You should be fine with any wiper fluid. I always run Prestone winter wiper fluid in my X5, no issues at all. I can't imagine how much BMW branded fluid would cost.

How much did you pay for the exhaust fluid at BMW?

That would be very unfortunate.

I have sympathy for those early adopters of advanced BMW diesel technology, and while I don't know if it is freezing in the small tank, or a sensor failure, or actually is very high consumption, I suspect it will be sorted out in the fullness of time. Given the low cost of the bulk fluid, we will likely see many more self-refill examples. That is logical, and doesn't defeat the emissions controls but rather acknowledged that paying a dealer to refill a tank that is the technical equivalent of a windshield washer reservoir is just silly.

The SCR technology utilizing urea existed for several years prior to the 2009 launch in the US and Canada, but the government agencies involved did not give permission for its use until they were eventually satisfied that owners would not/could not hack the interlocks. Any hack that is released will likely result in a software upgrade to defeat it, to comply with the 100,000 mile emission warranty. It is a losing game to try and turn off emission control features.

Eh, I'd just stick with any mild solvent based fluid... doesn't rainx have silicones in it?

You spend thrift:stickpoke I use pure (and free) rain water :nanana:

Funf Dreisig

p.s. Actually all our water is rain water. So we don't really have the option to use water full of minerals and other junk :)

I believe I've read that its $9.00 and it has a special design bottle to more easily fit directly into the reserve nozzle. Fraction of the cost at a diesel truck stop...

Merry Christmas!

Hello all...first post. Thank you for the excellent information, special thanks to Diesel Guy for the "DEF and SCR links".

I may have a unique 2010 X5 35d but I wanted to share a little info, at 600 miles I got my first CEL no torque under 2K rpms, limp mode. Hot-Film Air Mass Meter replaced part 13-62-7-805-415, returned in 5 days, a new 528xi was the loaner so no worries.

Today the DEF light no start in 996 miles came on at 800 miles. Yes it is cold in the NYC metro area, but it sits in a 45 degree garage all night. I will bring it in for service on Monday. So will it be a) DEF not filled when it was delivered b) leak c) bad sensor or d)other.

I will report back next week.

Thanks again!

anyone know how much a gal of DEF costs from the dealer?

TO ALL EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH DEF:
i urge you to state your problems and concerns to BMW NA customer service.
after a lengthy discussion with a very willing and helpful Amelia over there today, i learned that BMW does not have any parameters for what is normal regarding this fluid and its consumption, especially regarding cold temps and short trip driving. the fact is, as of right now, the DEF is our problem until enough instances arise to cause BMW to examine the issue.
i ended up having my def fill-up good willed, but probably not next time.
if your fluid does not make it the full 10k between scheduled services (or 1 year) REPORT THIS PROBLEM. we all went gaga for this new diesel technology, and if you're like me you're paying through-the-roof interest rates (because they dont know how it will be on the resale end). why should we be punished because of where we live or how we drive?
I especially urge those in cold climates experiencing issues to call in.
BMW needs to step up and deal with this.

My DEF "no start in 996 miles" CEL issue was resolved this week. The tech found "fluid level very low, check for leaks none found, filled exhaust fluid". Service advisor guessed it was low from the factory, since there is only 940 miles on my 35d. On the pre-delivery check list by the dealer there is no requirement to check the DEF level.

I have an X5 35d on order. I was unaware of this exhaust fluid issue until reading this thread, thinking that BMW was picking up the tab for all fluid refills as per all of their advertizing. My CA was unaware of this issue ( also thinking that all fluids were covered under the maintenance program ) and stated that he has not personally had a diesel customer have an issue yet. He checked with the service manager ( who was also unaware that BMW wasn't paying for topping off the fluid ) and he called BMWNA and confirmed that they will not pay for fill-ups in-between scheduled service intervals.

The CA said that BMW is stating that topping off the fluid is the responsibility of diesel owners and is " part of owning a diesel ". The dealership sells the fluid in 2 1/2 litre containers and it costs $45.00.

It would bother me less that I have to pay for this stuff if BMW did not advertise " full maintenance " in ALL of their ads, with no disclaimer for the diesels, and if I had been told about it when I was ordering. Since I don't have the vehicle yet, I'm trying to get the dealership to take more money off the purchase price since they won't agree to cover the fill-ups other than what BMW will cover.

After hearing about all of these issues, I'm wondering if this vehicle is going to be worth it. Is the fluid that a couple of you guys have purchased by the gallon ( I think someone mentioned that it was $9.00 ) the same as what BMW is selling and would it affect the warranty?