How long does your washer fluid last?

rebelfocus · 02-12-2006, 06:09 PM

I seem to have to top up my washer fluid at least once a week. I usually spray 3-4 times before the warning light comes on. I have adaptive xenons so the headlights are often sprayed as well if the lights are on and they often are at this time of year.

I suspect a leak as this is rediculous. I am going to so a test by filling the container to the max and not using it for a week or so if I can so see if the level goes down on it's own.

In the meanwhile through, what is your experience? I have heard people complaining here about how quickly the washer fluid is used up.

How many sprays (assuming a headlight wash each time) do you get out of a 6 litre fill?

hotsand5 · 02-12-2006, 06:15 PM

There is no leak my man. Your car will drink more windshield washer fluid than gasoline. I always keep a gallon in my trunk. If you want to save on it though, although I don't know why, you can turn off your lights (and just turn on the fogs) while using the washer fluid, and the headlight washers wont come on.

CALIF65GM · 02-12-2006, 06:38 PM

I think I've only sprayed my windshield twice in over 2K miles.

govtec · 02-12-2006, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyobrien

I seem to have to top up my washer fluid at least once a week. I usually spray 3-4 times before the warning light comes on. I have adaptive xenons so the headlights are often sprayed as well if the lights are on and they often are at this time of year.

I suspect a leak as this is rediculous. I am going to so a test by filling the container to the max and not using it for a week or so if I can so see if the level goes down on it's own.

In the meanwhile through, what is your experience? I have heard people complaining here about how quickly the washer fluid is used up.

How many sprays (assuming a headlight wash each time) do you get out of a 6 litre fill?

how often do u use it? i've only had to refill empty to full once since i first picked it up in munich. however, i used it a lot in europe bc of all the bug splats. i currently have 6k miles in 5 months driving of driving while refilling once.

StevoSEA · 02-12-2006, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyobrien

I seem to have to top up my washer fluid at least once a week. I usually spray 3-4 times before the warning light comes on. I have adaptive xenons so the headlights are often sprayed as well if the lights are on and they often are at this time of year.

I suspect a leak as this is rediculous. I am going to so a test by filling the container to the max and not using it for a week or so if I can so see if the level goes down on it's own.

In the meanwhile through, what is your experience? I have heard people complaining here about how quickly the washer fluid is used up.

How many sprays (assuming a headlight wash each time) do you get out of a 6 litre fill?

Nice thing about the BMW dealerships here in southern california, they will top off or refill any fluids including winshield washer fluid at no charge-at least as long as you are under warranty or forever if you bought it from them!

David328M-Sport · 02-13-2006, 12:07 AM

Why do you need to spray so often? Are the xenons sprayed automaticcally? I don't have xenons so I don't know anything about the system.

I have filled my windscreen washer tank with cleaner and water about 3 times since July 2005. Not too often, really. No leaks or waste.

Wouldn't you see some evidence of water leakage on the ground under the car if your tank had a leak? I think your test may reveal the issue behind the saga.

All the best

JamieA · 02-13-2006, 01:11 AM

I spay a great deal, and mine lasted 2 months.

Broken1 · 02-13-2006, 02:18 AM

The last time I filled my washer fluid was early January. I use it quite regularly, even moreso lately because it's been raining and street gunk gets on my windows as soon as the rain clears a little.

The other night, there were flying ants. Thousands of little insects which come from the holes in the ground the rain makes - because it was pouring so hard. They only live for a couple of hours - but to drive in them turns the car into a cemetry. I must have sprayed my window over 20 times - long sprays to get the goo from the bugs off! I still haven't needed to fill the tank - it seems to be really lasting!!

billgti · 02-13-2006, 02:47 AM

my understanding is that the cars come from the factory with very little windsheild fluid so i ran out after just a month with my car. i bought a big bottle of windshield washer fluid and the reservoir swallowed almost all of it.

now it has been five more months and my low washer fluid light still hasn't come on. of course it all depends on how frequent you use it but the tank seems to hold quite a lot of fluid if you ask me.

