[jhardwood]

Hi All,

Newbie to this site and to BMW (2022 X3 xdrive 30i). I am working through the ceramic coating decisions, but have a question related to the rain sensing wipers. I know that using a RainX/similar washer fluid is a no-no with the sensing wipers. But what about an applied coating to the windshield? Several of the ceramic products vendors offer a similar product for glass. Is it safe or to be avoided?

Thanks,
Jeff

[chowser51]

windshield coating shouldn't hurt your wipers. you'll probably use wipers less when moving in rain.

[DanG]

Here is a thread on RainX.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1801139

[jhardwood]

My owner's manual warns to "not use silicon-containing additives", to which my dealer also told me not to use Rainx wiper fluid, as apparently that can damage the washing system. That may be unrelated to the sensing wipers, resulting in some confusion for me. I was more wondering if the glasparency or other treatment would affect the rain sensing. It is interesting that you have used Rainx with no issues. I will check out the thread posted by DanG as well. Thanks all!

[Redd]

Rain-X is crap. Difficult to apply and doesn't last long.

That said, I've been using rain repellent on my car windscreens for over 10 years, 7 yrs on the M3, and have never had any problems with the sensors or wipers - no streaking, no juddering, no noise and no wear on the wipers. It rains year round here so the wipers get used regularly. I use Glaco Ultra (small black bottle) made by Soft99. 10x easier to apply and lasts much much longer than Rain-X. The only time Rain-X performed better than Glaco was when it was freshly applied in light rain/drizzle. Glaco needs a slightly larger droplet size before it slides/blows off. Long term use, Glaco lasts a whole lot longer and remains more consistent during that time, whereas Rain-X performance drops off quickly within 1-2 mths.

[jhardwood]

Thanks Redd. I actually don't use Rainx additive in any of my vehicles. But, I have used Rainx Orange De-icer solution (by the gallon) which has worked well for me here in Maine. I was hoping to use it in the new X3, but have certainly gotten mixed feedback on whether it is safe or not for the washer system.

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by Redd

Rain-X is crap. Difficult to apply and doesn't last long.

How is it difficult to apply? I've been using rainx on every car for 30+ years. Find it extremely easy to apply and lasts about a full year with a two coat application.

Never had any issue with rain sense wipers and rainx. I don't use the rain x washer fluid, just the traditional stuff you spray on the glass, wait a few minutes, wipe off, then repeat for the 2nd coat.

[dananelson1]

I haven't applied it yet, but after researching choices, I bought GTechniq G1 ClearVision. It is more time consuming to apply, but the results sound universally superior.

[unluky]

Originally Posted by Redd

Rain-X is crap. Difficult to apply and doesn't last long.

That said, I've been using rain repellent on my car windscreens for over 10 years, 7 yrs on the M3, and have never had any problems with the sensors or wipers - no streaking, no juddering, no noise and no wear on the wipers. It rains year round here so the wipers get used regularly. I use Glaco Ultra (small black bottle) made by Soft99. 10x easier to apply and lasts much much longer than Rain-X. The only time Rain-X performed better than Glaco was when it was freshly applied in light rain/drizzle. Glaco needs a slightly larger droplet size before it slides/blows off. Long term use, Glaco lasts a whole lot longer and remains more consistent during that time, whereas Rain-X performance drops off quickly within 1-2 mths.

I'll have to try that. I have used Rain-X regularly for over a decade and find it very easy to use and last long enough for me. On my "fun" car I rarely drive and rarely sees any bad weather - I have not applied it in years and it still beads.

MY DD is another story, but I am anal about a clean windshield and wash it often and clear it often, so I am scrubbing it off constantly. 2-3 times a year is about how often I do it. I buy the big bottle, hose it down and rub it in with a paper towel and allow it to dry. Remove it with a paper towel then LIGHTLY hit it with window cleaner and take it off with a microfiber - spotless. I hate using wipers, so driving without them on at highways speeds is my MAIN reason for doing it. 2nd reason is how easy bug come off in the summer and 3rd is how easy snow pushes off in the winter.

I'll check yours out. I am happy with RainX, but if this is even better..............

[Redd]

Originally Posted by unluky

I buy the big bottle, hose it down and rub it in with a paper towel and allow it to dry. Remove it with a paper towel then LIGHTLY hit it with window cleaner and take it off with a microfiber - spotless.

Glaco Ultra is a much simpler process. The bottle comes with its own applicator pad so no cleaning afterwards. Just apply it, wait 10 mins while it dries, then wipe off. It comes off clean and dry, no haze or smear unlike Rain-X. You can call it a day, or give it another wipe with a clean dry towel. No need for window cleaner. It also lasts much longer especially if you do need to use your wipers. Rain-X wears off quickly if you use wipers often.