Windshield Washer Fluid Options ? Or Meh

[00e46sedan]

Sup Gents ,

Just want to get insights I don’t think it’s a big deal but I honestly don’t know ,tried researching for any recommendations for windshield washer fluid. I saw one on turner motorsports genuine bmw one for like $5 . Am I able to just get any type for these cars? I have a 2016 F13 640i Coupe/Msport . It’s probably not a big deal? Can you guys help , Tia!

[VP007]

From my experience, using non OEM fluid has often created gunk at the bottom of the washer bottle and can cause blockages in the washer jets.

When I took the car to BMW, they told me it was a common problem they had when people put cheaper supermarket washer fluid in their cars.

Since then I have always stuck to the OEM stuff as you can get it fairly cheap on the internet or eBay.

[Qsilver7]

I have used generic "blue" windshield washer fluid from Walmart for decades and never had an issue...and in winter I make sure it is a pH-neutral brand/mixture. What has generally been an issue with gunk ending up in the washer reservoir is using washer fluid that has stuff in it like RAINX etc (sorry for picking on that particular brand...but it is the 1st brand name that crossed my mind).

I believe your owners manual may have a warning about washer fluid...I highly recommend checking your manual (there's one built directly into iDrive that has a search feature).

EDIT: owners manual warning

[00e46sedan]

This helps a lot thanks guys

[SWFLf10]

I personally have always used the rain-x brand fluid and never had an issue in any of my vehicles. On the other hand I had a friend with an F32 that had clogged lines and was told by the dealer it was due to using non genuine fluid.

[TGrits10]

I've been using the Rain-X Bug Remover (green) fluid in all of my cars for, shoot decades now (man I'm getting old), never had a problem. Also use the rain-X wipers fwiw, except on my F06 bc the factory connection is this weird low-profile thing that I can't seem to match in the aftermarket, so OE wipers there.

[Qsilver7]

Those owners that use Rain-X with no issues...which type are you using? If memory serves me correct...I think it is the type that uses silicon in its solution that can cause issues with the sensor and washer lines.

Again I would highly recommend checking your owners manual to see if there is any wording that recommends not using a washer fluid that contains specific additives.

Here's a link to a class action suit that was filed just in case anyone is curious:

• https://www.classaction.org/rain-x-lawsuit
• https://raysands.wordpress.com/2008/...rainx-residue/

[TGrits10]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

I noticed that both Rain-X users that commented and have no issues with this product are both from Florida. Do you guys go through the fluid (multiple refills) within a relatively short time interval? You also probably don't deal with temps below 32° F for days at a time...if both are true...I wonder if this may be the reason you haven't had the issue of Rain-X turning into a gelatinous goo like some BMW owners have experienced over the years?

Both are true for me, I park outside near trees so almost every morning I'm running the windshield washers, probly refill at least once a month. And it's exceedingly rare to see temperatures below freezing here, like one night once a decade mayyybe.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by TGrits10

Both are true for me, I park outside near trees so almost every morning I'm running the windshield washers, probly refill at least once a month. And it's exceedingly rare to see temperatures below freezing here, like one night once a decade mayyybe.

Ah...thanks for the additional info.

[Derekz4]

The BMW fluid is pretty cheap imo, so why not use it?

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Derekz4

The BMW fluid is pretty cheap imo, so why not use it?

Going to pick some up today! And maybe a hat!

[SWFLf10]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Those owners that use Rain-X with no issues...which type are you using? If memory serves me correct...I think it is the type that uses silicon in its solution that can cause issues with the sensor and washer lines.

Again I would highly recommend checking your owners manual to see if there is any wording that recommends not using a washer fluid that contains specific additives.

Here's a link to a class action suit that was filed just in case anyone is curious:

• https://www.classaction.org/rain-x-lawsuit
• https://raysands.wordpress.com/2008/...rainx-residue/

I've used the standard and the low temp without issue.

[00e46sedan]

How do u guys know when u are filled up on the reservoir ? I topped it off, or to be specific I used the whole bottle/gallon . Since it has no marker or anything, it didn’t fill it up to the top of course , but just now when I got to work I figure I inspect it and saw just a slight few drops/spray that came out of the cap , did I probably overfill ? Or do I just keep using the windshield wipers for it to lower down on the level but idk tbh

[Qsilver7]

TIS says fill to mark or edge.

Since we don’t have a “mark”…I guess fill to the edge?

FYI…5 liters is equivalent to 1.3 gallons.

[00e46sedan]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

TIS says fill to mark or edge.

Since we don’t have a “mark”…I guess fill to the edge?

FYI…5 liters is equivalent to 1.3 gallons.

Awesome good to know , I noticed the cap ,the back part with the seal , the seal looks all old and crusty ,I’ll take pics to show you guys , but that will explain why the overspill/some leak out of the cap imo

[Chaos236]

Water and alcohol in the summer?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Chaos236

Water and alcohol in the summer?

The isopropyl (alcohol) can help get you through the winter, too…since it has a lower freeze point. If I have “summer” blue fluid in the reservoir…and winter approaches and it is still pretty full…a little rubbing alcohol can act an an anti-freeze.