[rotarypower101]

If the washer fluid reservoir and lines are completely flushed, and washed out with water, can a alternate brand fluid be utilized?

I made the mistake of adding some non BMW fluid on a long late trip and clogged the filters...

While I am paying the price of ignorance on what I thought should not be a problem.

Can I use a alternate fluid if starting fresh and clean? Will the small filters accept a different fluid and stand the test of time without clogging?

Specifically the RainX Low Temperature DeIcer mix?

Also while I am here, and dealing with the system, I have a issue with the headlight sprayers not fully retracting.

Are there any good solutions to making those work better? can they simply be cleaned on the outside slides? Or will they require a full disassembly to regain normal functionality?

I am considering disabling them via the plug, might even add a easily accessable jumper, but I would still like them to function propperly.

[drawz]

RainX washer fluid is notorious for clogging up pumps/screens and damaging level sensors on various models of cars. It's not about the mixing. Use something else, maybe Prestone De-Icer if you must have de-icer.

[mecheng77]

If you used rainx pour some vinegar to descale the sensor, it's good at cleaning windows too. Once that's done use any non rain x product. I use what they had at Costco and it works fine

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by rotarypower101

If the washer fluid reservoir and lines are completely flushed, and washed out with water, can a alternate brand fluid be utilized?

I made the mistake of adding some non BMW fluid on a long late trip and clogged the filters...

While I am paying the price of ignorance on what I thought should not be a problem.

Can I use a alternate fluid if starting fresh and clean? Will the small filters accept a different fluid and stand the test of time without clogging?

Specifically the RainX Low Temperature DeIcer mix?

When I bought my car the washer wasn't spraying any fluid, so I removed the fender liner to access the tank and pump to discover a clogged screen and a thick layer of what looked like sludge from a swamp on the bottom of the tank. I cleaned it out and ever since then, I've been using a quart of Rain X Washer Fluid Booster
mixed with a gallon of distilled water.

My only reason for using this is because it's the ONLY methanol-based washer fluid available where I live. I know everyone says don't use rain-x based washer products, but so far after one year it's working fine and hasn't clogged on me.

If I could get it, I'd use the yellow Prestone De-icer AS250. I never had an issue with that.

[ewicky]

You can also disable the headlight washers by coding. They also are automatically disabled whenever the lights are off. So if I want to clean my windshield but not headlights, I'll just turn off my lights for a few moments to run the wiper washer (such as, at a stop light or before taking off).

I use methanol based fluid. It has great freeze protection (-20F!), it's cheaper than other fluids, environmentally friendly, cleans glass good enough, doesn't clog, fully compatible, and I can inject it into my engine for more power.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Lol I've never done a full flush and always alternated between different fluids to try out by just pouring the new stuff in.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

I've never heard of non-bmw washer fluid being a problem. It's all basically the same. I just get some rain-x washer fluid and call it a day

[e90yyc]

I thought this was a troll thread at first haha...

I’ve never thought twice when mixing washer fluid brands. I guess I just have a high risk appetite.

Where I live, I run cold-weather fluid year round anyway, which is almost entirely alcohol

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

I thought this was a troll thread at first haha...

I’ve never thought twice when mixing washer fluid brands. I guess I just have a high risk appetite.

Where I live, I run cold-weather fluid year round anyway, which is almost entirely alcohol

Lol I just did a full fill of -40c winter fluid right near the end of winter and haven't had to use it yet I'm wondering if I should just always use -40c fluid or change. Don't even know what is cheaper. I read winter stuff isn't as good for bug guts?

[hassmaschine]

No, you must absolutely use only BMW branded washer fluid at $40 a gallon from the dealer. Also it's best to pay $150/hr for them to open the cap and pour it in for you (book time is only 2.5 hours, you might get dirty or poke out your eye if you DIY). Peace of mind!

[Brandoch]

For best results use only BMW branded air in the tires.