Windshield impossible to get clean?

[tfunk88]

I purchased my 2016 X5 50i towards the end of April this year. When I got home I cleaned the windshield well as I have with all my cars, using winded and paper towels. Looked good in the garage, but as soon as I pulled out into the sun I saw lots of streaking on the inside. Outside was perfect. So, I cleaned it again. And again. All told I cleaned the inside of the windshield 6 times that Sat and Sun. And still I had streaks/smudging. I’ve since cleaned it A BUNCH of times and there is always some smudging/streaking. After cleaning and then immediately wiping down with a dry paper towel it’s a little better, no “winded spots”, but there is still some smudging. My friend who has an E70 says his is the same. Does BMW put some kind of coating on the inside of the windshield? I’ve never had a car that I couldn’t get the inside of the windshield perfect on. 🤷‍♂️

[shimmy23]

I dont use windex on my cars. I use an ammonia free glass cleaner with the blue shop paper towels and have never had issues on the X5 or any car.

[tfunk88]

Yep, it’s weird…the outside of the windshield, and all the other windows in and out, clean up perfectly. It’s only the inside of the windshield that I’m having an issue with. I did notice on the Carfax that at one point “glass protection applied” is listed, but I’d think that would be some kind of ceramic coating or whatever on the outside…can’t imagine some kind of laminate would’ve been applied to the inside of the windshield.

[zero2sixtyZ]

Invisible Glass + Sonax Interior & Glass Microfiber. Never had issues with streaks.

[tfunk88]

Funny thing is I’ve never had issues with streaks or anything before, either. Only with this car 🤷‍♂️

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by tfunk88

Yep, it’s weird…the outside of the windshield, and all the other windows in and out, clean up perfectly. It’s only the inside of the windshield that I’m having an issue with. I did notice on the Carfax that at one point “glass protection applied” is listed, but I’d think that would be some kind of ceramic coating or whatever on the outside…can’t imagine some kind of laminate would’ve been applied to the inside of the windshield.

Try a little spot with car polishing compound. That should rub off anything that’s weird on there

[P1]

I recommend looking at a product by Duragloss called "Nu Glass". It's a very safe polish made for glass. That should do the trick.

[musa]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Try a little spot with car polishing compound. That should rub off anything that’s weird on there

I'd use clay bar instead. Clay bar removes contaminants from the glass, which seems to be your issue. Any auto parts store would have it. You'll be amazed at the results.

[_ObiJon]

Originally Posted by musa

I'd use clay bar instead. Clay bar removes contaminants from the glass, which seems to be your issue. Any auto parts store would have it. You'll be amazed at the results.

+1 for clay bar also on the headlights and brake lights.

I usually buy 2 clay bars at a time, one for the body and one for the glass/plastic bits. Probably over kill but it makes me feel better.

[sukhk527]

Just used a clay mitt on my windshield yesterday. should’ve done it sooner.

[phipark]

Windex is garbage. Get something like Invisible Glass. Insides can always be tricky because of the oily film, just do it thoroughly.

[XxBBVTMxX]

I use Bar Keepers Friend to clean glass, with a rag and elbow grease. Gets even mineral buildup off 🤙🏽

[dentprotony@gmail.com]

Invisible glass and use just a little amount, you can use blue towels or old school newspaper trick works just as well