And I thought all windshield washer fluid was the same

**pingable** · 02-06-2005, 07:01 AM

P21S windshield washer additive - I thought added to any brand of washer fluid was the same across the board....

I was wrong. I was previously using the *winter formula* Raindance Washer Fluid with P21S. The car was in for some minor service and they refilled with the OEM BMW washer fluid.

It was like a night and day difference. I doubt they wiped the wiper blade edges, but the OEM washer fluid was THAT much better.

**ntoddalbert** · 02-06-2005, 08:08 AM

The OEM BMW fluid that came in my car new was great and its also clear. I have serched for it everywhere but they dont sell it at any dealer I visited. Is your blue? My dealer refills with the blue stuff.

**pingable** · 02-06-2005, 08:16 AM

Most if not all dealerships carry them. I wish they sold it in gallon sized bottles though. The bottle sizes are 24 or 18 oz....

And it indeed is Extemely clear. I mean, this stuff was cleaing the winter salt grime right off the window as if I was just cleaning it with a MF & some good ole fashion grunt work ! Whereas, the Raindance stuff wouldn`t streak but just leave the usuely slight hazy grimy film still on.

**imported_SHICKS** · 02-06-2005, 09:55 AM

Originally posted by chefwong

P21S windshield washer additive - I thought added to any brand of washer fluid was the same across the board....

I was wrong. I was previously using the *winter formula* Raindance Washer Fluid with P21S. The car was in for some minor service and they refilled with the OEM BMW washer fluid.

It was like a night and day difference. I doubt they wiped the wiper blade edges, but the OEM washer fluid was THAT much better.

Maybe they changed your blades under the service warranty?

I have never used the BMW fluid, I hear it has a unique smell, kind of like alcohol.

Steve

**stevet** · 02-06-2005, 10:34 AM

Something to keep in mind when selecting a washer fluid is the affect it will have on your paint if it gets on there. I have had some washer fluids leave nasty stains. Also if it is as good a cleaner as the OEM BMW washer fluid being discussed here it will most likely strip any protection you have on your paint.

**ntoddalbert** · 02-06-2005, 01:01 PM

Th only one have ever had trouble with is the Pink Rain X deice fluid. nasty stains that need aio to remove.I cant figure out why they need to dye this stuff.

I will look again at my Local BMW dealer, from memory there was a thread on Bimmerfest detailing one mans search for this clear fluid and it was quite the challenge to find.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 02-06-2005, 01:05 PM

:nixweiss I always use Turtle Wax "Liquid FIRE" de-icing stuff and have no problems (about the only TW product I HAVEN`T had problems with)

**togwt** · 02-06-2005, 01:08 PM

I thought that both BMW and Porsche used rebadged P21S Wash Booster?

JonM

**benpocock** · 02-07-2005, 01:22 PM

I use the OEM BMW washer fluid and it`s great. They`ve just changed it though - now comes in a silver and black bottle. The good news is it`s just as effective as the blue stuff but doesn`t foam as much so doesn`t end up all over your paint and down your windows - unless of course you have headlight wash when it does a pretty good job of covering the whole car. The new stuff also smells like Tequlia.

Part number is 83 19 9 407 900 if that helps.

Ben

**GoodnClean** · 02-07-2005, 01:36 PM

I`ll have to pick some of this up...

I use the OEM Lexus fluid but its just ordinary blue stuff.

**ntoddalbert** · 02-07-2005, 05:30 PM

Thanks for the BMW Part # Ben! Without it the parts guy just looks at you even though he should know where they keep it.

**vaca222** · 02-07-2005, 07:22 PM

I just had Mercedes fill up the washer resevoir when I took my car in for service. They filled it with the usual blue stuff, and mentioned it had amonia in it. Works like MAGIC.