[andrew335]

Does anyone know if the washer fluid that BMW sells online here: http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/49...nterId=1681501

is the same stuff they use to fill the car at the factory?

I know this sounds crazy, but I strongly prefer the factory washer fluid. It "suds" up unlike the regular blue stuff in stores and has a nice smell.
It really seems to cut through the road salt and grime very well.

Years ago, I bought concentrate from the dealer that was mixed with water. It was clear, not blue, and very expensive. The pricing for the gallon in the link is quite reasonable, as long as it is not the same generic stuff you can buy at any super market.

-Andrew

[howiegu]

The online blue one looks like a relabeled 7/11 washer...

My SA gives me the clear concentrates once a while, they are good stuff

[G30 B58]

Due to local compliance requirements, this product is unable to be sold to customers in the following areas: California, Texas, and Maricopa County, Arizona.

It's damn washer fluid.

[Portimao Blues]

I got the BMW Natural Care Windshield Wash Concentrate (# 83122220426) from my dealer. This is probably what you are looking for:

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4894

[Zirenz2006]

I remember getting a clear version from the factory that had a great smell when I sprayed it....almost like glue or somehting

[G30 B58]

So all the kool kids are now huffing BMW windshield washer concentrate?

[ji99lypuff]

Ive been using that 7-eleven brand washer for years now without any problems. Any of those cheap blue ones will suffice. The orange rain x one on the other hand will cause problems with your windshield spray system so stay away from that one.

[andrew335]

Thanks guys. I agree the stuff on the BMW website looks like overpriced 7/11 stuff. I found this thread that suggests the clear stuff was discontinued, but interestingly, my brand new 340i has the same fluid all my previous BMWs had from the factory:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/arc.../t-864764.html


You are all right, the 7/11 stuff will work fine. I have been using the blue in my E90s and F30s for almost 10 years. The BMW stuff just seems better.

I may try a bottle of the stuff Estoril Blues mentioned below to see if it matches what is being used at the factory.

Originally Posted by Estoril Blues

I got the BMW Natural Care Windshield Wash Concentrate (# 83122220426) from my dealer. This is probably what you are looking for:

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4894

[Tgdc]

I like the Kristall Klar concentrate. It suds up too and makes many refills in one bottle. In cold winters I mix it with the blue stuff to make it more freeze protected though.

[cncmastr]

The factory stuff is clear, you can buy the concentrate from the dealer, it's blue. Make sure that if you live in a cold climate to buy the one that has a snow flake on it, it has antifreeze so it won't crack the washer tank.

[andrew335]

In case anyone is interested, I went ahead and ordered these two items:
http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Windshield.../dp/B00PYLFM4O
and
http://www.amazon.com/BMW-natural-ca...re+windhshield

The blue stuff is, just as we thought, over-priced 7/11 stuff. It is NOT the same as the factory fill or the concentrate BMW used to put in the grey bottle. The dilution ratio is pathetic... you need pretty much the whole bottle of concentrate to get a gallon of water protected down below 0.

The Natural Care stuff smells like Hair Shampoo. It's still not the factory fill, but seems to make suds when shaken. There is a warning to not use below 35 degrees (F) so I wont try it until the spring.

As TGDC said, the Kristall Klar stuff looks like a better bet.

I don't know why I spent so much time over windshield washer fluid, but hopefully this answers some questions for future readers seeking the magic potion that BMW puts in at the factory.

[Zirenz2006]

So it sounds like we can't get the factory fill stuff?

[spuntyb]

You can use anything, save for the rainx stuff. Unless it's been updated, the sensor doesn't do well with it (or from some reports, any yellow fluid). It thinks the tank is near empty when it's still nearly full when that stuff is in there, and gives a warning on the dash to fill it soon every time you drive. Few threads about it.

Even then, use whatever you want. I usually buy a concentrate and just add it to water. I'm using this right now, as it plays well with my wipers and the aquapel that I put on the windshield:

einszett 921008 Kristall Klar Washer Fluid Concentrate - 8.5 fl. oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NZFCRW..._nNsKwbTN9CQ0K

[Elk]

Originally Posted by F32 N55

It's damn washer fluid.

Washer fluid with higher levels of antifreeze cannot be sold in CA, and some other states, as the antifreeze VOCs contribute to smog. CA established the applicable regulation in 1993. Fluids with less antifreeze are legal.

[Ray knight]

My OE washer fluid smells like kerosene! its horrible. rainx washer fluid is awesome.

[G30 B58]

Originally Posted by Elk

Washer fluid with higher levels of antifreeze cannot be sold in CA, and some other states, as the antifreeze VOCs contribute to smog. CA established the applicable regulation in 1993. Fluids with less antifreeze are legal.

Huh.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by andrew335

In case anyone is interested, I went ahead and ordered these two items:
http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Windshield.../dp/B00PYLFM4O
and
http://www.amazon.com/BMW-natural-ca...re+windhshield

The blue stuff is, just as we thought, over-priced 7/11 stuff. It is NOT the same as the factory fill or the concentrate BMW used to put in the grey bottle. The dilution ratio is pathetic... you need pretty much the whole bottle of concentrate to get a gallon of water protected down below 0.

The Natural Care stuff smells like Hair Shampoo. It's still not the factory fill, but seems to make suds when shaken. There is a warning to not use below 35 degrees (F) so I wont try it until the spring.

As TGDC said, the Kristall Klar stuff looks like a better bet.

I don't know why I spent so much time over windshield washer fluid, but hopefully this answers some questions for future readers seeking the magic potion that BMW puts in at the factory.

I was given a swag bag that contained a small selection of BMW's crappy "Eco" car care products. I didn't even bother recycling them; I spitefully sent them right to the land fill.

[CHCCubs]

I used to use the Rain-X stuff, but as others have noted the F30's sensor doesn't seem to like it when the temps get colder than -10C or so. I started using Windex washer fluid and find it does a decent job all year round and doesn't cause any issues with sensor in the winter months.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/automo...ontent=Default

[tc328]

#Yallcrazy

[Score04]

Originally Posted by ji99lypuff

Ive been using that 7-eleven brand washer for years now without any problems. Any of those cheap blue ones will suffice. The orange rain x one on the other hand will cause problems with your windshield spray system so stay away from that one.

Why will rain x hurt the system? I use rain x on my Acura and figured best product for me and would have wanted to use it if and when I switch to a BMW.

[Score04]

Never mind. I read rest of thread. Has this issue been corrected or system still doesn't recognize it?

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by Score04

Why will rain x hurt the system? I use rain x on my Acura and figured best product for me and would have wanted to use it if and when I switch to a BMW.

Doesn't hurt it. The sensor that measures the level just doesn't read it properly. It will say it's almost empty even when it's still nearly full. I'm not quite sure if it's still a problem since I stopped using it when I found out. Haven't had the problem since with any other fluid.