X6 F16 Low Windshield Washer Fluid Fixed!!

[~ViO~]

I just wanted to share my experiance with fellow forum members.. When I purchased my X6 the Low windshield washer fluid light kept coming on at startup despite being full of fluid.. One dealership informed me that it was the washer tank and that the sensor is built into the tank.. And that it was a costly repair as the front fender had to come off the car.. Not happy with that answer I went to another dealership and spoke with a mechanic on break.. He told me to push out all of the fluid that was in the tank until no more came out.. He then advised me to fill it up with Prestone Bug Wash.... After I filled it up I drove the car for 5 minutes and would you believe the light went out and hasn't come on since.. The Prestone Bug Wash must have cleaned the residue off of the sensor.. I hope this helps other forum members.

[RED_Y_]

That is a known issue man, actually they don't recommend anything from Prestone or any different color than blue. It was also a class action lawsuit against rain-x, their fluid would kill the sensor eventually. I had this issue and switched to the OEM BMW concentrate, it is still cheaper than any other windshield washer fluid and will never give you the low washer warning light.

[~ViO~]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

That is a known issue man, actually they don't recommend anything from Prestone or any different color than blue. It was also a class action lawsuit against rain-x, their fluid would kill the sensor eventually. I had this issue and switched to the OEM BMW concentrate, it is still cheaper than any other windshield washer fluid and will never give you the low washer warning light.

More good info.... Thanks! But I still owe the fix to the Prestone Bug Wash now that the sensor is working normal again.. I would encourage anyone to try this first since your probably at the point of needing a new sensor / tank.. It really works and does not contain the same chemical as rain-x.. Give it a try.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

That is a known issue man, actually they don't recommend anything from Prestone or any different color than blue. It was also a class action lawsuit against rain-x, their fluid would kill the sensor eventually. I had this issue and switched to the OEM BMW concentrate, it is still cheaper than any other windshield washer fluid and will never give you the low washer warning light.

Hmm never heard of this issue.

[RED_Y_]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Hmm never heard of this issue.

Happens more often in the areas with colder climate, I used to live in Tahoe and when I got my X5 this problem pop up as soon as the temps dropped below 25 and I used some Prestone washer. Brought it to the dealer, they told me not to use orange fluid. It was even discussed here
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1084945
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1505585
And if you google this issue you will see a lot of threads about it.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

Happens more often in the areas with colder climate, I used to live in Tahoe and when I got my X5 this problem pop up as soon as the temps dropped below 25 and I used some Prestone washer. Brought it to the dealer, they told me not to use orange fluid. It was even discussed here
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1084945
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1505585
And if you google this issue you will see a lot of threads about it.

So does it have to BMW or just blue in color? Lol

[RED_Y_]

I think blue color, and it does sound absolutely ridiculous. I just switch to OEM concentrate since its actually cheaper and you can mix it according to the conditions.

[cornflakecwl]

Originally Posted by ~ViO~

More good info.... Thanks! But I still owe the fix to the Prestone Bug Wash now that the sensor is working normal again.. I would encourage anyone to try this first since your probably at the point of needing a new sensor / tank.. It really works and does not contain the same chemical as rain-x.. Give it a try.

You think this will work in general to clear a clogged system?

we bought ours used this summer and the windshield sprayers barely work. Headlights are fine. I don't know what fluid is in it but guessing prev. owner may have used rain-x. Thinking of running it dry, trying to run a bunch of bug remover through the system then switching to blue?

[~ViO~]

Originally Posted by cornflakecwl

You think this will work in general to clear a clogged system?

we bought ours used this summer and the windshield sprayers barely work. Headlights are fine. I don't know what fluid is in it but guessing prev. owner may have used rain-x. Thinking of running it dry, trying to run a bunch of bug remover through the system then switching to blue?

At this point you have nothing to lose.... But keep in mind.. Mine was spraying just fine... Only the low warning light was on.. The sensor had a coating of the rain-x chemical on it.. Also, the pump(s) are protected by a small press in screen... Perhaps the screen to the wipers is clogged or gummed up and the fluid cannot be pulled throgh.. If the pump sounds strong.. I say drain out the fluid and give it a try... Again, nothing to lose... Make sure to purchase the Prestone brand.. Napa Auto stocks it.