.
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03-06-2015, 10:01 AM	#52
finaloption Captain 187 Rep 632 Posts Drives: '13 f30 n26 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	i must be one of the 10% then.. no issues so far using rain-x.. now you guys got me worried
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03-06-2015, 02:29 PM	#54
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 295 Rep 1,733 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	When you fixed the problem...that globbed up strainer you showed...did you just have to cleaned that out, maybe soaking it in alcohol or something? I'm guessing that's at the bottom of the tank and you had to remove the whole thing to get at it?
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03-06-2015, 03:30 PM	#55
scramblur Techy 12 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 2014 335xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	This is my 3rd BMW and I've heard of the rainx issue for some time. I didn't have an issue with the previous two, but this one happened on the first fill. And to those who say this is a first world problem... We drive BMW's, and we are here to discuss them, any issue we bring up is a first world problem. We are lucky to be able to experience driving such machines. Wiper fluid not working correctly and detecting levels when roads are wet from sand and ice from snow is a problem. It will impair your vision to the point you can't see out the window. I'm also shocked that a dealer in a cold weather climate would fill the car with wiper fluid that could freeze.
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03-06-2015, 04:13 PM	#57
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 295 Rep 1,733 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	They don't show a sensor..is it inside the pumps(s), you think?
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03-07-2015, 02:15 PM	#63
dreamspeed Lieutenant Colonel 260 Rep 1,616 Posts Drives: 6MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	What does the sensor do? Just tell you when the fluid is low? Seems pointless.... I know it's "low" when I try to use it and nothing comes out lol. But then I rarely ever use it. : __________________
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03-07-2015, 02:28 PM	#65
Daftasabrush Fool 1857 Rep 3,542 Posts Drives: F31 340i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: England iTrader: (0)	On the F31s, when the system thinks it's low, it won't let you wash the rear window, only wipe.
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04-08-2015, 06:34 PM	#66
BourbonLegend Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Baumholder, Germany iTrader: (0)	Hey, I feel bad for bugging you about this but I haven't been able to find any walkthroughs or information on replacing/cleaning out the washer reservoir for an F30. I believe I'm having the same problem as you did; my reservoir is empty but won't fill, as if it's plugged up. I've been using RainX since the car was new so after reading about your problem I wouldn't be surprised. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction so I can figure out how to access and disassemble the reservoir? Thanks in advance, Kyle.
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