Jongi · 02-13-2006, 03:33 AM

My story is similar to Broken's.

rebelfocus · 02-13-2006, 03:41 AM

Thanks for all the feedback. After hearing all this I am fairly sure it is a leak. I will let you know when I confirm.

bmwnoob05 · 02-13-2006, 04:54 AM

I'd say it's not a leak - I spent whole 3 litres of fluid within one 700 km trip last weekend driving my E91 in rainy/snowy weather. (no, I haven't pushed the washbutton without breaks

) I'd say the consumption is huge especially due to xenon lights automatic washing each time you wash front window plus rear window on Touring needs some washing occasionally too. Also it seems to me the fluid amount used on each washing is extremely generous

croaker · 02-13-2006, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotsand5

There is no leak my man. Your car will drink more windshield washer fluid than gasoline. I always keep a gallon in my trunk. If you want to save on it though, although I don't know why, you can turn off your lights (and just turn on the fogs) while using the washer fluid, and the headlight washers wont come on.

Yeah man this car drinks the stuff. I'm filling it every two weeks or so.

-Croaker

jcoo085 · 02-13-2006, 07:07 AM

One thing I also noticed is that the tank is quite large. I had the warning light come on a few weeks ago and just kept on filling. I think I put about 3L or 4L in there.

Also, it's a little deceiving when filling up because it might look 'full', but in fact it isn't. It's a little hard to explain, but just keep going. It takes a lot of water to fill it up when the light comes on.

poldim · 02-13-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CALIF65GM

I think I've only sprayed my windshield twice in over 2K miles.

You dont get much snow, dirt, rain, and grime in SF....

My first 1 gallon was used up in 2.5 months. The tank holds 1.6 gallons. The light comes on with about .5 gallons left.

itznin · 02-13-2006, 12:53 PM

Mine was just refilled at the dealer this past weekend.

I don't really use it that much...

rebelfocus · 04-21-2006, 11:52 AM

I just wanted to let everyone know...

I finally brought my car into the dealer as I was finding the washer fluid was only lasting a week or so. I tested it by not spraying it at all and found that the level was still going down very slowly although there was no visible leak.

After looking at it the dealer found a leak in the headlight washer hose system that was draining water from the reservoir even when they weren't being used.

They have order a couple of parts and I will go back next week to get it fixed.

So to those of you who find the fluid doesn't last very long eventhough you hardly use it, it might be worth getting it checked as there may be some quality problems with the hoses.

JamieA · 04-22-2006, 09:40 AM

Thanks for this post... I was thinking about my original post today as I was filling up my reservoir.

Mine has suddenly started drinking washer fluid like it is going out of fashion, and I was thinking it was those Xenons which must pump a whole heap out on to the headlights at high pressure. I think I will get them to check for a leak now.

I must have jinxed myself by speaking too soon

gr8sho · 04-22-2006, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyobrien

I seem to have to top up my washer fluid at least once a week. I usually spray 3-4 times before the warning light comes on. I have adaptive xenons so the headlights are often sprayed as well if the lights are on and they often are at this time of year.

I suspect a leak as this is rediculous. I am going to so a test by filling the container to the max and not using it for a week or so if I can so see if the level goes down on it's own.

In the meanwhile through, what is your experience? I have heard people complaining here about how quickly the washer fluid is used up.

How many sprays (assuming a headlight wash each time) do you get out of a 6 litre fill?

I didn't vote since there was no option for "never".

Pazzuzzu · 04-22-2006, 05:31 PM

I do 1000 km (602 miles) per week steady.

In the spring summer and fall I fo through a gallon every 3 weeks or so but in the winter, driving in and around Montreal, I go through a average of 2 gallons a week, sometimes 2 gallons in one day.

