[BMW5and7]

What do you all use for windshield fluid? It is my understanding that there is a special sensor that can get ruined with rainX, is that true, and can i use it?

Please share what windshield fluid you use, and where do you get it from.

[Mosaud1998]

People use Windshield washer fluid?

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

People use Windshield washer fluid?

???

[Mandingo9]

[HerkHealer]

LMAO ! What a great movie!

In reply to RainX, I would not use it. Unless you're tripping on Acid and like seeing prisms while night driving. The oily film it leaves on your windshield drove me nuts.

[NVRfollo]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

What do you all use for windshield fluid? It is my understanding that there is a special sensor that can get ruined with rainX, is that true, and can i use it?

Please share what windshield fluid you use, and where do you get it from.

This is true.

[jimk]

I use this and I mix it with distilled water. Never had any issues and the windshield is always super clear after a few sprays:

nextzett 92100815 Kristall Klar Washer Fluid 1:200 Concentrate - 8.5 fl. oz., Green https://a.co/d/255ylW0

[jcal65]

Originally Posted by jimk

I use this and I mix it with distilled water. Never had any issues and the windshield is always super clear after a few sprays:

nextzett 92100815 Kristall Klar Washer Fluid 1:200 Concentrate - 8.5 fl. oz., Green https://a.co/d/255ylW0

I was just going to post the exact same recommendation. I have used Kristall Klar for years and love it. Nextzett also has an anti-frost version for colder climates.

[MelbourneFinn]

Originally Posted by jcal65

I was just going to post the exact same recommendation. I have used Kristall Klar for years and love it. Nextzett also has an anti-frost version for colder climates.

Aren't you guys over complicating a simple question…? I've always used normal windshield wiper fluid from petrol stations and automotive stores diluted as per instructions with plain water - never any issues, and this is over a pretty long time and +1.5m miles. Just clean the windshield properly otherwise, and even more importantly keep the wiper blades clean. Brake fluid is great for that purpose but remove the blades for that - you don't want a drop of brake fluid on your paint…

[SonD]

From new I ceramic coated all of the glass on the car - trying to help protect the windshield from the inevitable super fine scratches that always occur.
This has the bonus of massively helping to clear rain from all the glass, beading and running off.
I did not use rain x or such, but a proper ceramic coating (FlyBy Forte (new version) )
While they claim zero judder, I found that it can, on occasion still do just that.
I have eradicated that, and also helped look after the coating by using Angle Wax 'Clarity' in the washer diluted to the instructions.
it certainly seems to work very well, cleans as well if not better than those I have used before, and helps protect the screen.
Before this, I have always used Sonax Screen cleaner, (I am user what this can do to ceramic so have switched) but if the screen was not coated, then Sonax would be in the washer bottle.

[AP]

I just use normal washer fluid

On the windscreen I apply rain-x and this has performed well for me for many years without any issues
Literally the best invention since windscreen wipers themselves

[430Scud]

Many washer fluids now incorporate a water repelling additive. The additive can cause the fluid level sensor to fail. Newer cars now use an electronic sensor, rather than a mechanical float. The electronics are sensitive to these additives and cause them to fail, or the repellent causes a film to form over the sensor so it no longer works.

Just use plain (and cheaper) washer fluid, without the water repelling additive, and you will be fine.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by MelbourneFinn

Aren't you guys over complicating a simple question…? I've always used normal windshield wiper fluid from petrol stations and automotive stores diluted as per instructions with plain water - never any issues, and this is over a pretty long time and +1.5m miles. Just clean the windshield properly otherwise, and even more importantly keep the wiper blades clean. Brake fluid is great for that purpose but remove the blades for that - you don't want a drop of brake fluid on your paint…

That's what I was thinking of when i was reading all these answers, though I appreciate the responses.

I guess the most simple answer was that Prestone All-season (which is available everywhere) works just fine. If others have used Prestone with no issues, am gonna go with it as i can find it ALL THE TIME in any gas station or Walmart.... rather than being at the mercy of BMW dealer picking up the phone or have it in stock when I suddenly need it for an unplanned long trip.

[MelbourneFinn]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

That's what I was thinking of when i was reading all these answers, though I appreciate the responses.

I guess the most simple answer was that Prestone All-season (which is available everywhere) works just fine. If others have used Prestone with no issues, am gonna go with it as i can find it ALL THE TIME in any gas station or Walmart.... rather than being at the mercy of BMW dealer picking up the phone or have it in stock when I suddenly need it for an unplanned long trip.

LOL, is that where this is coming from… BMW dealers telling people that they need to use BMW branded washer fluid… If so, kind of goes to the same basket in my kind as someone paying $10 for a $1 candy bar because it has a fancy logo on the cover - it's not the one who is asking the price that is stupid, but the one who is paying… Now I think I've said enough about this topic…

[Joe-BMW33]

I also recently learned that orange RainX had potential to cause damage. That said, it's all I have been using for the past 20 years and have used it on my E39 since the day I got it. Probably why I had to overhaul the entire washer system a few years ago.

I am now using BMW concentrate diluted with distilled water.

[540d]

Personally, I think the German washer fluid you get from the dealer smells much better than the blue stuff from the gas station. You inevitably always get some of the smell in the car when you spray it.

[430Scud]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I also recently learned that orange RainX had potential to cause damage. That said, it's all I have been using for the past 20 years and have used it on my E39 since the day I got it. Probably why I had to overhaul the entire washer system a few years ago.

I am now using BMW concentrate diluted with distilled water.

I use the orange stuff or purple or whatever with the water repellent in my other cars, no problem, they all have the mechanical level sensor. I use the plain washer fluid in the G30 with the electronic level sensor.

[paquet]

I think the manual for the G30 mentions not to use washer fluid with silicon(e) additives.

[smacky]

If you live near your dealer, then just get it from them for free. I drop by once every few months to top up on washer fluid and air/nitrogen for the tires. It might be more frequent during the winter months.