Dumb question: Is there any reason why I shouldn't use off the shelf washer fluid?

obLu · 12-13-2005, 06:03 PM

I just discovered they didn't top off my washer fluid when they delivered my car; and I'm too lazy to slog to the dealer for a top off before I leave this weekend.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't use the standard off the shelf washer fluid? Doubt there is, just thought I'd ask in case somebody knew of a reason.

Thanks.

longtran · 12-13-2005, 06:37 PM

i was told the washer fluid is some kind of detergent mix with water. dont make sense to me.....

LEDZEP · 12-13-2005, 06:59 PM

If you live where it gets cold - below freezing - make sure the fluid is rated for sub-zero temperatures. Otherwise, no problem.

Speedy E90 · 12-13-2005, 07:29 PM

I went to Autozone the other day and got the more expensive washer fluid they had. I cant remeber the name but I can tell a huge differnece to the cheapo shit I put in my Jeep. The bugs/dirt comes off so much better and you use less fluid. An extra dollar well spend!!!

kobechrome · 12-13-2005, 07:37 PM

You can use off the shelf. I used to all the time for my '01 325 and never had any problems. I went through that stuff like candy so it was definitely more frequent than a service visit.

Atty · 12-13-2005, 08:00 PM

Don't you get free refills when you stop by your dealer? Mine offers it.

BMW Lawman · 12-13-2005, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atty

Don't you get free refills when you stop by your dealer? Mine offers it.

Did you read his post?

Atty · 12-13-2005, 08:58 PM

Nope, missed it.

AznBeemer23 · 12-13-2005, 09:12 PM

My washer fluid and Oil was low...So i went to the dealership to have it topped off...They just put WATER in it. I asked you guys don't use washer fluid...and the guy said no.....

David328M-Sport · 12-13-2005, 11:52 PM

I used a good quality non BMW washer fluid for my old e36 and 46 without trouble. I have used off the shelf stuff in my e90 without any problems.

You will be fine with a quality brand to suit your environment.

RyBMW · 12-14-2005, 12:16 AM

I heard methanol in washer fluid is bad. Is this true? The Prestone De-Icer contains high amounts of methanol.

How is the washer fluid sold at the dealers? I know it's different than the stuff that comes with the car. At least color wise: clear vs. blue

I was thinking of getting these:

http://www.autogeek.net/w892332836.html
Supposedly it's what Audi uses.

http://www.autogeek.net/p2winwasboos.html
Heard some people saying it's what BMW uses.

I'm definitely getting the P21S washer booster. Just not sure what I'm gonna use as the main washer fluid.

chazmtb · 12-14-2005, 09:21 AM

"Non BMW" washer fluids can have harsh chemicals that are not friendly to BMW paint or any other paint. Not a big deal, but I guess BMW are perfectionist.

soj · 12-14-2005, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyBMW

I heard methanol in washer fluid is bad. Is this true? The Prestone De-Icer contains high amounts of methanol.

How is the washer fluid sold at the dealers? I know it's different than the stuff that comes with the car. At least color wise: clear vs. blue

I was thinking of getting these:

http://www.autogeek.net/w892332836.html
Supposedly it's what Audi uses.

http://www.autogeek.net/p2winwasboos.html
Heard some people saying it's what BMW uses.

I'm definitely getting the P21S washer booster. Just not sure what I'm gonna use as the main washer fluid.

Methanol is bad for paint. Any type of alcohol is bad for paint.

Jongi · 12-14-2005, 09:38 AM

Do you have to add washer fluid to water before putting it into the car?

Broken1 · 12-14-2005, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jongi

Do you have to add washer fluid to water before putting it into the car?

You don't "have" to...but..
1. Plain water will start to stink after time
2. An additive makes it clean ALOT better
3. An additive will stop it freezing in winter (not that our winter gets that cold, but you might drive up to the drakenburg or dulstroom)

I use the BMW washer fluid...it's about R14 a bottle from BMW.

rightnow · 12-14-2005, 10:02 AM

lol

in sweden we use just normal washer fluid, can be bought everywhere. there is the one that is mixed with water when you buy it, which is the most dumbest buy you can every do. and the one you mix with water yourself. it is a mixure of carwash-fluid with glycol/alcohol so it wont freeze.

F32Fleet · 12-14-2005, 10:11 AM

I'll add my $.02.

Almost all standard washer fluid is the same. It's a blend of alcohol and h20. BMW's stuff is concentrate, which gives you the ability adjust the amt of fluid inrelation to the temp (ie, freezing).

underDAWG · 12-14-2005, 10:12 AM

All windshield fluids are methanol base; I don't care if it is BMW, MB or Bentley brands. If you like to spend more for BMW brand and makes you feel better, it is perfectly OK.

Alcohol like methanol will not hurt the paint, but if it is too high concentration and with a prolonged contact will take the wax off. Just get whatever sells in Wally or Autozone etc will be fine. The methanol in the windshield fluid will evaporate so fast that it will never see the paint.

