What windshield fluid should I use?

lordbmw · 03-05-2017, 06:06 PM

I recently got a low windshield fluid warning.

What windshield fluid should I use?

Does it matter?

BSM n54iS · 03-05-2017, 06:09 PM

Surprisingly Valvoline makes a BMW LL approved fluid that I can use interchangeably with my blinker fluid. Saves cost not having to buy 2 different brands

Name: Blinker Fluid.jpg
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Name: Blinker Fluid.jpg
Views: 1305
Size: 284.8 KB

08njSTEP · 03-05-2017, 06:54 PM

I would only run synthetic blinker/washer fluid.

AWSB328iM · 03-05-2017, 07:20 PM

Don't forget to save some of the old fluid and send it to Blackstone labs for analysis.

lordbmw · 03-05-2017, 07:29 PM

Very funny. I think I'll try the official BMW windshield fluid.

Welcome to NBA Jam · 03-05-2017, 07:33 PM

I think the forum can only go uphill from here.

Greyfox · 03-05-2017, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

I think the forum can only go uphill from here.

You would think... but every time someone seems to be able to go just a bit lower.

lordbmw · 03-05-2017, 08:11 PM

Anyhow, I ended up ordering a couple bottles of these:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...te-83192221702

I can get it a little cheaper at my local BMW dealer but it's like 9 miles away and I don't feel like driving there and back to save a few bucks.

BSM n54iS · 03-05-2017, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordbmw

Anyhow, I ended up ordering a couple bottles of these:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...te-83192221702

I can get it a little cheaper at my local BMW dealer but it's like 9 miles away and I don't feel like driving there and back to save a few bucks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

I think the forum can only go uphill from here.

I knew you spoke too soon Jam!

Flyboy161 · 03-05-2017, 08:47 PM

I drive 9 miles just to go to grocery store.

Jarrod · 03-05-2017, 09:03 PM

All jokes aside, do not use the orange Rain-X fluid. Over time it leaves a blue jelly-like coating on electronic fluid sensors that causes them to malfunction.

Other than that, you are probably fine with just about anything.

6ixSpd · 03-05-2017, 09:34 PM

Lol this guy's threads are always worth the click.

: Just when you think it can't get any dumber... BAM!

Efthreeoh · 03-06-2017, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordbmw

Anyhow, I ended up ordering a couple bottles of these:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...te-83192221702

I can get it a little cheaper at my local BMW dealer but it's like 9 miles away and I don't feel like driving there and back to save a few bucks.

Make sure you mix it only with distilled water. BMW's windshield washer fluid concentrate is formulated to be mixed with European water, which has a different makeup of minerals than US water. Over time, mixing BMW washer fluid with regular US tap water will damage the washer system seals and washer motor; this is especially problematic with cars that have the cold weather package and headlight washer nozzles.

However Avian water can be substituted in a pinch, but only in small quantities.

Efthreeoh · 03-06-2017, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BdSM n54iS

Surprisingly Valvoline makes a BMW LL approved fluid that I can use interchangeably with my blinker fluid. Saves cost not having to buy 2 different brands

Attachment 1584384

Pre-LCI E9X's cannot use this fluid.

BSM n54iS · 03-06-2017, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Pre-LCI E9X's cannot use this fluid.

Oh you're right! OP is pre-lci, missed that one...thought I was being helpful there

lol

Efthreeoh · 03-06-2017, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BdSM n54iS

Oh you're right! OP is pre-lci, missed that one...thought I was being helpful there

lol

No flame intended

BSM n54iS · 03-06-2017, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

No flame intended

Haha none taken

John 070 · 03-06-2017, 08:31 AM

All kidding aside, I never gave it any thought. I noticed that I didn't feel my washer was blasting the glass as strongly as it should. Then I found a thread where someone was told by the dealer this happens when you don't use BMW approved windshield washer fluid? That algae grows? I checked mine and there were 2 bubble guppies living in my tank.

Welcome to NBA Jam · 03-06-2017, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 070

All kidding aside, I never gave it any thought. I noticed that I didn't feel my washer was blasting the glass as strongly as it should. Then I found a thread where someone was told by the dealer this happens when you don't use BMW approved windshield washer fluid? That algae grows? I checked mine and there were 2 bubble guppies living in my tank.

I'm not too sure about that. Doesn't all washer fluid contain biocides? I guess you could put some in there if you've got algae issues.

I mean the BMW concentrate is a decent deal if you live in a warm area I guess. 2 fl oz to 160 fl oz of water gets you a 33 degree freezing point, so you'd get 8 fills out of that one bottle. If you live in a cold place it's a huge waste of money; you'd need a ton of the concentrate to get a low freezing point.

