Washer Fluid?

Score04 · 05-27-2023, 07:51 AM

I know there are topics on the subject of rain x but get a mixed result on using it or not on x3. Can anyone confirm will or she rain x not work for x3 as people have had issues? Or, can it be used? If not, what is the next best product that is like the orange rain x that can be used in the x3? Thank you and appreciate responses.

chhappy7 · 05-27-2023, 08:10 AM

As you’ve found in multiple threads, just don’t use them. They haven’t played nice with F chassis and even with G chassis, they cause problems. It’s a simple enough problem to avoid, so it’s hard to understand why some people really love rain x fluids.

Just get the cheap blue stuff or BMW ones. My local BMW sells concentrate for a dollar per bottle and pre diluted large bottle for between 3 to 5.

Keefy · 05-27-2023, 08:36 AM

If your car is still in warranty then stick to the BMW recommended screen wash fluid, that way you shouldn’t run into any issues with the washer fluid pump and if you do then you shouldn’t have any warranty related problems.

bcwalks2 · 05-27-2023, 09:23 AM

I haven’t used Rain X, but can tell you replacing the pump on a G01 X3 is a pain in the ass. The part is super cheap, the work sucks. I am sure the stealership charges several hundred to replace.

alex2364 · 05-27-2023, 01:01 PM

If you don’t want problems then use BMW’s washer fluid.

M40i4me · 05-27-2023, 01:17 PM

I have been using the generic blue stuff -20 Fahrenheit for 10 years in my BMW’s with no issues.

bocabimmer · 05-27-2023, 01:28 PM

You’ll hear outliers either way, but for the extra few dollars for the correct stuff, it’s worth it not to have to replace a pump.

Gritty · 05-27-2023, 01:56 PM

I read that as the washer fluid warms over time mildew/mold can grow in the reservior and that clogs the filter and kills the pump. I suspect the BMW fluid has an additive to prevent the mildew/mold growth?

Score04 · 05-30-2023, 10:06 PM

Thank you all. So basically bmw oem washer fluid only? Nothing from a retail store? I like rain x for the beading effect it has on windshield. Having this oem fluid I’ve never used my wiper blades as often as I do now. Was spoiled being able to use rain x on the rsx for such a long time.

ContactPatch · 05-30-2023, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Score04

Thank you all. So basically bmw oem washer fluid only? Nothing from a retail store? I like rain x for the beading effect it has on windshield. Having this oem fluid I’ve never used my wiper blades as often as I do now. Was spoiled being able to use rain x on the rsx for such a long time.

Apply some ceramic detail spray on the windscreen, it will bead water and your wiper blades will glide across the glass because of reduced friction.

Score04 · 05-30-2023, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ContactPatch

Apply some ceramic detail spray on the windscreen, it will bead water and your wiper blades will glide across the glass because of reduced friction.

Like rain x spray or can I use this?

Q²M WetCoat

ContactPatch · 05-30-2023, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Score04

Like rain x spray or can I use this?

Q²M WetCoat

That would be perfect and will last a long time.

Score04 · 05-30-2023, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ContactPatch

That would be perfect and will last a long time.

Which is better? Thanks!

ContactPatch · 05-31-2023, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Score04

Which is better? Thanks!

The Q²M WetCoat.

BMWZ4 · 05-31-2023, 07:32 AM

Costco...box of 4 is super cheap. Been using for years & years on all our bmw's w/o issue.

Score04 · 05-31-2023, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Costco...box of 4 is super cheap. Been using for years & years on all our bmw's w/o issue.

Using a box of 4 of what?

BMWZ4 · 05-31-2023, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Score04

Using a box of 4 of what?

Umm...3 guesses...it's your thread...

diirk · 05-31-2023, 09:30 AM

The Rain-X wiper fluid tends to cause issues with the sensors in the washer fluid tank and many different German vehicles. I'd recommend avoiding it. not saying you have to use OEM, just avoid the Rain-X.

Qsilver7 · 05-31-2023, 11:29 AM

Reading the posts in this thread…I didn’t get any take away that says to ONLY USE BMW WASHER FLUID.

The issue is with what’s in some of the Rain-X products…some BMW owners manuals do mention to not use washer fluids with certain chemicals.

I do recall posts in this thread mention BMW washer fluid or simple plain blue washer fluid….not sure how that turned into only use BMW fluid.

The BMW TIS says to use a PH-neutral solution.

NYRangers79 · 05-31-2023, 11:29 AM

I’ve been using rain-x washer fluids for Aniston a decade on 2 bmws. This is the first I’ve heard of issues and never had a problem before. Go to know I guess.

Score04 · 05-31-2023, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Umm...3 guesses...it's your thread...

Still lost. If can answer directly that'd be great.

Score04 · 05-31-2023, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Reading the posts in this thread…I didn’t get any take away that says to ONLY USE BMW WASHER FLUID.

The issue is with what’s in some of the Rain-X products…some BMW owners manuals do mention to not use washer fluids with certain chemicals.

I do recall posts in this thread mention BMW washer fluid or simple plain blue washer fluid….not sure how that turned into only use BMW fluid.

The BMW TIS says to use a PH-neutral solution.

No one was mentioning what fluids they’re using so assumed bmw oem only is what people are leaning toward.

I do appreciate this rain x explanation and issue. Any specific brand you can recommend?

