windshield wiper fluid..

BellasBmw · 03-26-2006, 08:06 PM

I dont leosong's situation happening.. nothing coming out, that aint good.. on all levels.

firstkill · 03-26-2006, 08:29 PM

engine heat evaporate the fluid quickly.... just use regular water or the cheap stuff....

but the dealer will top off any fluids if u just pop by without an appointment.

~fk

poldim · 03-26-2006, 10:32 PM

Probably the fith thread about it....but this thing has a huge tank...

puck724 · 03-27-2006, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Hey, that's what I said puck! Ever hear of plagurism!

my bad dog..lol..

mava330 · 03-27-2006, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellasBmw

i mean shes got an itty bitty lime helmet. how cute!

Where's the little bitty yellow bus to transport her in her lime helmet?

Sorry folks for the

but that was just asking for my smart a** comment.

poldim · 03-27-2006, 10:45 AM

There was a thread on the OT forums about these melon hats...

RPM90 · 03-27-2006, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMD

Use distilled water.

To clean your windshield?
No, you should use windshield washer fluid which has cleaning agents to better clean the window than water, even distilled water.

Distilled water is for topping off the radiator/coolant resevoir.

Not only that but distilled water probably costs as much per gallon as $.99 gallon from Target. Just use the blue stuff. It cleans MUCH better than plain water and evaporates quicker (alcholo added) to give you a clear view faster.

BTW, this issue is really interesting. There is a thread where an E90 owner has used up 2 bottles already and his washers don't even work. So, what happened to the fluid? Maybe a new problem.
Perhaps there is a slow leak in the systems. If it's widespread then people need to report it or it won't get looked into to get a TSB to fix it.

T

StewtheBassman · 03-27-2006, 04:03 PM

I can't believe this thread is getting so big.

I like the smell of the BMW Windshield Wiper fluid, it's like Aqua Velva...mmmmmmmmmmm

noflash · 03-27-2006, 04:18 PM

First off, I am really disappointed in those who think they need to go to the dealer to get refilled. Please do yourself a favor and learn how to fill it yourself. The feeling of satisfaction you will have will be worth the $1 you have to spend. That's the nicest way I can put it.

Secondly, I was a gullible bastard who thought all blue-stuff had anti-freeze in it. I still think if you sell that blue-water in the snow belt you should be jailed. My washer fluid froze up this winter and I had to painstakingly flush it with de-icer. The end result caused my power fluid motor to fritz out and be replaced under warranty.

I would recommend you spend the extra 30 cents and read the label to make sure it has antifreeze. (I'm pretty sure Florida has even seen freezing temps.) I learned my lesson the hard way. Sorry if I sound bitter on the subject.

BellasBmw · 03-27-2006, 04:26 PM

the dealership is right next to my college so i just stopped by on my home from school. It took 1 min, he just put water in it. Lol. i was like um..ok? So thats cool, he said ill be all good.

Anyway, now i have that super annoying seatbelt click ..ugh its next to my head!

BellasBmw · 03-27-2006, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPM90

BTW, this issue is really interesting. There is a thread where an E90 owner has used up 2 bottles already and his washers don't even work. So, what happened to the fluid? Maybe a new problem.
Perhaps there is a slow leak in the systems. If it's widespread then people need to report it or it won't get looked into to get a TSB to fix it.

T

I agree, even if i posted a stupid question, it still is shocking to see that alot of you recieved the warning so soon after purchasing the car. I hardly ever use my fluid too..weird

LEDZEP · 03-27-2006, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StewtheBassman

it's like Aqua Velva...mmmmmmmmmmm

Hey Stew... don't go gettin all Brokeback Mountain on me dude...

StewtheBassman · 03-27-2006, 04:36 PM

YOIKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

epiphone3 · 03-27-2006, 04:39 PM

The fluid that your car ships with is half of this super strong BMW alcohol + concentrated cleaner (flashpoint of 21 degrees Celcius

) and half water.

The people who's fluid "disappears" without using much is likely the alcohol evaporating in the heat... it is extremely volitile and then you use some so the bottle goes empty unexpectedly.

