[rjc32000]

I've had no problems since BMW replaced my windshield reservoir, although it hasn't been super cold recently (18F today). Supposed to be closer to 0 over the weekend, so I'll make an updated report next week.

[kcidymkcus321]

Originally Posted by kcidymkcus321

I got the low fluid warning as well...had it over the last few days, although it was not caused by a cold snap, it was 60 degrees...I used the windshield wiper fluid MAYBE 3 times, so i know i did not run out, but i am hoping maybe the dealer did not fill it up all the way and only had a little left when i used it all up...

I dropped off the car at the dealership today due to the wind noise that some F30s are experiencing and I mentioned the low fluid warning as well, so we will see what the issue ends up being for that....

I am happy to report that my issue was the tech failed to fill the reservoir up during PDI...and in Tampa we dont really get down below 40 degrees during the winter and well its been dam near 90 the last week or two so this issue does not apply to me, just wanted to update y'all...

Good luck to everyone else...

[EJIB]

Looks indeed being an epidemic failure. I recently joined the club (surrounding temp around freezing point). Mine gives low level warning all the time now (though maximally filled with fluid protected until -20°C and correctly functioning). Clearly the low-level detection seems defect. Have to contact my local agent.

[Sprocket]

The sensor is most likely not faulty as such so replacing it with an identical part won't help, but it is susceptible to being tricked by a cleaning agent that is not conductive enough.

I had the exact same problem as everyone else in this thread, and the short-term solution is simply to change your cleaning fluid. Or mix your own using normal ("dirty") water and concentrated cleaning fluid.

When I did that my warnings disappeared and have been gone since (even during very cold weather).

The long-term solution is for BMW to replace the sensors, this is clearly a design fault. They need to design/source a new sensor.

[CE750Jockey]

My car's at the dealer now for this ongoing issue. The light was still on this morning even though the temp had risen to 41F. I'll report back what the dealer says. Anyone else with this issue had any luck?

[StevenBTO]

I took mine in for this issue. They referenced some PUMA case which basically says "Too much detergent in fluid, Use OEM approved fluid".. Thanks for nothing!

[shivaswrath]

so basically we have to replace with BMW specific fluid? That's got to violate some sort of antitrust law...

[StevenBTO]

That's basically what they told me. Obviously there is a sensor issue (my previous E90 didn't have any issues with the exact same fluid), but its easier for them to tell you to use another fluid then it is to replace the sensor. I guess I'll just live with the warning (I really like Rain-X!)

[CE750Jockey]

Originally Posted by StevenBTO

That's basically what they told me. Obviously there is a sensor issue (my previous E90 didn't have any issues with the exact same fluid), but its easier for them to tell you to use another fluid then it is to replace the sensor. I guess I'll just live with the warning (I really like Rain-X!)

Their explanation is bunk. It's a faulty sensor located in the reservoir. I took mine in today and they ordered the whole setup for replacement. The fluid is no more responsible for the faulty light than the temperature is. It's the sensor, not the fluid or temperature. If I were you I'd insist your Dealer do a little more than the bare minimum, otherwise I'd be on the phone with the Regional Service Manager.

[CHCCubs]

Originally Posted by CE750Jockey

Their explanation is bunk. It's a faulty sensor located in the reservoir. I took mine in today and they ordered the whole setup for replacement. The fluid is no more responsible for the faulty light than the temperature is. It's the sensor, not the fluid or temperature. If I were you I'd insist your Dealer do a little more than the bare minimum, otherwise I'd be on the phone with the Regional Service Manager.

Agreed, there has to be a faulty part, it can't be the type of washer fluid used. I've been running Rain-X washer fluid in my car since the factory fluid ran out and haven't had any issues in cold weather.

[rjc32000]

My issue went away after service replaced the reservoir and sensor. No faulty warnings since, which leads me to believe it is a sensor fault. And we've had plenty of cold days since it was replaced.

Originally Posted by CE750Jockey

My car's at the dealer now for this ongoing issue. The light was still on this morning even though the temp had risen to 41F. I'll report back what the dealer says. Anyone else with this issue had any luck?

[bnekic]

So I took my car in today because the low washer fluid warning is back, just like last winter. The service advisor calls me to tell me the issue is my rain-x washer fluid I used. That is such bullshit. He said BMW's fix is to use "any" blue washer fluid.

He said the sensor is conductive and can't read rain-x fluid. I call major bullshit! I called cooperate BMW a filed a complaint about this.

[Micleg]

Has anyone tried the salt trick yet? Adding a grain of salt to the container.

My tap water is soft and has a low conductivity which might be the reason for my earlier problems. Will try with salt as soon as the problem reappears.

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by bnekic

So I took my car in today because the low washer fluid warning is back, just like last winter. The service advisor calls me to tell me the issue is my rain-x washer fluid I used. That is such bullshit. He said BMW's fix is to use "any" blue washer fluid.

He said the sensor is conductive and can't read rain-x fluid. I call major bullshit! I called cooperate BMW a filed a complaint about this.

But the sensor DOES measure the conductivity of the fluid. That's how it works...

The explanation makes perfect sense. But I do say it's BS that they didn't design it to work with a wide array of fluids. I would think it could be corrected with a recalibration provided the sensor is capable of generating enough current to traverse the Rain-X fluid...

[bnekic]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

But the sensor DOES measure the conductivity of the fluid. That's how it works...

The explanation makes perfect sense. But I do say it's BS that they didn't design it to work with a wide array of fluids. I would think it could be corrected with a recalibration provided the sensor is capable of generating enough current to traverse the Rain-X fluid...

So what is it in blue washer fluid that makes it more conductive? Also there are different brands of blue fluid, so who knows if they all will work correctly?

BMW can't just use a simple level sensor they need to over complicate things. So a KIA can use rain-x fluid but I can't, oookkkkaaayyy.

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by bnekic

So what is it in blue washer fluid that makes it more conductive? Also there are different brands of blue fluid, so who knows if they all will work correctly?

BMW can't just use a simple level sensor they need to over complicate things. So a KIA can use rain-x fluid but I can't, oookkkkaaayyy.

It's probably not what's in the blue fluid, but rather what's in the Rain-X. The Rain-X has additional compounds that lower its conductivity. Or it uses a more purified water as its base. Either way, it has a lower conductivity so the sensor doesn't work...

[shivaswrath]

Confirm:cheap blue stuff from grocery works best.

Lol BMW!!
RainX be damned...

[34.50]

I get this warning every day since I've put in washer fluid. I only use Rain-X, and after putting in a gallon, I would get this message. I've continued to use Rain-X and continued to get this message every morning. It was really annoying being told you're low on washer fluid, when in reality there's plenty in the reservoir. I didn't really care that much, as long as I had windshield washer fluid.

Interesting observations - I'm going to try a different brand, and see what happens.

[CHCCubs]

So last winter I had no problems with this issue, but anytime it's been below -5C or so I get this warning as of late. Still running the same Rain-X fluid as I was last winter. I'll bring it up at my next service and see if they can fix it.

[Ryan T.]

Filled up with Rain X this weekend and now I have this issue. Sounds like the cheap fix is just to buy some blue stuff, huh?

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by Ryan T.

Filled up with Rain X this weekend and now I have this issue. Sounds like the cheap fix is just to buy some blue stuff, huh?

Yep. Or at least mix it in with the Rain X until the warning clears.

[CHCCubs]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

Yep. Or at least mix it in with the Rain X until the warning clears.

This. Added a bit of the blue stuff and haven't had any warnings since.