washer fluid excessive consumption

joey5622 · 07-29-2012, 01:44 PM

anyone experience the same problem? my car has about 3000km on it and last night i get a warning sign that says i'm close to empty.. pretty sure its because the headlight washers activate from time tot time and drain quite a bit..

what's a good washer fluid? i'm assuming even the generic ones are just fine

BigKutta · 07-29-2012, 03:19 PM

Aren't the headlamp washers activated based on the number of times you use the windshield washers?

Any one will do, but I would love get a hold of the factory washer fluid. Its white and smells terrific in the cabin after its used.

LiveLarger · 07-29-2012, 03:41 PM

I refill a lot more often. Particularly when driving in the norwegian winters. It's not expensive, so I can't see any reason to be anal about the usage.

A900ss · 07-29-2012, 04:32 PM

Isn't there an issue on non-BMW washer fluid blocking the nozzles and water lines? If you read the E60 forums it is fairly common.

joey5622 · 07-29-2012, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiveLarger

I refill a lot more often. Particularly when driving in the norwegian winters. It's not expensive, so I can't see any reason to be anal about the usage.

not being anal with the spending, was just wondering if maybe something might be wrong with the car since i haven't been driving it much and have already used up so much fluid.

Jon D · 07-30-2012, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey5622

anyone experience the same problem? my car has about 3000km on it and last night i get a warning sign that says i'm close to empty.. pretty sure its because the headlight washers activate from time tot time and drain quite a bit..

what's a good washer fluid? i'm assuming even the generic ones are just fine

I don't quantify my screenwash usage, but I know for sure that I use a lot more than one tankful in 3000km, so I don't think you have any cause for concern.
The headlamp washers only activate when the lights are switched on, but they do use a lot of fluid.

Losco · 07-30-2012, 02:39 AM

as long as you make sure the water is purified type(no minerals) it should be fine. Dont want the nozzles clogging up... On personal note I use BMW original concentrated washer fluid and dilute it myself, I prefer that weird lemon-y smell

BigKutta · 07-30-2012, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Losco

as long as you make sure the water is purified type(no minerals) it should be fine. Dont want the nozzles clogging up... On personal note I use BMW original concentrated washer fluid and dilute it myself, I prefer that weird lemon-y smell

Could you post a link to it or BMW part number? Would love to have that for my F10 once the factory fill runs out. I dont use my washers nearly enough just to preserve my factory fluid. I have 8000 miles on it and still on the first tank

arnsbrae · 07-30-2012, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A900ss

Isn't there an issue on non-BMW washer fluid blocking the nozzles and water lines? If you read the E60 forums it is fairly common.

I know I'm only one driver, but I've had an E60 for 5 years and almost always just use the prediluted stuff from filling stations. I always drive with my lights on so the lights get a wash pretty frequently.

I have never had a single problem with anything clogging up.

HTH

joey5622 · 07-30-2012, 03:25 PM

Something minor but makes me happy nonetheless, my dealership is giving me free fluid haha called to ask about pricing and was told I'd get it for free

BigKutta · 07-30-2012, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey5622

Something minor but makes me happy nonetheless, my dealership is giving me free fluid haha called to ask about pricing and was told I'd get it for free

Report back if its clear liquid or blue

Losco · 07-30-2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Report back if its clear liquid or blue

I've recently filled my car so I won't be getting one for a while, therefore not sure about the part#. They always have them on the entrance counter at the dealer tho... Not sure about other country. btw it's clear liquid, and dilute it 1/1 or 1/2 depending on how cold it gets around your region.

joey5622 · 07-31-2012, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Report back if its clear liquid or blue

will do haha

joey5622 · 08-01-2012, 10:53 PM

I filled up my fluids! Haha

The jug I got from BMW was pink and didn't have the lemony scent that was mentioned here

Losco · 08-02-2012, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey5622

I filled up my fluids! Haha

The jug I got from BMW was pink and didn't have the lemony scent that was mentioned here

well, dealer near here (not one I go to usually) told me before that they refilled my washer tank, and all they did was just put water in... doubt they'd use good stuff for free refill.

joey5622 · 08-02-2012, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Losco

well, dealer near here (not one I go to usually) told me before that they refilled my washer tank, and all they did was just put water in... doubt they'd use good stuff for free refill.

it came in a bmw jug and its the only one they have available for sale. the parts guy just took it straight from the shelf. it was oddly cheap tho! about $6 a jug! seems to cheap for something bmw sells haha

Losco · 08-02-2012, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey5622

it came in a bmw jug and its the only one they have available for sale. the parts guy just took it straight from the shelf. it was oddly cheap tho! about $6 a jug! seems to cheap for something bmw sells haha

Good news, I did some search and found the part number for it.

