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      01-17-2020, 09:46 AM   #1
Paladin1
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Windshield Washer Fluid

A simple topic for today. BMW mentions not using silicone-containing washer fluid (presumably a sensor issue). Are there some washer fluids to be avoided (Rain-X comes to mind since it reportedly contains silicone)? The difficulty is, almost no information is available on what is actually in any of these products, even on the MSDS. I would expect silicone is not common in any of them (added cost), but really, how would I know? And what would it do, even if I did use it? Make the paint fall off? Blow up the engine? Cause 3D View to actually start working on my ConnectedDrive app? Questions, questions....
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      01-17-2020, 09:57 AM   #2
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Causes problems with CarPlay I heard.

I am interested in this as well. I know they try to sell you the concentrated version at the dealership. I know you can go get topped off at the dealership, but it seems annoying and out of the way.
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      01-17-2020, 10:03 AM   #3
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I have heard that silicone will remove the reflective layer from the windsreen that is necessary for the HUD to be visible to the driver.
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      01-17-2020, 10:11 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by perikifi View Post
I have heard that silicone will remove the reflective layer from the windsreen that is necessary for the HUD to be visible to the driver.
I believe the HUD reflects off the interior of the windshield, so no, not likely. But as far as the sensor thing, it could well be that BMW installed components incompatible with commercial off-the-shelf products. Hence "buy BMW stuff." But unless there's a good engineering reason, why would they? I did find the reference (and I believe they actually mean silicone vice silicon - very different substances):

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Last edited by Paladin1; 01-17-2020 at 10:19 AM..
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      01-17-2020, 10:45 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paladin1 View Post
A simple topic for today. BMW mentions not using silicone-containing washer fluid (presumably a sensor issue). Are there some washer fluids to be avoided (Rain-X comes to mind since it reportedly contains silicone)? The difficulty is, almost no information is available on what is actually in any of these products, even on the MSDS. I would expect silicone is not common in any of them (added cost), but really, how would I know? And what would it do, even if I did use it? Make the paint fall off? Blow up the engine? Cause 3D View to actually start working on my ConnectedDrive app? Questions, questions....
I understand Tesla recommends against Rain X etc because they claim it causes “streaking, squeaking and smearing” on windshield.

I have used Rain X for several years and never experienced those issues but I don’t drive a Tesla.
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      01-17-2020, 06:06 PM   #6
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Additional discussion on this topic earlier: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1610202
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      01-17-2020, 06:30 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by LexxM3 View Post
Additional discussion on this topic earlier: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1610202
Thx!. Must have used the wrong search function - still left with the problem of determining what's actually in a particular product, but seems like Rain-X may potentially be a no-no. Looks like Prestone may have some formulations that may be out too....
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      01-17-2020, 06:37 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paladin1 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by LexxM3 View Post
Additional discussion on this topic earlier: https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1610202
Thx!. Must have used the wrong search function - still left with the problem of determining what's actually in a particular product, but seems like Rain-X may be a no-no. Looks like Prestone may have some formulations that may be out too....
Search function sucks, but worth trying as we shouldn't lose the massive amount of knowledge and experience gained on the forum.

For myself,

a) I still assert the reservoir is infinite as I still haven't run out since May 2019 delivery, even with the winter mess so far, and

b) I really like the BMW fluid that came with the car and dealer confirms that what they sell is the same stuff, so will be picking that up; the price didn't seem unreasonable either, $24 CAD for 4 gallons = 2 full fillings, so good to at least 2022 at this rate.
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      01-17-2020, 07:02 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by LexxM3 View Post
Search function sucks, but worth trying as we shouldn't lose the massive amount of knowledge and experience gained on the forum.

For myself,

a) I still assert the reservoir is infinite as I still haven't run out since May 2019 delivery, even with the winter mess so far, and

b) I really like the BMW fluid that came with the car and dealer confirms that what they sell is the same stuff, so will be picking that up; the price didn't seem unreasonable either, $24 CAD for 4 gallons = 2 full fillings, so good to at least 2022 at this rate.
Probably stick with OEM too - only found the concentrate here so a little pricier, about twice as much to dilute for a Midwest (or Canadian) winter I suspect, but more compact storage.
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      01-18-2020, 04:46 AM   #10
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Used RainX when on a road trip, low warning stays on. The car definitely doesn't like it. Dealer told me not to use RainX.
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      01-27-2020, 07:32 PM   #11
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Dealers should focus on putting in better quality fluid in the cars in the winter...dealer in VA refilled my washer fluid in Dec...it promptly froze up last week on a ski trip when the temps in VT went negative. I forgot that most all-season fluid doesn't work below zero - this includes Rain-x which has two versions, one good down to 0 and one to -25.

The X5 nozzles are actually attached to the hood. You'd think some heat from the engine would keep them warm but not so. Rear washer worked ok. Be careful if you live in the south and head north...top off with some non-diluted fluid before you go.
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      01-28-2020, 10:50 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gsanto View Post
Dealers should focus on putting in better quality fluid in the cars in the winter...dealer in VA refilled my washer fluid in Dec...it promptly froze up last week on a ski trip when the temps in VT went negative. I forgot that most all-season fluid doesn't work below zero - this includes Rain-x which has two versions, one good down to 0 and one to -25.

The X5 nozzles are actually attached to the hood. You'd think some heat from the engine would keep them warm but not so. Rear washer worked ok. Be careful if you live in the south and head north...top off with some non-diluted fluid before you go.
The nozzles are heated but that doesn't help if the tank is frozen
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      01-28-2020, 11:20 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paladin1 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by perikifi View Post
I have heard that silicone will remove the reflective layer from the windsreen that is necessary for the HUD to be visible to the driver.
I believe the HUD reflects off the interior of the windshield, so no, not likely. But as far as the sensor thing, it could well be that BMW installed components incompatible with commercial off-the-shelf products. Hence "buy BMW stuff." But unless there's a good engineering reason, why would they? I did find the reference (and I believe they actually mean silicone vice silicon - very different substances):

Attachment 2220619
Thanks for this!
Just had this happen on our Mercedes, low indicator came on, filled with rain x, light stayed on. Was ready to book it into service to fix. After reading this drained it, added some water, voila fixed.
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