LEDZEP · 03-27-2006, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StewtheBassman

YOIKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just messin with you.

StewtheBassman · 03-27-2006, 05:21 PM

That's how it starts......

RPM90 · 03-28-2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epiphone3

The fluid that your car ships with is half of this super strong BMW alcohol + concentrated cleaner (flashpoint of 21 degrees Celcius

) and half water.

The people who's fluid "disappears" without using much is likely the alcohol evaporating in the heat... it is extremely volitile and then you use some so the bottle goes empty unexpectedly.

I believe you in regard to the formulation. However, it would then seem that BMW dealerships nationwide are forgetting to check the washer fluid level in their predelivery inspection/setup.
There is NO excuse to not deliver a brand new car/BMW with the resevoir only half full.

But, that's if we accept that nearly every dealership is forgetting to check the level. It seems there may be something more to this, and maybe there are slow leaks. The system is not perfectly sealed, but it's also not that open to that much evaporation so I find that one a bit hard to accept, though it could be.

T

timmyjd · 03-12-2007, 04:40 PM

No one has posted to this thread in almost a year, but here's my 2 cents' worth:

Got low wiper fluid warning early after buying car. I ignored out for months. I used it a lot before it finally ran out. Filled with 1 gallon of Rain-X "All Season Bug Remover" washer fluid. The tank gulped it up and almost filled it to the rim.

Used it twice during the day over the next 2 weeks with headlights off (i.e. no headlight washing), and the flipping warning comes on again. I don't think it's leaking, because I know it will still last a while like it did last time, but the warning is sure set to come on very early indeed. I think that's the problem. So, you should either ignore the warning, or top it off every 2-4 uses...

MacAttack · 03-12-2007, 05:27 PM

2-4 uses? ...maybe the sensor is off kilter.

Bobkus · 03-14-2007, 02:14 AM

Same problem with my E90. Three months after purchasing it and it has been one of the driest winters in Southern California ever.

Pretender · 03-14-2007, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magmd

Bella, I know you do not like BMW SD....but, I went there several weeks ago while I was visiting my family.

Had the same issue....windshield fluid indicator came on. Since I was already in the area....

I asked the service guy.."Hey, my fluid indicator come on this week for the first time. Wanted to know if you guys use any special kind of fluid or can I just buy the regular off-the-shelf stuff?"

He asked me to pop the hood....checked it out for me. Topped off my fluid right there in the service bay...no charge. They poured in some blue fluid...and then added some water to it. There was soooooo much stuff that went it...there is no way I used that much.!!!!

Anyways, now I am all full again. I might have to keep pulling this one....whenever I am in the area already. Not the best solution to drive there if you are not already going to be there....but if you have any reason to go close to there in the near future....wait, and get it done for free.

Otherwise...most people here say ok to use off the shelf stuff. Search...looks like the warning light goes off quickly for everyone, and you end up pouring in close to a gallon of the stuff!

Yeah....for $1.25/bottle (concentrated)...I don't think it's worth to go to the dealer and waste your voice with the service guy even though it's free in almost every BMW dealer...

timmyjd · 04-05-2007, 08:54 AM

I may ask they check the sensor during the next service (late summer), but it's not worth a special trip or time right now.

