Windshield washer fluid - any specific one I should use?

[N55_BBM]

Car is beeping like mad (what a surprise), I think I'm out of washer fluid..

Is there a specific OEM fluid or any recommended brand or should I just stop this high maintenance nonsense with this car for once and just get any fluid at a gas station?

[N55_BBM]

Originally Posted by maxnix

PD told me to use clear. Haven't seen any yet.

as opposed to that blue stuff out there?

[ezeedee]

Originally Posted by maxnix

Yes. Let me know if you find any.

On a side note, when I went to the CCA Chapter meeting last month, I saw a new one with rainbowing on the shadowline trim. I asked if she used commercial car washes, which she did, but she said it was from the BMW supplied washer fluid. i hand wash and don't have any rainbowing of the trim yet.

fwiw, i use the blue washer fluid (i will switch back to regular water now that its warming up) and my shadowline is rainbowing. I didnt know it mattered, and i didnt know thats what happened to the trim until now.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by ezeedee

fwiw, i use the blue washer fluid (i will switch back to regular water now that its warming up) and my shadowline is rainbowing. I didnt know it mattered, and i didnt know thats what happened to the trim until now.

I wouldn't use straight water. You need some cleaning effect even in the summer. Then when winter comes... the first freeze might damage your washer plumbing or worse your headlight washers ($$$). IF you use straight water you will get stuff growing in the washer tank! Mold.

I always use the blue washer fluid. I always hand wash my car. No rainbows on my shadow line trim. In winter I use fluid that is ok until -20'C.

[Bimmer-Bob]

I've been using Prestone Bug Wash fluid because that's the only thing I can find besides the really super cheap no-name stuff. It's green. I also add some P21S Windshield Wash Booster (you have to be somewhat sparing with that stuff, because it will leave a bit of a residue sometimes).

Anyway, I'm not shy about using my washers and I've never had any discoloration or rainbowing of the shadowline trim. FWIW, I only hand wash.

[ezeedee]

i dont handwash, i use the self-wash on the base. I dont even have a hose that can reach my driveway, plus i know people that have gotten tickets for washing their car.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by ezeedee

i dont handwash, i use the self-wash on the base. I dont even have a hose that can reach my driveway, plus i know people that have gotten tickets for washing their car.

I believe you can only be ticketed when wasing your car in a public street. When you are on private property - you are fine. You could always ask your PMO (Military Police)though.

I really like the "No Rise car wash stuff". Just use a cap full of that stuff and a bucketfull of water. I also use the selfservice car washes. But I like the German ones better - more pressure and cleaner stalls.


Dackel

[FDM68]

Regular old blue winshield washer fluid no problems so far. If you happen to use the power washer stations...esp on Ramstein... what ever you do don't use the brush unless you desire swirls and scratches. The best wash rack locally here is just across from the pentagon dealership. A little process I use is with a partner rinse down the vehicle well, put on the soap brush and have them (the partner) hold it over the wash mit you brought along and ensure you have plenty of suds. Sometimes I add a little soap to the mitt just incase. This I do for the times I can't get it at home and as a matter of fact did it at lunch to the wifes Mini. Just be advised they close the wash racks down on Sunday there and the one downtown Ramstein.
With this subject the law is you can wash on private property, unless you have an anal landlord who lives next door...like me. I just wait till she's out and fill up some buckets (Two bucket system) and some jugs of water (I find empty winshield washer fluid bottles work well) because I too have no hose.
Haven't tried the waterless stuff yet but been thinking about it.

[BSM 335I]

RainX

[FDM68]

That would be funny! Little bubbles flowing away at 110 mph....

Originally Posted by maxnix

I'll second that. No soap either.

[N55_BBM]

Originally Posted by FDM68

That would be funny! Little bubbles flowing away at 110 mph....

I was going to say "110mph? where the F do you drive?"

Until I saw you're in germany

dammit i hate having perfect roads and a 65mph speed limit. stupid american highways.

[Greg@DetailedImage]

I use the303 Instant Washer Fluid Tablets and the P21S Windshield Wash Booster in summer months and the Einszett 1Z Anti-Frost Concentrate Washer Fluid in winter. All three work great and keep the glass clean and clear. If interested save 10% off with the coupon code 10offBMW1. Take care!

[soupy]

Does anyone use this OEM windshield washer antifreeze?

http://kellybmw.oemdealer.com/car-ca...1978_21421.php



I think it's a clear solution, but I wasn't sure if this is supposed to be diluted with something else or I should just buy a case and load it straight up.

[Lubo]

Originally Posted by soupy

Does anyone use this OEM windshield washer antifreeze?

http://kellybmw.oemdealer.com/car-ca...1978_21421.php



I think it's a clear solution, but I wasn't sure if this is supposed to be diluted with something else or I should just buy a case and load it straight up.

that needs to be diluted. Depending on the temperature outside. There is a ratio on the back of the bottle. I believe you can do full tank with one of those which is close to 2 gallons.