Just use some common sense here. Rocket scientist is not needed here.

noflash · 12-14-2005, 12:48 PM

I thought they were all good to -20 and bought some at Autozone this summer.

As soon as the freeze hit I had no washer function. I went back to Autozone and they confirmed that they sell wiper fluid that freezes at 32 degree. YOU BASTARDS!!!

I basically couldn't use my washers for a week. Once it broke 32 degrees I flushed it all out with "De-Icer".

It's not all the same. You still have to read the bottle -- my der!

underDAWG · 12-14-2005, 02:25 PM

This was new to me. As far as I know all Wiper fluid will protect to -20 degree F in the U.S. I don't think the kid at AUtozone knows what he is doing. Water freezes at 32 degee. For your situation, your wiper fliud may be too old becasue not seal tight, therefore the methanol in the bottle has evaporated.

Just get a new bottle and try again. In addition, even when you have the new fluid in, the nozzle tip may freeze if not being used often. Since the methanol evaporates faster than water. Once the methanol is gone, the water at the tip is subjected to freeze. HTH.

F32Fleet · 12-14-2005, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underDAWG

This was new to me. As far as I know all Wiper fluid will protect to -20 degree F in the U.S. I don't think the kid at AUtozone knows what he is doing. Water freezes at 32 degee. For your situation, your wiper fliud may be too old becasue not seal tight, therefore the methanol in the bottle has evaporated.

Just get a new bottle and try again. In addition, even when you have the new fluid in, the nozzle tip may freeze if not being used often. Since the methanol evaporates faster than water. Once the methanol is gone, the water at the tip is subjected to freeze. HTH.

What's funny is tht the stuff will freeze on your windshield once the alcohol evaporates. Crazy

noflash · 12-14-2005, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underDAWG

This was new to me. As far as I know all Wiper fluid will protect to -20 degree F in the U.S. I don't think the kid at AUtozone knows what he is doing. Water freezes at 32 degee. For your situation, your wiper fliud may be too old becasue not seal tight, therefore the methanol in the bottle has evaporated.

Just get a new bottle and try again. In addition, even when you have the new fluid in, the nozzle tip may freeze if not being used often. Since the methanol evaporates faster than water. Once the methanol is gone, the water at the tip is subjected to freeze. HTH.

I read the label of the bottle at Autozone that said it froze at 32 degrees. I did not read the label this summer when I bought it.

E90 washer nozzles are heated.

