[CrownRoyal79]

Let me start by saying I don't like the Rain-X that you rub onto the windshield. In my experience it causes streaks and sometimes it makes the wiper blades skip across the windshield. The last time I used it was 15+ years ago so maybe it's gotten better.

I love the Rain-X washer fluid because it applies itself every time you spray your windshield. You just keep the tank full and forget about it. It works wonders in heavy rain. In situations where you would have near zero visibility, it allows you to see perfectly. It makes the car much safer to drive.

I've used the orange Rain-X washer fluid religiously on all my cars for many years and never had a problem. This includes 3 years on a leased F36. But now, some people are warning that using this type of washer fluid will ruin the sensor in the reservoir tank, leading to costly repair bills.

Does anybody here have any first or second hand knowledge about this? Like myself, has anybody else used this in their BMW's in the past without having any problems?

[JayPichardo]

Yes, that stuff does not get along with BMW's system. There is a note about it on the owner's manual. If you use it and it damagers the sensors BMW will not cover it under warranty.

[phillyd2]

Damn, never knew this was a thing. But found....

https://bimmertips.com/pro-tip-dont-...d-in-your-bmw/

[Score04]

So, is OEM BMW fluid like Rain X and provide the same effects? Or, is it like any cheap blue stuff out at the stores?

[CrownRoyal79]

Originally Posted by Score04

So, is OEM BMW fluid like Rain X and provide the same effects? Or, is it like any cheap blue stuff out at the stores?

The OEM fluid is just regular fluid, like the cheap blue stuff at Walmart. It doesn't have any water repelling effects like RAIN-X.

[LarrySinNJ]

The BMW washer fluid is great if you live in a warmer climate. If colder climate, at $4 a bottle, this stuff gets expensive.

[Score04]

Originally Posted by CrownRoyal79

The OEM fluid is just regular fluid, like the cheap blue stuff at Walmart. It doesn't have any water repelling effects like RAIN-X.

Well, that's disappointing news completely. Rain X vs cheap blue stuff is night and day difference.

[siegester]

I had to pull apart the washer fluid resevoir on my e82 as it was completely clogged up, so i just use the cheap stuff now

[TheBingoBalls]

I didn't believe it as well until I decided to just try it out on my E90 last winter. Affected the pump and had to replace it. Will stick to the windshield application instead of the actual fluid.

[JayPichardo]

https://www.rainx.com/wp-content/the...d-cleaners.png

[WXdrivefun]

Will streaking occur/damage to wiper blades occur if using the 2in1 RainX window cleaner on external windshield and using normal OEM recommended BMW windshield fluid?

[syd34]

Originally Posted by CrownRoyal79

Let me start by saying I don't like the Rain-X that you rub onto the windshield. In my experience it causes streaks and sometimes it makes the wiper blades skip across the windshield. The last time I used it was 15+ years ago so maybe it's gotten better.

I love the Rain-X washer fluid because it applies itself every time you spray your windshield. You just keep the tank full and forget about it. It works wonders in heavy rain. In situations where you would have near zero visibility, it allows you to see perfectly. It makes the car much safer to drive.

I've used the orange Rain-X washer fluid religiously on all my cars for many years and never had a problem. This includes 3 years on a leased F36. But now, some people are warning that using this type of washer fluid will ruin the sensor in the reservoir tank, leading to costly repair bills.

Does anybody here have any first or second hand knowledge about this? Like myself, has anybody else used this in their BMW's in the past without having any problems?

Yes, it ruins our washer sensor. I used Rain-X for years on various vehicles (Lexus/Toyota/Honda/Mazda) and had no issues. So I never thought twice about using it my car.

Now my "Low Washer Fluid" warning remains on, even though the reservoir is full. I will never use Rain-X again. I have only had my car for 7 months. I should have researched before using

[hmgeek]

BTW, I think we are going about this the wrong way.

Why is BMW making a washer reservoir with inferior components that causes clogs with one of the top selling windshield washers in the industry? As stated we have all used Rain-X washer fluid and it's significantly superior than the blue stuff. Most if not all manufactures don't have a problem with it. Shouldn't BMW try to solve this and use other materials? Just a thought.

[A6bullet]

Originally Posted by hmgeek

BTW, I think we are going about this the wrong way.

Why is BMW making a washer reservoir with inferior components that causes clogs with one of the top selling windshield washers in the industry? As stated we have all used Rain-X washer fluid and it's significantly superior than the blue stuff. Most if not all manufactures don't have a problem with it. Shouldn't BMW try to solve this and use other materials? Just a thought.

Sometimes I dont know what this company is doing. Surreal.


I have a question, on this new wiper system with the integrated nozzles, i noticed not all of the nozzles fire water. I thought they were clogged but I went in with a needle to "clear" them but nothing was wrong.

Anyone experience this?

[v_ckash623]

Can attest to the non-BMW washer fluid, or just not blue washer fluid in general. Ran into the issue with my previous F30. Filled it up with generic blue washer fluid with no problem. Winter time came around and filled it up with generic winter blend washer fluid, albeit in a more purple color. Car kept reporting low washer fluid even though fluid is practically overflowing. Took it into the dealership and was immediately told BMW won't cover it under warranty and had to fork up a $145 diagnostic fee. Luckily it was solved by flushing the reservoir with water.

I was ordering a replacement key card and noticed the washer fluid behind the counter. Asked the SA to add a bottle to the order and he gave me it for free instead. If I do that 30 or so more times, I might be able recoup the diagnostic fee haha

[TheBingoBalls]

Had issues with my E90. I just stick with BMW fluid.

[cowymo]

What about the Rain X Yellow fluid? Any difference from the orange ones?

[v_ckash623]

Originally Posted by cowymo

What about the Rain X Yellow fluid? Any difference from the orange ones?

You're welcome to give it a shot. But the consensus here is that the additives in the Rain-X fluid fouls up the washer fluid sensor in the reservoir and it isn't a covered repair under warranty.

[cowymo]

Time to sell the 6 boxes I have.. LOL

[themnmd]

You can ceramic coat your windshield, works pretty well for me.

[CrownRoyal79]

I use a 50/50 mix of rain-x and the BMW fluid. I still get all the benefits of the rain-x. No problems so far.

[sharpmoney]

i use the rain x bug wash, greenish one....no problems so far...in both wifes X3 and my car, seems like the orange 2 in 1 is the one that causes problems?