My f48 XLine and a(nother) windscreen fluid question

Discussion in 'X1' started by Duckham, Jul 30, 2020.

  1. Duckham
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    Duckham

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    Hi all,
    Prompted by Peter, just dropping in to introduce myself.

    We bought a white pre-LCI F48 X-Line 1.8 Auto ex-demonstrator just before lock-down.
    It seems a great car but I haven't had a chance to drive long distances yet. Ironically the main reason for changing from our aged Volvo V70 was because we planned on doing some more European trips. Not now though!

    Now the question. Last week and just before my daughter borrowed it to drive 500 miles I found the windscreen washers did not work so called BMW Assistance. That was when I learned about the problem of bacteria growing in the washer bottle.
    They couldn't sort it that night so I ended up siphoning and flushing and finally got it working well enough but it was a pain.
    Given it's history I assume it has always had BMW fluid in it but even if other makes have been added it is only 9 months old. I have never had the problem in any other car (and drove the Volvo for 280,000 miles using many makes of fluid)
    So what really causes the problem and how do I stop it happening again?

    Oh - I also fitted a towbar and electrics when bored during the lockdown period with no problems and no need for coding.

    Cheers
    Joe
     
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    Duckham, Jul 30, 2020
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  2. Wynne71
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    Wynne71 WARLORD Site Supporter

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    Hello and welcome.

    9 months and it has gunked up already? Wow.
    After having to remove my front wheel and inner arch to change the filter on my car, 2012 320d, I’ve decided to follow the advice on here. It seems that changing/mixing washer fluid types creates the problem over time. Seems better to keep to one fluid make/type, most seem to recommend the BMW stuff.
     
    Wynne71, Jul 30, 2020
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  3. Spuffington
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    Spuffington Staff Member Admin Site Supporter

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    Hi and welcome to the site.

    Another recent X1 owner here; my other half having bought a xDrive20i a few weeks ago.

    What you describe has been a fairly common issue with BMWs over the years. As above, mixing fluids can either lead to bacteria buildup or the fluids turning gel-like and thus clogging the system.

    Most folk who have experienced the issue tend to stick with BMWs own fluid. Speaking from experience it’s pretty good and cost effective stuff so I’d suggest dropping a line to Ed at @Cotswold BMW on here who will sort you out with some in no time.

    Enjoy your F48. We’re loving ours.
     
    Spuffington, Jul 30, 2020
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  4. GunRunner
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    GunRunner WARLORD

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    Hello Joe. As previously stated welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy it along with the banter that happens from time to time. I cannot comment any further concerning screen wash as it has been covered by most. I purchased mine through this forum.
    But....
    :nopictures:
     
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    GunRunner, Jul 30, 2020
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  5. GunRunner
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    GunRunner WARLORD

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    GunRunner, Jul 30, 2020
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  6. Duckham
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    Duckham

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    Thanks, and yes I am very happy with the car so far.

    Having read up about the problem I did in fact buy some BMW fluid from Ed the following day.
    In the meantime the BMW Assist guy met my daughter at the other end of her journey and removed / cleaned the washer bottle (with a special tool?? what would that be?) .....

    ......and then filled it with non-BMW fluid :)
     
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    Duckham, Jul 30, 2020
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  7. GunRunner
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    GunRunner WARLORD

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    Seriously? :cry::swear:
     
    GunRunner, Jul 30, 2020
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  8. slim_boy_fat
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    slim_boy_fat WARLORD RIP

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    @Duckham Welcome on board. :wavey:

    I've read that a Steradent tablet dropped into the reservoir can dissolve the gunge but have never needed to try it myself.
     
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    slim_boy_fat, Jul 30, 2020
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  9. Wynne71
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    Wynne71 WARLORD Site Supporter

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    Prior to taking the whole thing to pieces I tried blowing down the tube from the washer pipe in an attempt to dislodge the gunk. Worked enough to get me home.

    Here’s what the filter looked like when I’d removed it:

    [​IMG]

    And the new one:

    [​IMG]
     
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    Wynne71, Jul 30, 2020
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  10. Duckham
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    Duckham

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    Duckham, Aug 3, 2020
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  11. Spuffington
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    Spuffington Staff Member Admin Site Supporter

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    You should be ok, since the risk is from aspirating aerosol particulates rather than swallowing.

    However, keep an eye out for any symptoms in the coming days and seek medical advice immediately and tell them what you’ve done as early treatment is critical to survival rates from Legionnaires.
     
    Spuffington, Aug 3, 2020
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  12. Alan Gunn
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    Alan Gunn

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    I had this problem just after getting our e90.
    The car had belonged to a friend of mine who has OCD and he used the BMW screen wash from new.
    I bought a second hand tank after several attempts at cleaning it out and gave the replacement tank a good clean looked new when i finnished.
    Being disabled i then took the car and tank to my m8's garage and got it swapped over in no time so no charge well it will cost me a favour at some time.
    But it just shows That the type/make of fluid doesn't matter but i do make my own up 25Ltr at a time now and put a purification tablet in lol deironised water and the screen wash tablets no problem since.
     
    Alan Gunn, Aug 4, 2020
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  13. GunRunner
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    GunRunner WARLORD

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    What tablet would that be (serious question], Steradent?
     
    GunRunner, Aug 4, 2020
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  14. MDC250
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    MDC250

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    Service Mgr advised me when chatting through a rejected alloy refurb claim that BMW allegedly ask for a sample of washer fluid if you get a blockage and if it’s not theirs they will reject a claim. Seems a bit OTT to me but that’s what he said.

    I use Sonax Xtreme and so far so good. I’m not saying that is the same make as BMW but equally it wouldn’t surprise me if it was.
     
    MDC250, Aug 4, 2020
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