[wrickem]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

Ummm, you just removed the intentionally applied coating that protects the rubber from UV/ozone degradation and lubricates the wipers on the glass. If you look closely, it includes a small amount of graphite flakes that sparkle in the sun. It's not dirt or oxidized rubber.

Yeah, well that's fine with me. My wipers are always 100% perfect and last a long time. I'd rather remove it than have it left in a line on my windshield at the end of its travel. I never said what I thought it is, and it might not be dirt or oxidation, but it sure is crap when it's left on your windshield.

[SpenceRx]

I clayed the glass and it definitely helped but it's still pretty terrible.

I still need to pick up new blades.

[WHL102]

Originally Posted by wrickem

THIS is what comes off of BRAND NEW OEM BMW wipers with Goo Gone. I've learned over the years that BMW blades will leave marks if you don't clean them along with the windshield regularly, and the first thing I do when I get new ones is clean them with Goo Gone, followed by water.

I never have any streaking problems and they last a long time.

Originally Posted by gds52

This is a v common problem with cars.
U need auto glass polish and auto glass cleaner. U need to use it kind of once in couple of weeks.
I use rain x product. Follow the instructions and also make sure u Clean wiper blades softly with this. Don't rub hard on blades.

No need to buy new wiper blades

Originally Posted by smithf32

I personally wouldn't use RainX. Its a poor consumer grade product that a lot of times can do more harm than good.

I recommend CarPro FlyByForte.

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

Ummm, you just removed the intentionally applied coating that protects the rubber from UV/ozone degradation and lubricates the wipers on the glass. If you look closely, it includes a small amount of graphite flakes that sparkle in the sun. It's not dirt or oxidized rubber.

Originally Posted by gds52

Harm, how?
Please explain with an example.
I've been using it on my 2 BMWs for years with perfect results, no damages.

The graphite powder dry lubricant and the slicone based sealant (rain-x) when mixed will gunk up and may cause issues such as chattering wipers and uneven coverage.

But, I think Bav was referring to @wrickem, not you @gds52

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by WHL102

The graphite powder dry lubricant and the slicone based sealant (rain-x) when mixed will gunk up and may cause issues such as chattering wipers and uneven coverage.

But, I think Bav was referring to @wrickem, not you @gds52

This is something that I think a lot of folks don't realize. If you're using Rain-X, you really SHOULDN'T use your wipers. It's really an either/or proposition.

[BillD1953]

I use RainX on both my ocean boats. No wipers...salt water rolls/beads right of with no salt stain when dry.

I've used RainX with wipers in my MB and BMW with mixed results.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

If you're using Rain-X, you really SHOULDN'T use your wipers.

Not at speeds high enough to blow the windshield clean. At low speeds you don't have any choice. BTW, Aqua Pel works just as well, and it lasts longer.

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Not at speeds high enough to blow the windshield clean. At low speeds you don't have any choice. BTW, Aqua Pel works just as well, and it lasts longer.

Drive faster?



Agreed, at lower speeds or when it's just "spray" from wet roads you must use the wipers. But, use them sparingly, not continuously.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

This is something that I think a lot of folks don't realize. If you're using Rain-X, you really SHOULDN'T use your wipers. It's really an either/or proposition.

I agree with you.

I've tried Rain-X, but find that it doesn't last very long.
I much prefer a car polish called "liquid glass".
You don't need much at all for the windows, and I use it on all the windows on my cars. Water beads and sheets off.
Using it on the side and rear window helps keep them clean.
The rear window on the 3 is right at that point where a wiper would be beneficial.

But, with the 'liquid glass' I don't use the wipers while moving.
The water beads and runs off decently at low speed, but it does need above 30-35mph to really work as it needs the air flow to push the water up and away. In very very heavy rain at low speeds sometimes I may just do a manual round of wipers, but not often.

To really help the liquid glass last even longer I use RainX windshield washer fluid, it's really great stuff. However, I couldn't find the winter formula earlier this season when I looked so I just used the regular old blue generic fluid. Then I found a summer RainX fluid in my garage, it's green.
So, I thought why not mix it with the blue.
NOT a good idea. The green summer formula is designed to help clean bugs and things off the windows in WARM weather.
So, what happened when I mixed the warm weather RainX with some generic blue?
The fluid FROZE when the temps got under 25F degrees.
One day it was like 15F out side and I needed to clean a bit of salt spray and NO fluid. I thought my washer pump went out, except I could hear it running. Then I realized that I had STUOOOOOOPIDLY put in the warm weather RainX!
DOH!