05-27-2023, 07:51 AM	#1
Score04 Captain 230 Rep 630 Posts Drives: ‘23 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Washer Fluid? I know there are topics on the subject of rain x but get a mixed result on using it or not on x3. Can anyone confirm will or she rain x not work for x3 as people have had issues? Or, can it be used? If not, what is the next best product that is like the orange rain x that can be used in the x3? Thank you and appreciate responses. __________________ 8/8/22 - Sold 2005 Acura RSX Type-S 9/29/22 - 2023 X3 M40i
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05-27-2023, 08:10 AM	#2
chhappy7 Major 524 Rep 1,177 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Hanover, NH iTrader: (0)	As you’ve found in multiple threads, just don’t use them. They haven’t played nice with F chassis and even with G chassis, they cause problems. It’s a simple enough problem to avoid, so it’s hard to understand why some people really love rain x fluids. Just get the cheap blue stuff or BMW ones. My local BMW sells concentrate for a dollar per bottle and pre diluted large bottle for between 3 to 5. __________________ 2020 X3 M40i 2015 328i - Sold @ 104,000 miles
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05-27-2023, 08:36 AM	#3
Keefy Lieutenant Colonel 1645 Rep 1,565 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40d LCI Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 M40d LCI [8.92]	If your car is still in warranty then stick to the BMW recommended screen wash fluid, that way you shouldn’t run into any issues with the washer fluid pump and if you do then you shouldn’t have any warranty related problems. __________________ Current - 2022 X3 M40d LCI in Brooklyn Grey. Modifications - AutoID Front Splitter. DTUK Pedalbox Plus. Gloss Black M Badges. 3d Maxpider Kuga Floor Matts & Cargo liner. BMW M-Performance Flow Through Spoiler. Mid-Trunk Spoiler. 15mm Spacers all round. AP Arch Guards. X3M Side Vents. 699M Wheels Gloss Black
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05-27-2023, 09:23 AM	#4
bcwalks2 Lieutenant 281 Rep 401 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i & 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	I haven’t used Rain X, but can tell you replacing the pump on a G01 X3 is a pain in the ass. The part is super cheap, the work sucks. I am sure the stealership charges several hundred to replace.
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05-27-2023, 01:01 PM	#5
alex2364 Colonel 2917 Rep 2,788 Posts Drives: 2020 M4 ZCP / 2023 X3 M40i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2020 BMW M4 [10.00] 2023 BMW X3 M40i [10.00]	If you don’t want problems then use BMW’s washer fluid.
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05-27-2023, 01:17 PM	#6
M40i4me Lieutenant Colonel 1039 Rep 1,531 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 X3 M40i [10.00]	I have been using the generic blue stuff -20 Fahrenheit for 10 years in my BMW’s with no issues. __________________ 2021 M40i Phytonic Blue / Black Vernasca 2020 X5 xDrive 40i Tanzanite Blue / Coffee Vernasca 2011 328xi. Space Grey - Sold 188,925 great miles
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05-27-2023, 01:28 PM	#7
bocabimmer Found the Search Button 1639 Rep 1,204 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 30i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 30i xDrive [10.00]	You’ll hear outliers either way, but for the extra few dollars for the correct stuff, it’s worth it not to have to replace a pump. __________________ 2022 X3 xDrive 30i M Sport, Brooklyn Grey / Cognac Previous BMWs: 2018 330i (F30), 2014 i3 BEV, 2007 328i (E92), 2013 X5 35i (E70), 2014 i3 BEV, 2006 325i (E90)
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05-27-2023, 01:56 PM	#8
Gritty First Lieutenant 375 Rep 374 Posts Drives: 2023 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: North iTrader: (0)	I read that as the washer fluid warms over time mildew/mold can grow in the reservior and that clogs the filter and kills the pump. I suspect the BMW fluid has an additive to prevent the mildew/mold growth?
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05-30-2023, 10:06 PM	#9
Score04 Captain 230 Rep 630 Posts Drives: ‘23 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Thank you all. So basically bmw oem washer fluid only? Nothing from a retail store? I like rain x for the beading effect it has on windshield. Having this oem fluid I’ve never used my wiper blades as often as I do now. Was spoiled being able to use rain x on the rsx for such a long time. __________________ 8/8/22 - Sold 2005 Acura RSX Type-S 9/29/22 - 2023 X3 M40i
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05-31-2023, 07:32 AM	#15
BMWZ4 Major General 1914 Rep 5,113 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Costco...box of 4 is super cheap. Been using for years & years on all our bmw's w/o issue. __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
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05-31-2023, 09:30 AM	#18
diirk Second Lieutenant 1045 Rep 260 Posts Drives: 2023 X3MC BGM Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Utah iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 VW Beetle Vert [8.33] 2020 Toyota 4Runner [6.33] 2018 Porsche Cayman ... [8.00]	The Rain-X wiper fluid tends to cause issues with the sensors in the washer fluid tank and many different German vehicles. I'd recommend avoiding it. not saying you have to use OEM, just avoid the Rain-X. __________________ 23 X3MC BGM. MSS. H&R 12mm spacers 20 4Runner 18 Cayman GTS 15 Beetle Vert
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05-31-2023, 11:29 AM	#19
Qsilver7 Major General 4513 Rep 7,565 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	Reading the posts in this thread…I didn’t get any take away that says to ONLY USE BMW WASHER FLUID. The issue is with what’s in some of the Rain-X products…some BMW owners manuals do mention to not use washer fluids with certain chemicals. I do recall posts in this thread mention BMW washer fluid or simple plain blue washer fluid….not sure how that turned into only use BMW fluid. The BMW TIS says to use a PH-neutral solution. Attached Images __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral. Last edited by Qsilver7; 05-31-2023 at 11:40 AM..
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05-31-2023, 11:29 AM	#20
NYRangers79 Private First Class 150 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 2019 Bmw X3 m40i Stage 2+ Join Date: May 2015 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I’ve been using rain-x washer fluids for Aniston a decade on 2 bmws. This is the first I’ve heard of issues and never had a problem before. Go to know I guess.
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