[Falcon900]

The only thing that really bothers me about this car is the persistent film that develops on the inside of the windows, the worst is on the front window. I have extended leather so there is not as much plastic in the cabin, I know that the plastic produces chemicals that can cause a film to develop. i clean it off every week with regular window cleaner. Has anyone figured out a permanent solution for this issue or something that cleans it well? This film is hard to remove with the Invisible Window Cleaner that I have been using.

[blackoutF15]

Originally Posted by Falcon900

The only thing that really bothers me about this car is the persistent film that develops on the inside of the windows, the worst is on the front window. I have extended leather so there is not as much plastic in the cabin, I know that the plastic produces chemicals that can cause a film to develop. i clean it off every week with regular window cleaner. Has anyone figured out a permanent solution for this issue or something that cleans it well? This film is hard to remove with the Invisible Window Cleaner that I have been using.

I’m not sure what you mean by film inside window. Do you have any pictures? I think all X5Ms have full leather interior, I’m curious to see what the problem is.

[MADBMWX5MC]

OP, are you talking about a light haze inside the front windshield?

[Falcon900]

Originally Posted by MADBMWX5MC

OP, are you talking about a light haze inside the front windshield?

Yes, it is a hazy film that smears when I try to clean it off. It comes back within a few days of being cleaned off. It makes it hard to see out of the window when driving into direct sunlight.

[ferrarif1]

When was the last time your cabin air filter was changed? Please don't assume the dealer does this as part of their service (My '22 was dealer-maintained and after 2+ years and 35k miles, it still had the original filter when I checked)

[MADBMWX5MC]

Originally Posted by Falcon900

Yes, it is a hazy film that smears when I try to clean it off. It comes back within a few days of being cleaned off. It makes it hard to see out of the window when driving into direct sunlight.

Yes, change cabin filter is a good step. But I have not found a solution to the haze. However, mine does not accumulate that often. I think I clean mine, once a month...maybe.

[JoeAyalaM]

Originally Posted by Falcon900

Yes, it is a hazy film that smears when I try to clean it off. It comes back within a few days of being cleaned off. It makes it hard to see out of the window when driving into direct sunlight.

I have no idea of what you ae talking about. Dust + condensation? Cleaner residue?
Are your windows tinted?

[Falcon900]

Originally Posted by ferrarif1

When was the last time your cabin air filter was changed? Please don't assume the dealer does this as part of their service (My '22 was dealer-maintained and after 2+ years and 35k miles, it still had the original filter when I checked)

The car is only 5 months old.

[Falcon900]

Originally Posted by JoeAyalaM

I have no idea of what you ae talking about. Dust + condensation? Cleaner residue?
Are your windows tinted?

When I get back from training next week I will take a picture of it.

[spaceage]

Pan the man FTW:

Best cleaner for regular use:

https://a.co/d/cWMMbK0

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by Falcon900

…i clean it off every week with regular window cleaner. Has anyone figured out a permanent solution for this issue or something that cleans it well? This film is hard to remove with the Invisible Window Cleaner that I have been using.

I wasn’t impressed with Invisible Glass. what cloths do you use? ensure they weren’t washed with any liquid detergent that has fabric softener included or put in dryer without those anti-static cling sheets/fabric softener. that stuff is oil-based so you’ll just be spreading it

[ferrarif1]

I'm not sure I'm fond of Pan's squeegee; I adhere to the Obsessed Garage method using waffle weave towels. They are a notable improvement over paper towels or standard fluffy microfiber towels.

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/colle...cleaning-towel

[Falcon900]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

I wasn’t impressed with Invisible Glass. what cloths do you use? ensure they weren’t washed with any liquid detergent that has fabric softener included or put in dryer without those anti-static cling sheets/fabric softener. that stuff is oil-based so you’ll just be spreading it

I was using Invisible Glass, what do you recommend? I was using micro-fiber towels to clean, they were washed in liquid detergent (is there any other kind of detergent for HE machines?).

[TTTTTTT]

Originally Posted by Falcon900

I was using Invisible Glass, what do you recommend? I was using micro-fiber towels to clean, they were washed in liquid detergent (is there any other kind of detergent for HE machines?).

Being a car detail enthusiast, I've learned over the years it's a combination of both product and process. A double wipe down of the glass with different towels is the key to eliminating streaking.

Here are the products I use:

Cleaner: https://www.carpro-us.com/glass/carp...er-500ml-17oz/
First wipe towel: https://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber...-towel-16x-16/
Second wipe towel: https://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber...uster-16-x-16/
Microfiber laundry detergent: https://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber...-1-liter-34oz/

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by Falcon900

I was using Invisible Glass, what do you recommend? I was using micro-fiber towels to clean, they were washed in liquid detergent (is there any other kind of detergent for HE machines?).

i also use HE liquid detergent, but it's completely free of scents, fabric softener, etc. the glass cleaner i use is Gyeon Glass

the HE liquid detergent we use for clothing has fabric softener added. that's what you don't want to use to clean towels

[azm3]

I wash my microfibers using the Sanitary cycle on washer (boiling hot water) with about a half cup of white vinegar as the detergent. They come out better new.

[low2ground]

I haven't owned a car that didn't get grimy interior windows. Just a maintenance issue.

[Falcon900]

Originally Posted by low2ground

I haven't owned a car that didn't get grimy interior windows. Just a maintenance issue.

It seems strange to me because my other two BMW cars do not have this issue.

[Jeff J]

It's very hit-or-miss. Our '09 135 is the worst I've ever had regarding windshield haze - I even started a thread on it over on that forum a number of years ago. Our X5M has been pretty good, and the M2 is somewhere in between. And I suppose our couple of 3-series cars in the past were pretty good to. No rhyme or reason that I can see, unfortunately.

A good window cleaner to cut the film (using some kind of loop/microfiber towel) and a secondary polish with a different cloth (I've had good luck with old-school flat tea towels) usually takes care of it, but it's back after a month or two, depending on how much the car is parked in the direct sun.

[SlowX6M]

I've heard something about leaking heater core creating a film on the windshield. I had this issue about 20 years ago on an older Lexus.

[Jeff J]

Originally Posted by SlowX6M

I've heard something about leaking heater core creating a film on the windshield. I had this issue about 20 years ago on an older Lexus.

That was my first thought too, back when the 135 started getting worse, but it never has had a core leak. But if this is a case of suddenly getting a rather thick greasy film on the glass, that's definitely something to check for.

[Bimmersurfer]

Originally Posted by Falcon900

The only thing that really bothers me about this car is the persistent film that develops on the inside of the windows, the worst is on the front window. I have extended leather so there is not as much plastic in the cabin, I know that the plastic produces chemicals that can cause a film to develop. i clean it off every week with regular window cleaner. Has anyone figured out a permanent solution for this issue or something that cleans it well? This film is hard to remove with the Invisible Window Cleaner that I have been using.

i just cleaned mine yesterday, same as you are describing. Windex worked well for me with paper towels (did it at work with what i had).