NaTuReB0Y · 04-22-2006, 05:35 PM

i add a gallon every two months......

matt0528 · 04-22-2006, 07:48 PM

i usually get about 3 - 4 weeks out of mine.... lots of bugs in SD

View Poll Results: How long does your washer fluid last you?
less than a week	2	2.33%
1-2 weeks	13	15.12%
a month, or so	27	31.40%
several months	44	51.16%
Voters: 86. You may not vote on this poll

02-12-2006, 06:09 PM	#1
rebelfocus Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 520d SE Touring Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cork, Ireland iTrader: (0)	How long does your washer fluid last? I seem to have to top up my washer fluid at least once a week. I usually spray 3-4 times before the warning light comes on. I have adaptive xenons so the headlights are often sprayed as well if the lights are on and they often are at this time of year. I suspect a leak as this is rediculous. I am going to so a test by filling the container to the max and not using it for a week or so if I can so see if the level goes down on it's own. In the meanwhile through, what is your experience? I have heard people complaining here about how quickly the washer fluid is used up. How many sprays (assuming a headlight wash each time) do you get out of a 6 litre fill?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-12-2006, 06:15 PM	#2
hotsand5 hotsand5 49 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i 6spd Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	There is no leak my man. Your car will drink more windshield washer fluid than gasoline. I always keep a gallon in my trunk. If you want to save on it though, although I don't know why, you can turn off your lights (and just turn on the fogs) while using the washer fluid, and the headlight washers wont come on. __________________ -2006 BMW 330i-Sapphire Black- Tera Leather-Aluminum trim- 6spd manual- Sport- Premium- Cold- Navigation- Euro. delivery -2005 Yamaha Warrior 1700 102cu"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2006, 06:38 PM	#3
CALIF65GM Colonel 97 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: e93-35 May08 ED Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 06 - Oct. 05 build ... [0.00]	I think I've only sprayed my windshield twice in over 2K miles. __________________ 5-2-08 e93-35 ED Montego w/Jade Grey, Step w/Paddles, PP, SP, CA, hot seats and iPod.Awaing re-delivery soon. Debadged 330xi ED 11/14/05 Auto/Mystic Blue/Gray leather with Alum/PP/SP/CA/Fold-down rear seats/Alarm. Sold to Carmax on 6/7/08 with 50,624 miles on clock
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2006, 12:07 AM	#6
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	Why do you need to spray so often? Are the xenons sprayed automaticcally? I don't have xenons so I don't know anything about the system. I have filled my windscreen washer tank with cleaner and water about 3 times since July 2005. Not too often, really. No leaks or waste. Wouldn't you see some evidence of water leakage on the ground under the car if your tank had a leak? I think your test may reveal the issue behind the saga. All the best __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2006, 01:11 AM	#7
JamieA Colonel 93 Rep 2,168 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	I spay a great deal, and mine lasted 2 months. __________________ '05 E90 325i \| '06 E90 325i \| '08 E90 325i LCI \| '13 F30 328i M-Sport \| '14 F10 535d M-Sport Current: '19 G01 X3 M40i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2006, 02:18 AM	#8
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	The last time I filled my washer fluid was early January. I use it quite regularly, even moreso lately because it's been raining and street gunk gets on my windows as soon as the rain clears a little. The other night, there were flying ants. Thousands of little insects which come from the holes in the ground the rain makes - because it was pouring so hard. They only live for a couple of hours - but to drive in them turns the car into a cemetry. I must have sprayed my window over 20 times - long sprays to get the goo from the bugs off! I still haven't needed to fill the tank - it seems to be really lasting!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2006, 02:47 AM	#9
billgti Lieutenant 26 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 06 BMW 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	my understanding is that the cars come from the factory with very little windsheild fluid so i ran out after just a month with my car. i bought a big bottle of windshield washer fluid and the reservoir swallowed almost all of it. now it has been five more months and my low washer fluid light still hasn't come on. of course it all depends on how frequent you use it but the tank seems to hold quite a lot of fluid if you ask me.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2006, 03:33 AM	#10