83 12 0 404 495

1L Original BMW CareProducts

I swear I did not see this when I looked first time, but they have a official page with all of their products. it says do not dilute, but it said otherwise on the back of the bottle. other 1L one did not look like one I always buy.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/acc....html?cat=1007

joey5622 · 08-03-2012, 12:53 AM

the one on the site is completely different from what i have

part of me feels cheated.. even if i got it for free

BMWrules7 · 08-05-2012, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey5622

Something minor but makes me happy nonetheless, my dealership is giving me free fluid haha called to ask about pricing and was told I'd get it for free

Report back if its clear liquid or blue

I always wanted clear fluid. But, I think there is a federal law or similar that says resale of washer fluid had to by died blue.

ElGordo · 08-05-2012, 03:28 PM

I use about a tank per three tanks of diesel. Getting 3000 miles form one tank seems crazy to me!

The X Men · 08-05-2012, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWrules7

I always wanted clear fluid. But, I think there is a federal law or similar that says resale of washer fluid had to by died blue.

The rain X windshield washer is pink.

dmunz · 08-10-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The X Men

The rain X windshield washer is pink.

I just got some rain-x that is green????

I have the same question/issue as the OP. I'm right at 3K and got the low washer fluid alert.

And, like everyone else in the US I would really like to find the OEM clear stuff.

FWIW
DLM

07-29-2012, 01:44 PM	#1
joey5622 First Lieutenant 32 Rep 363 Posts Drives: 535xi Join Date: May 2011 Location: vancouver bc iTrader: (0)	washer fluid excessive consumption anyone experience the same problem? my car has about 3000km on it and last night i get a warning sign that says i'm close to empty.. pretty sure its because the headlight washers activate from time tot time and drain quite a bit.. what's a good washer fluid? i'm assuming even the generic ones are just fine __________________ 2012 535xi Imperial Blue Oyster interior 2012 Lexus CT200h Star fire pearl Ivory interior 2008 Infiniti G35x Aspen pearl Graphite interior - you are missed my friend
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07-29-2012, 03:19 PM	#2
BigKutta Brigadier General 3904 Rep 4,048 Posts Drives: 2020 M2C, 2019 330xi, 2017 Q7 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Washington DC Burbs iTrader: (1) Garage List 2019 330xi [0.00] 2017 Audi Q7 3.0 [0.00] 2020 M2C [0.00]	Aren't the headlamp washers activated based on the number of times you use the windshield washers? Any one will do, but I would love get a hold of the factory washer fluid. Its white and smells terrific in the cabin after its used.
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07-29-2012, 03:41 PM	#3
LiveLarger Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 261 Posts Drives: F11 520d M-sport Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oslo iTrader: (0)	I refill a lot more often. Particularly when driving in the norwegian winters. It's not expensive, so I can't see any reason to be anal about the usage.
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07-29-2012, 04:32 PM	#4
A900ss Private First Class 22 Rep 144 Posts Drives: 2012 520d Touring Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Gloucestershire, UK iTrader: (0)	Isn't there an issue on non-BMW washer fluid blocking the nozzles and water lines? If you read the E60 forums it is fairly common.
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07-30-2012, 02:39 AM	#7
Losco Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 231 Posts Drives: F10 528i M-sport Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Japan iTrader: (0)	as long as you make sure the water is purified type(no minerals) it should be fine. Dont want the nozzles clogging up... On personal note I use BMW original concentrated washer fluid and dilute it myself, I prefer that weird lemon-y smell
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07-30-2012, 03:25 PM	#10
joey5622 First Lieutenant 32 Rep 363 Posts Drives: 535xi Join Date: May 2011 Location: vancouver bc iTrader: (0)	Something minor but makes me happy nonetheless, my dealership is giving me free fluid haha called to ask about pricing and was told I'd get it for free __________________ 2012 535xi Imperial Blue Oyster interior 2012 Lexus CT200h Star fire pearl Ivory interior 2008 Infiniti G35x Aspen pearl Graphite interior - you are missed my friend
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-01-2012, 10:53 PM	#14
joey5622 First Lieutenant 32 Rep 363 Posts Drives: 535xi Join Date: May 2011 Location: vancouver bc iTrader: (0)	I filled up my fluids! Haha The jug I got from BMW was pink and didn't have the lemony scent that was mentioned here __________________ 2012 535xi Imperial Blue Oyster interior 2012 Lexus CT200h Star fire pearl Ivory interior 2008 Infiniti G35x Aspen pearl Graphite interior - you are missed my friend
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2012, 12:53 AM	#18
joey5622 First Lieutenant 32 Rep 363 Posts Drives: 535xi Join Date: May 2011 Location: vancouver bc iTrader: (0)	the one on the site is completely different from what i have part of me feels cheated.. even if i got it for free __________________ 2012 535xi Imperial Blue Oyster interior 2012 Lexus CT200h Star fire pearl Ivory interior 2008 Infiniti G35x Aspen pearl Graphite interior - you are missed my friend
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-05-2012, 03:28 PM	#20
ElGordo Enlisted Member 3 Rep 46 Posts Drives: AW 520 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oslo iTrader: (0)	I use about a tank per three tanks of diesel. Getting 3000 miles form one tank seems crazy to me!
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