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Old 05-27-2011, 12:04 PM
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Does windshield washer fluid self evaporate?

My 35d is 6.5 months old, 4500 miles. I have NEVER used the washer fluid. My HUD and i-Drive warnings popped up today, that my fluid was low/empty.

Also, our garage floor is very easy to identify if anything is leaking...and the floor is spotless clean. So, at least while parked at home...there is no leaked washer fluid.

Does E70 washer fluid just dry up? Do I need to, or should I buy BMW washer fluid, or is anything from the auto parts store fine?

The dealer said that washer fluid will only be covered/paid for by BMW, if I bring my car in for a scheduled service, via the car's determined mileage/time base service intervals.

Thanks!
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Old 05-27-2011, 12:08 PM
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No, its a closed system. You have a leak if you started with a full bottle :p
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Old 05-27-2011, 12:24 PM
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I like BMW washer fluid (and VW, for that matter) because it works well and has a nice smell.

Having said that, when driving sloppy roads in winter and adding 4 litres of washer fluid every tank of fuel, I use any -40 fluid that the gas station has.

Agree you have a leak.
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Old 05-27-2011, 03:02 PM
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My Service Advisor asked me to stop by this morning. They said that it looks like when the car was shipped to CA, and then when it was PDI'ed at the dealership before I bought it, the washer fluid was not filled to where it should have been.

Also, the So. California BMW Engineer was at my dealer for his once a month or two visit. He said that the BMW washer fluid will evaporate, especially in warm CA weather, and all it takes is a small amount of evaporation to cause the sensor to throw a low fluid level warning.

They filled my reservoir, said it showed no signs of a leak...and I was on my way. Free of charge today!
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Old 05-27-2011, 05:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deutsch100 View Post

The dealer said that washer fluid will only be covered/paid for by BMW, if I bring my car in for a scheduled service, via the car's determined mileage/time base service intervals.

Thanks!
I'd love to test BMWs language on this...

The maintenance plan states that only maintenance that is defined by the cars "Condition Based Service" (CBS) indicator will be covered.

THE WARNING ON THE DASH IS A CONDITION BASED SERVICE REQUIREMENT.


BMW intended, perhaps, to carve out 'interstitial' oil service... and they seem to now say "we only cover maintenance that coincides with the big oil services"... but if you read the text, IMHO they would lose a court challenge. The language in the warranty does not limit a "CBS" interval to the old "inspection 1" "inspection 2" stuff, it is rather open ended.

They are also not covering DEF for this reason- although when I pressed corporate on this precise issue, they admitted it was a 'case by case basis'. (Which I interpret to mean if someone presents them with the right argument they will capitulate- and this is BMWNA, not at the dealer level BTW)

If I were in this situation, (and I had the time when it happens), I'd probably do it for sport.


To begin, I would bring it in, write up a work order, demand that the work order stated "cars condition based service indicator states wiper fluid low". If they charge you, take it up with BMW, then sue them for breach of contract (not the dealer, BMW)


Or you can get some at autozone.




A
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Old 05-27-2011, 05:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ard View Post
If I were in this situation, (and I had the time when it happens), I'd probably do it for sport.


To begin, I would bring it in, write up a work order, demand that the work order stated "cars condition based service indicator states wiper fluid low". If they charge you, take it up with BMW, then sue them for breach of contract (not the dealer, BMW)


Or you can get some at autozone.




A
Where it costs $1.99 per gallon.

I know you are kidding, but this is why America is known as a litigious society. According to a 2005 article published in the Economics Journal and titled "A Comparative Analysis of Litigation Systems" Americans spend twice as much on civil litigation than they spend on new automomobiles, more than any other industrialized country. Three times the rate of law suits as the UK.
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Old 05-27-2011, 06:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deutsch100 View Post
My Service Advisor asked me to stop by this morning. They said that it looks like when the car was shipped to CA, and then when it was PDI'ed at the dealership before I bought it, the washer fluid was not filled to where it should have been.

Also, the So. California BMW Engineer was at my dealer for his once a month or two visit. He said that the BMW washer fluid will evaporate, especially in warm CA weather, and all it takes is a small amount of evaporation to cause the sensor to throw a low fluid level warning.

They filled my reservoir, said it showed no signs of a leak...and I was on my way. Free of charge today!
I'm out of warranty and they still will top off my coolant and washer fluid complimentary if I stop in. Especially with your factory warranty you'll get this anytime. They really don't care much about the indicator or warning etc. I went and got wipers under warranty like once every 2-3 months. No big deal.
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Old 05-27-2011, 06:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JCL View Post
Where it costs $1.99 per gallon.

I know you are kidding, but this is why America is known as a litigious society. According to a 2005 article published in the Economics Journal and titled "A Comparative Analysis of Litigation Systems" Americans spend twice as much on civil litigation than they spend on new automomobiles, more than any other industrialized country. Three times the rate of law suits as the UK.

Good with the bad, IMO.

In the UK, the loser pays all fees...so people with very deep pockets can prevail over the individual and bankrupt the individual with this system. If I got screwed over by a car manufacturer in the UK, and wanted to sue- but the mfg spent $50,000 on delays and challenges until I finally gave up, I'd wind up on the hook for the $50k.

Great system...

There are surely abuses here, but I can tell you that isn't what I'd want.

A

PS Could find a symbol for quid.
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Old 05-27-2011, 07:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ard View Post
Good with the bad, IMO.

In the UK, the loser pays all fees...so people with very deep pockets can prevail over the individual and bankrupt the individual with this system. If I got screwed over by a car manufacturer in the UK, and wanted to sue- but the mfg spent $50,000 on delays and challenges until I finally gave up, I'd wind up on the hook for the $50k.

Great system...

There are surely abuses here, but I can tell you that isn't what I'd want.

A

PS Could find a symbol for quid.
£

Alt + 0163

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Old 05-27-2011, 07:09 PM
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All washer fluid, mostly, is alcohol and water. Sometimes there is a "cleaning agent" but that's rare. The stuff from the gas station ($5/bottle in the winter time) is basically watered down rubbing alcohol. Not sure about "BMW-specific" bug juice. What a croc that must be. Not that I'm against using genuine products but...BMW bug juice versus gas station juice? Whatever.

Eeek...just reread my reply. Sorry to come off so "ard-ish"
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