In what is surely the least complicated piece of maintenance ever performed on an E90 M3, I refilled our car's windshield washer fluid this morning. Sure, I could have gone to the dealer to have it refilled for free, but why bother when I could dig into the guts of this beast and take care of it myself?
Actually, I was just bored waiting to fill up at the gas station and there was no digging as you only have to flip a very accessible lid open. I was also sick of seeing the overzealous dashboard warning signal staring me in the face. The thing lights up with a big orange flasher complete with an exclamation point. The first time I saw it, I thought the engine was about to spit a piston through the hood.
Upon closer inspection, I realized the slightly less dire nature of the warning and figured it could wait until the next fill up. Incidentally, the M3 returned about 18mpg over the weekend. Not bad for a V8 that was working pretty hard most of the time. And don't forget, when you Peak, you win.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line @ 5,211 miles
UPDATE: Why I'm glad I didn't use BMW fluid, after the jump. Thanks willin58.
bimmerjay says:
07:42 AM, 06/30/09
But the factory washer fluid is the best! You get that lemony-fresh scent after spraying your windows. Totally worth the free fill at the dealer.
gongal says:
08:44 AM, 06/30/09
Anyone else out there use Rain-X wiper fluid? I find it greatly improves visibility in wet conditions and it's way more convenient that actually applying the spray-bottle treatment. Any other fans? Not sure what how much rain you guys get out on the west coast..
vvk says:
08:53 AM, 06/30/09
Dumb move. BMW fluid is a) non-toxic, b) much better at everything and c) less damaging to paint. I use it in all my cars -- it is well worth the price.
Congratulation, you are now breathing toxic methyl alcohol vapors from fluid banned in many European countries.
willin58 says:
09:30 AM, 06/30/09
It may be non-toxic, but it certainly doesn't look safe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yFUtJhUb7Q
Might as well use rubbing alcohol. Breathing toxic methyl alcohol vapors? I was unaware BMW washer fluid was so popular among the huffing community.
bkochuk says:
09:37 AM, 06/30/09
For the record, I agree with gongal. The washer fluid with Rain-X works wonders, almost to the point you don't need your wipers. I rains plenty in NC.
Loved the video from willin58, too!
hurls65 says:
09:49 AM, 06/30/09
I don't really pay attention to him (he's been wrong about a few other things regarding my car...) but my previous indie BMW mechanic told me to ONLY use the BMW washer fluid, as most non-methyl parts store fluids would cause the brass (?) heaters for the washer sprayers to corrode, stop working and maybe eventually clog.
Personally, I use the Prestone bug wash and it does a great job...
someguyposting says:
10:00 AM, 06/30/09
I hear the factory fluid is good for an extra 5 hp.
Also, I'm pretty sure using after market fluid voids your warranty.
(In case you are wondering, I'm making this stuff up. At least I'm pretty sure I am.)
banhugh says:
10:55 AM, 06/30/09
you are confused someguyposting. Its' the BMW brand engine oil that gives you the extra power.
The BMW windshield fluid gives you night vision and if you sniff it too much you also get heads up display without even turning on the engine...
daddiod says:
11:11 AM, 06/30/09
Hey, not trying to be a jerk here, BUT:
http://englishplus.com/grammar/00000217.htm
carfanatic17 says:
05:05 PM, 06/30/09
+1 on the Rain-X wiper fluid. Love that stuff!
johnnyr3 says:
03:24 AM, 07/ 1/09
Kick. Ass. When the zombies come for brains I'll know EXACTLY what to do. Thanks, willin58!
andrewinla2 says:
11:20 PM, 07/20/09
For the total of 10 days rain we get her in SoCal I have always just used water. We also dont end up with bugs on the windsheild.
Now if you park under the wrong tree you do need the blue stuff.
Im at almost 17K miles and still on the original factory BMW fill.
jharna says:
10:10 PM, 12/23/10
The BMW 3 Series on its own is one of the finest BMWs ever manufactured by the coveted Bavarian Motor Works, and has been considered as the benchmark compact sedan, convertible and coupe. And to make it already tempting model, even more tempting there is the M version of the 3 series.
http://www.carsfind.net