IMO I love water beading, so I just get the Rain-X stuff like once a year because I hardly use my wiper fluid.

John 070 · 03-06-2017, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

I'm not too sure about that. Doesn't all washer fluid contain biocides? I guess you could put some in there if you've got algae issues.

I mean the BMW concentrate is a decent deal if you live in a warm area I guess. 2 fl oz to 160 fl oz of water gets you a 33 degree freezing point, so you'd get 8 fills out of that one bottle. If you live in a cold place it's a huge waste of money; you'd need a ton of the concentrate to get a low freezing point.

IMO I love water beading, so I just get the Rain-X stuff like once a year because I hardly use my wiper fluid.

True but only BMW genuine blinker fluid is safe for fish. Rain X would probably kill the guppies and their babies.

Greyfox · 03-06-2017, 12:39 PM

See, I told you it could go further down hill....

335udm · 03-06-2017, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordbmw

I recently got a low windshield fluid warning.

What windshield fluid should I use?

Does it matter?

I use 'Brut' in the winter then transition to 'demi-sec' in the summer

http://www.sokolin.com/veuve-clicquo...ZTMBoCSMbw_wcB

and buy online, . .

or, go to Walmart, and as said above, not the Rain-X.

03-05-2017, 06:06 PM	#1
lordbmw Captain 270 Rep 790 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 335xi Coupe (AT) Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	What windshield fluid should I use? I recently got a low windshield fluid warning. What windshield fluid should I use? Does it matter?
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03-05-2017, 06:09 PM	#2
BSM n54iS Brigadier General 2685 Rep 4,202 Posts Drives: '11 335is \| '16 Macan Turbo Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Everywhere and Nowhere iTrader: (7)	Surprisingly Valvoline makes a BMW LL approved fluid that I can use interchangeably with my blinker fluid. Saves cost not having to buy 2 different brands __________________ '11 335is BSM MT "BMW Performance Editon" \| '16 Porsche Macan Turbo GruppeM CF Intake \| AR Resonated DP \| ER CP \| Turbosmart RacePort BOV \| Cobb FMIC \| RB Inlets \| RB External Mishi/Turner OCC \| Michelin PS4 \| BMW Performance Springs/Bilstein B8 + Dinan & M3 bits \| BMW Brembo BBK \| BMW Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW Performance CF Lip \| BMW Performance Alcantara \| PS Designs GTS Armrest \| AG H6-40 \| Rear Seat Delete
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03-05-2017, 06:54 PM	#3
08njSTEP Captain 795 Rep 762 Posts Drives: '07 335i, '66 SS396 Chevelle Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Manchester, NH iTrader: (0)	I would only run synthetic blinker/washer fluid.
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03-05-2017, 07:20 PM	#4
AWSB328iM Captain 397 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 328i M-Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	Don't forget to save some of the old fluid and send it to Blackstone labs for analysis.
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03-05-2017, 07:29 PM	#5
lordbmw Captain 270 Rep 790 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 335xi Coupe (AT) Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	Very funny. I think I'll try the official BMW windshield fluid.
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03-05-2017, 07:33 PM	#6
Welcome to NBA Jam Is it the shoes!? 3884 Rep 5,112 Posts Drives: (Sold) 2011 E92 335i ZMP 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	I think the forum can only go uphill from here.
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03-05-2017, 08:11 PM	#8
lordbmw Captain 270 Rep 790 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 335xi Coupe (AT) Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	Anyhow, I ended up ordering a couple bottles of these: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...te-83192221702 I can get it a little cheaper at my local BMW dealer but it's like 9 miles away and I don't feel like driving there and back to save a few bucks.
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03-05-2017, 08:47 PM	#10
Flyboy161 Second Lieutenant 274 Rep 293 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Perry, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00] 2012 BMW E92 335i [0.00]	I drive 9 miles just to go to grocery store.
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03-05-2017, 09:03 PM	#11
Jarrod Second Lieutenant 73 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 2012 E93 335is Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: SE USA iTrader: (0)	All jokes aside, do not use the orange Rain-X fluid. Over time it leaves a blue jelly-like coating on electronic fluid sensors that causes them to malfunction. Other than that, you are probably fine with just about anything.
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03-05-2017, 09:34 PM	#12
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03-06-2017, 08:31 AM	#18
John 070 Lieutenant General 1705 Rep 14,829 Posts Drives: 335i cpe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW iTrader: (0)	All kidding aside, I never gave it any thought. I noticed that I didn't feel my washer was blasting the glass as strongly as it should. Then I found a thread where someone was told by the dealer this happens when you don't use BMW approved windshield washer fluid? That algae grows? I checked mine and there were 2 bubble guppies living in my tank.
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03-06-2017, 12:39 PM	#21
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