[scramblur]

I have always loved and used RainX washer fluid. I've used it on my e90 for the past six years and now I have a f30. I just filled it and it doesn't detect it.

I read a couple of other posts of people have similar issues but nothing confirmed.

Does the sensor really not recognize RainX? If so, is there a way around this?

[havoc57]

Why won't it detect it? It's liquid is it not? Unless it has special molecules in there to evade the sensors?

[n55x3]

There is definitely a thread on this exact subject. Several folks are saying that the Orange RainX fluid either is not monitored or causing damage to said sensor.

I however have yet to see this result. I have been using the Orange RainX in several BMWs, for 4+ years and have never had a single issue.

[stormlv]

Originally Posted by n55x3

There is definitely a thread on this exact subject. Several folks are saying that the Orange RainX fluid either is not monitored or causing damage to said sensor.
...

Google-ing a bit, turned out threads like what you mention on VW/Audi forums as well.

[Halsifer]

I use the green Rain-X with bug remover, smell great and works great. Sensor has no problem with it. If the sensor was or is based of some type of light beam, kinda of like a infrared alarm, I could see there being some issue with the color orange. But I almost doubt there is a sensor like that. Weird though.

Also, if you find out you shouldn't be using Rain-X, please let us know!

[n55x3]

Here's the washer fluid thread from a while ago:

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=944197

Like I said, I love the Orange RainX and think it is way better than any other fluid I've used. I'll continue to use until I run into a sensor issue I guess.

[scramblur]

The problem is being reported with other car manufacturers as well. A lot of people are reporting this in cold weather. It's 70 degrees here. The problem showed up after about 2 days of having the rainx in there.

As of now, my plan is to use what is in there, replace it with normal wiper fluid and see what happens.

[14328dxD]

I had this issue during the winter. BMW dealer flushed out my orange Rain-X and replaced it with regular blue kind. I now just use the blue kind with RainX additive.

[scramblur]

Ah, great idea with the rainx additive! Maybe I'll try that next.

[ekwc]

My windshield fluid low indicator went off after I filled the tanks with some windshield cleaning solution that was mixed with the Rain-x additive. Long story short, after some researches, I found that the sensor in the tank was not the traditional mechanical type. Instead, it detects the electrical signal that was "passing through" the windshield fluid to indicate that there's still liquid in the tank. Without going deeper to understand the actual rain-x chemical properties, the additive might have change the liquid electrical conductivity enough to be non detectable. I figured increasing the conductivity of the solution by adding some food grade vinegar should do the tricks (estimated about 2-3 cups to the mix ). After I let the mix sit overnight, the low fluid light was gone!
Not sure if it might have any negative impact to the car, so you may try on yours at your own risk.

[chowser51]

Seriously people! This stuff isn’t expensive and makes a lot. I haven’t run out yet and I bought this almost a year ago.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by ekwc

Without going deeper to understand the actual rain-x chemical properties, the additive might have change the liquid electrical conductivity enough to be non detectable.

This has been well known for years. Rain-X is silicone based. It acts as an insulator on the sensor electrodes. BMW is very much aware of it, that's why the manual says not to use it.

You can get the same water shedding results by treating your windows with Aquapel.

Seriously people! This stuff isn’t expensive and makes a lot. I haven’t run out yet and I bought this almost a year ago.

Any of 'the blue stuff' brands, concentrate or pre-mixed, work just as well.

[Gen13 F36]

Rain-X paid advertisement... lol

[upsidedownfunnel]

Originally Posted by chowser51

Seriously people! This stuff isn’t expensive and makes a lot. I haven’t run out yet and I bought this almost a year ago.

This stuff is good if you need to make cold weather washer fluid and can't find any. This is a problem for Californians going up to the mountains in the winter.