12-13-2005, 06:03 PM	#1
obLu Major 50 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: 330i 6MT ZSP Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Kirkland, WA, USA iTrader: (1)	Dumb question: Is there any reason why I shouldn't use off the shelf washer fluid? I just discovered they didn't top off my washer fluid when they delivered my car; and I'm too lazy to slog to the dealer for a top off before I leave this weekend. Is there any reason why I shouldn't use the standard off the shelf washer fluid? Doubt there is, just thought I'd ask in case somebody knew of a reason. Thanks.
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12-13-2005, 06:37 PM	#2
longtran Lieutenant General 1431 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	i was told the washer fluid is some kind of detergent mix with water. dont make sense to me.....
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12-13-2005, 06:59 PM	#3
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	If you live where it gets cold - below freezing - make sure the fluid is rated for sub-zero temperatures. Otherwise, no problem. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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12-13-2005, 07:29 PM	#4
Speedy E90 330 Sport, Comfort, Winter, Navi, Carbon Fiber Lip, Sparkling Graphite, Beige Leather, V710 21 Rep 155 Posts Drives: BMW E90 330 sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Washington D.C., sometimes Durham, NC iTrader: (0)	I went to Autozone the other day and got the more expensive washer fluid they had. I cant remeber the name but I can tell a huge differnece to the cheapo shit I put in my Jeep. The bugs/dirt comes off so much better and you use less fluid. An extra dollar well spend!!!
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12-13-2005, 07:37 PM	#5
kobechrome Captain 38 Rep 699 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 335xi Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ashburn, VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 335xi Sport [0.00] 2013 Lexus RX 350 [0.00] 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	You can use off the shelf. I used to all the time for my '01 325 and never had any problems. I went through that stuff like candy so it was definitely more frequent than a service visit. __________________
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12-13-2005, 08:00 PM	#6
Atty Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 09 X5 48i M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 (September bui ... [0.00]	Don't you get free refills when you stop by your dealer? Mine offers it. __________________ Attorney E90 330i 6MT \| Black Sapphire \| Terra \| Burl \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| Navi \| Sirius
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12-13-2005, 08:58 PM	#8
Atty Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 09 X5 48i M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 (September bui ... [0.00]	Nope, missed it. __________________ Attorney E90 330i 6MT \| Black Sapphire \| Terra \| Burl \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| Navi \| Sirius
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12-13-2005, 09:12 PM	#9
AznBeemer23 Lieutenant 46 Rep 434 Posts Drives: Jet Black Hamann E90 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Irvine, CA & Philly iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	My washer fluid and Oil was low...So i went to the dealership to have it topped off...They just put WATER in it. I asked you guys don't use washer fluid...and the guy said no..... __________________ 2006 330i Automatic \|Jet Black \| Black Leather \| Brushed Aluminum \| Premium Package \| Sports Package \| iDrive & Navigation \| 5% Tint \| Hamann Kit \| Tein SS-P Coilover \| Forgeline VR3P 19x8.5 front 19x10 rear \| Falken FK-451 235/35ZR19 Front 265/30ZR19 Rear \| Rotora 6 Pistons Front 4 Pistons Rear Big Brake Kit \| Fujita Air Intake www.uucmotorwerks.com www.foxmarketing.net www.falkentire.com www.rotora.com www.f5air.com www.tein.com www.wheelpower.com
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12-13-2005, 11:52 PM	#10
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	I used a good quality non BMW washer fluid for my old e36 and 46 without trouble. I have used off the shelf stuff in my e90 without any problems. You will be fine with a quality brand to suit your environment. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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12-14-2005, 12:16 AM	#11
RyBMW Major 78 Rep 1,038 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW X5 [0.00] 2008 335i [0.00]	I heard methanol in washer fluid is bad. Is this true? The Prestone De-Icer contains high amounts of methanol. How is the washer fluid sold at the dealers? I know it's different than the stuff that comes with the car. At least color wise: clear vs. blue I was thinking of getting these: http://www.autogeek.net/w892332836.html Supposedly it's what Audi uses. http://www.autogeek.net/p2winwasboos.html Heard some people saying it's what BMW uses. I'm definitely getting the P21S washer booster. Just not sure what I'm gonna use as the main washer fluid. __________________ New: 12 X5 xDrive35i Premium Alpine White/Cinn Brown Old: 08 E92 335i\|Space Gray/Coral Red/Gray Poplar Old: 06 E90 330i\|Black Sapphire/Black /Burl
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12-14-2005, 09:21 AM	#12
chazmtb Private First Class 9 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2011 X5D Join Date: May 2005 Location: Windermere, FL iTrader: (0)	"Non BMW" washer fluids can have harsh chemicals that are not friendly to BMW paint or any other paint. Not a big deal, but I guess BMW are perfectionist.
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12-14-2005, 09:38 AM	#14
Jongi Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 320i w/Exclusive Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0)	Do you have to add washer fluid to water before putting it into the car?
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12-14-2005, 10:02 AM	#16
rightnow Private First Class 17 Rep 185 Posts Drives: E92 335d 2010 - Imola Red Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	lol in sweden we use just normal washer fluid, can be bought everywhere. there is the one that is mixed with water when you buy it, which is the most dumbest buy you can every do. and the one you mix with water yourself. it is a mixure of carwash-fluid with glycol/alcohol so it wont freeze.
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12-14-2005, 10:11 AM	#17
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3572 Rep 10,352 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	I'll add my $.02. Almost all standard washer fluid is the same. It's a blend of alcohol and h20. BMW's stuff is concentrate, which gives you the ability adjust the amt of fluid inrelation to the temp (ie, freezing).
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12-14-2005, 10:12 AM	#18
underDAWG Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 278 Posts Drives: E30 on Stands Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: First State iTrader: (0)	All windshield fluids are methanol base; I don't care if it is BMW, MB or Bentley brands. If you like to spend more for BMW brand and makes you feel better, it is perfectly OK. Alcohol like methanol will not hurt the paint, but if it is too high concentration and with a prolonged contact will take the wax off. Just get whatever sells in Wally or Autozone etc will be fine. The methanol in the windshield fluid will evaporate so fast that it will never see the paint. Just use some common sense here. Rocket scientist is not needed here.
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12-14-2005, 12:48 PM	#19
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]	I thought they were all good to -20 and bought some at Autozone this summer. As soon as the freeze hit I had no washer function. I went back to Autozone and they confirmed that they sell wiper fluid that freezes at 32 degree. YOU BASTARDS!!! I basically couldn't use my washers for a week. Once it broke 32 degrees I flushed it all out with "De-Icer". It's not all the same. You still have to read the bottle -- my der!
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12-14-2005, 02:25 PM	#20
underDAWG Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 278 Posts Drives: E30 on Stands Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: First State iTrader: (0)	This was new to me. As far as I know all Wiper fluid will protect to -20 degree F in the U.S. I don't think the kid at AUtozone knows what he is doing. Water freezes at 32 degee. For your situation, your wiper fliud may be too old becasue not seal tight, therefore the methanol in the bottle has evaporated. Just get a new bottle and try again. In addition, even when you have the new fluid in, the nozzle tip may freeze if not being used often. Since the methanol evaporates faster than water. Once the methanol is gone, the water at the tip is subjected to freeze. HTH.
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