Anyway, liquid glass is an Awesome car clear coat polish, and makes for a fantastic window treatment to keep the rain beading and running away for no wipers needed while driving in the rain.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by RPM90

I use RainX windshield washer fluid, it's really great stuff.

Don't do that, it doesn't get along well with the fluid level sensing and you'll get a constant warning that it's low even though it's not.

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Not at speeds high enough to blow the windshield clean. At low speeds you don't have any choice. BTW, Aqua Pel works just as well, and it lasts longer.

Aquapel is far ahead of Rain X. Rain X is crap, plus is seems to ruin the wipers.

A good application of Aquapel lasts over 6 months. Wipe it in real good and there's no haze or chopping.

Use the glass cleaner they make also; really good stuff.

[jhuber]

Wipers are included in the maintenance plan so if you are still in your maintenance window you get free wipers from the dealer

And yes please explain what the problem with rain-x is I love the stuff have used it on all my cars with no sign of damage whatsoever that I can see

[jhuber]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

Aquapel is far ahead of Rain X. Rain X is crap, plus is seems to ruin the wipers.

A good application of Aquapel lasts over 6 months. Wipe it in real good and there's no haze or chopping.

Use the glass cleaner they make also; really good stuff.

Your post appeared as I wrote mine... I will have to give that a try, rain-x only lasts a month if that generally for me

[SpenceRx]

Originally Posted by jhuber

Wipers are included in the maintenance plan so if you are still in your maintenance window you get free wipers from the dealer

And yes please explain what the problem with rain-x is I love the stuff have used it on all my cars with no sign of damage whatsoever that I can see

Wipers are not included in maintenance plan in Canada.

[stvding]

Oem wiper on f32 is 24/18. I find it doesn't wiper the windshield clean. A damn triangle left after wiping. I tried 24/19, still triangle is there but smaller. There is no 25 size wiper so i go for a 26/18. Bang! Perfect wiping!

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by jhuber

Your post appeared as I wrote mine... I will have to give that a try, rain-x only lasts a month if that generally for me

To your earlier post, I used Rain X in the past for years; works for the most part. Issue was that it seemed to have an effect on the rubber of the wipers. This isn't a scientific analysis by any means, but just seems the Rain X was the constant.

I hope you do try Aquapel, if you do, let us know what you think. I order it from Amazon or Autogeek.net. The cleaner is good also, but Stoner is also great. Someone recently said Auto Glym was the best they'd seen; I've not tried it, but am sure it's a solid product.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

To your earlier post, I used Rain X in the past for years; works for the most part. Issue was that it seemed to have an effect on the rubber of the wipers. This isn't a scientific analysis by any means, but just seems the Rain X was the constant.

I hope you do try Aquapel, if you do, let us know what you think. I order it from Amazon or Autogeek.net. The cleaner is good also, but Stoner is also great. Someone recently said Auto Glym was the best they'd seen; I've not tried it, but am sure it's a solid product.

If you want a new windshield coating try FlyByForte from CarPro.

It was easy to apply and the water starts flying off at very low speeds, like 35-ish mph.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by jhuber

And yes please explain what the problem with rain-x is I love the stuff have used it on all my cars with no sign of damage whatsoever that I can see

The fluid is incompatible with the electrical fluid level sensor unit that BMW starting using I believe with the F series. Eventually the sensor will stop working.

[RSnic]

Hi,

I used to get streaks from my blades whenever it rained lightly. What I now do is periodically clean windshield & rear window and then spray on RainX. AFter I wipe them off, I use the same rag to clean the wiper blade edges and put a little RainX on them. Really seems to help!

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Don't do that, it doesn't get along well with the fluid level sensing and you'll get a constant warning that it's low even though it's not.

I've not had any odd level sensing issues in any of the cars I've used RainX washer fluid in, that would be 4 BMW's, 1 Audi, and I Mitsubishi.
Is there anything in the 340i manual stating to not use RainX or other products of it's kind in the fluid reservoir?
And, where did you get your information?
I'd like to read it too.
Thanks!

RainX washer fluid is a fluid just like any other washer fluid.
Just remember to use fluid designed for the temperature range you are using it in.