03-26-2006, 08:06 PM	#45
BellasBmw If love is the answer,please rephrase the question 315 Rep 1,731 Posts Drives: Tit Silver 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I dont leosong's situation happening.. nothing coming out, that aint good.. on all levels. __________________ ~~BellasBmw~~ Proud mama to 325i/TiAg/Black lette/Pwr seats/Sirius/Sport/Walnut/Step/Xenons/Chrome exhaust/20% tint
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03-26-2006, 08:29 PM	#46
firstkill Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 247 Posts Drives: e93 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alhambra iTrader: (0)	engine heat evaporate the fluid quickly.... just use regular water or the cheap stuff.... but the dealer will top off any fluids if u just pop by without an appointment. ~fk
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03-26-2006, 10:32 PM	#47
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	Probably the fith thread about it....but this thing has a huge tank... __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
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03-27-2006, 10:45 AM	#50
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	There was a thread on the OT forums about these melon hats... __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
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03-27-2006, 04:03 PM	#52
StewtheBassman Major General 199 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	I can't believe this thread is getting so big. I like the smell of the BMW Windshield Wiper fluid, it's like Aqua Velva...mmmmmmmmmmm __________________
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03-27-2006, 04:18 PM	#53
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	First off, I am really disappointed in those who think they need to go to the dealer to get refilled. Please do yourself a favor and learn how to fill it yourself. The feeling of satisfaction you will have will be worth the $1 you have to spend. That's the nicest way I can put it. Secondly, I was a gullible bastard who thought all blue-stuff had anti-freeze in it. I still think if you sell that blue-water in the snow belt you should be jailed. My washer fluid froze up this winter and I had to painstakingly flush it with de-icer. The end result caused my power fluid motor to fritz out and be replaced under warranty. I would recommend you spend the extra 30 cents and read the label to make sure it has antifreeze. (I'm pretty sure Florida has even seen freezing temps.) I learned my lesson the hard way. Sorry if I sound bitter on the subject. __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
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03-27-2006, 04:26 PM	#54
BellasBmw If love is the answer,please rephrase the question 315 Rep 1,731 Posts Drives: Tit Silver 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	the dealership is right next to my college so i just stopped by on my home from school. It took 1 min, he just put water in it. Lol. i was like um..ok? So thats cool, he said ill be all good. Anyway, now i have that super annoying seatbelt click ..ugh its next to my head! __________________ ~~BellasBmw~~ Proud mama to 325i/TiAg/Black lette/Pwr seats/Sirius/Sport/Walnut/Step/Xenons/Chrome exhaust/20% tint
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03-27-2006, 04:36 PM	#57
StewtheBassman Major General 199 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	YOIKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________
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03-27-2006, 04:39 PM	#58
epiphone3 Lieutenant Colonel 111 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	The fluid that your car ships with is half of this super strong BMW alcohol + concentrated cleaner (flashpoint of 21 degrees Celcius ) and half water. The people who's fluid "disappears" without using much is likely the alcohol evaporating in the heat... it is extremely volitile and then you use some so the bottle goes empty unexpectedly.
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03-27-2006, 05:21 PM	#60
StewtheBassman Major General 199 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	That's how it starts...... __________________
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03-12-2007, 04:40 PM	#62
timmyjd Arctic Monkey 27 Rep 79 Posts Drives: E90(retired), '14 F06, '23 G05 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	Wiper Fluid Low Warning No one has posted to this thread in almost a year, but here's my 2 cents' worth: Got low wiper fluid warning early after buying car. I ignored out for months. I used it a lot before it finally ran out. Filled with 1 gallon of Rain-X "All Season Bug Remover" washer fluid. The tank gulped it up and almost filled it to the rim. Used it twice during the day over the next 2 weeks with headlights off (i.e. no headlight washing), and the flipping warning comes on again. I don't think it's leaking, because I know it will still last a while like it did last time, but the warning is sure set to come on very early indeed. I think that's the problem. So, you should either ignore the warning, or top it off every 2-4 uses...
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03-12-2007, 05:27 PM	#63
MacAttack Colonel 29 Rep 2,134 Posts Drives: fast enough Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Afghanistan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW [0.00]	2-4 uses? ...maybe the sensor is off kilter. __________________ 2007 E92 335i Coupe: Monaco Blue/Premium/Sports/Winter Package/Nav/CA/6MT/TT/Active Cruise/Active Steering/iPod/Rear Shade/Tint/Short Shifter/OEM Alum Pedals//
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03-14-2007, 02:14 AM	#64
Bobkus Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: E90 330i Sport/Prem/Nav/Manual Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Beach iTrader: (0)	Same problem with my E90. Three months after purchasing it and it has been one of the driest winters in Southern California ever.
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04-05-2007, 08:54 AM	#66
timmyjd Arctic Monkey 27 Rep 79 Posts Drives: E90(retired), '14 F06, '23 G05 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	I may ask they check the sensor during the next service (late summer), but it's not worth a special trip or time right now.
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