Jongi Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 320i w/Exclusive Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0)	My story is similar to Broken's.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2006, 03:41 AM	#11
rebelfocus Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 520d SE Touring Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cork, Ireland iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the feedback. After hearing all this I am fairly sure it is a leak. I will let you know when I confirm.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2006, 04:54 AM	#12
bmwnoob05 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: E91 330xd Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: SVK EU iTrader: (0)	I'd say it's not a leak - I spent whole 3 litres of fluid within one 700 km trip last weekend driving my E91 in rainy/snowy weather. (no, I haven't pushed the washbutton without breaks ) I'd say the consumption is huge especially due to xenon lights automatic washing each time you wash front window plus rear window on Touring needs some washing occasionally too. Also it seems to me the fluid amount used on each washing is extremely generous
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2006, 07:07 AM	#14
jcoo085 Lieutenant 43 Rep 463 Posts Drives: E90 320d Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stuttgart, Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320d [0.00]	One thing I also noticed is that the tank is quite large. I had the warning light come on a few weeks ago and just kept on filling. I think I put about 3L or 4L in there. Also, it's a little deceiving when filling up because it might look 'full', but in fact it isn't. It's a little hard to explain, but just keep going. It takes a lot of water to fill it up when the light comes on. __________________ E90 320d - Black Ext/Fluid Grey Int \| Steptronic \| Business Navigation \| PDC \| Sunroof \| Alarm Exterior Pictures \| Interior Pictures \| Video
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2006, 12:53 PM	#16
itznin Captain 26 Rep 679 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North NJ iTrader: (2)	Mine was just refilled at the dealer this past weekend. I don't really use it that much...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-21-2006, 11:52 AM	#17
rebelfocus Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 520d SE Touring Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cork, Ireland iTrader: (0)	I just wanted to let everyone know... I finally brought my car into the dealer as I was finding the washer fluid was only lasting a week or so. I tested it by not spraying it at all and found that the level was still going down very slowly although there was no visible leak. After looking at it the dealer found a leak in the headlight washer hose system that was draining water from the reservoir even when they weren't being used. They have order a couple of parts and I will go back next week to get it fixed. So to those of you who find the fluid doesn't last very long eventhough you hardly use it, it might be worth getting it checked as there may be some quality problems with the hoses.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2006, 09:40 AM	#18
JamieA Colonel 93 Rep 2,168 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks for this post... I was thinking about my original post today as I was filling up my reservoir. Mine has suddenly started drinking washer fluid like it is going out of fashion, and I was thinking it was those Xenons which must pump a whole heap out on to the headlights at high pressure. I think I will get them to check for a leak now. I must have jinxed myself by speaking too soon __________________ '05 E90 325i \| '06 E90 325i \| '08 E90 325i LCI \| '13 F30 328i M-Sport \| '14 F10 535d M-Sport Current: '19 G01 X3 M40i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2006, 05:31 PM	#20
Pazzuzzu Private First Class 8 Rep 130 Posts Drives: 330i SP Arctic Metallic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Montreal Canada iTrader: (0)	I do 1000 km (602 miles) per week steady. In the spring summer and fall I fo through a gallon every 3 weeks or so but in the winter, driving in and around Montreal, I go through a average of 2 gallons a week, sometimes 2 gallons in one day.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2006, 05:35 PM	#21
NaTuReB0Y Powered By 36DD 337 Rep 7,369 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Inland Empire iTrader: (12)	i add a gallon every two months...... __________________ 2006 E90 330i Jet Black \| 20" WORK VS-XX \| FK452 \| H&R Sport on Koni Yellow \| REMUS QUAD
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2006, 07:48 PM	#22
matt0528 Private First Class 6 Rep 100 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (1)	i usually get about 3 - 4 weeks out of mine.... lots of bugs in SD __________________ *2006 BMW 330i* // Spark. Graphite // Black Interior w/ Alum.// 15mm Spacers Sport Package // 162 18" rims // JL 12w6v2 sub // JL 500/1 amp// PMB Hyperwhite Angels
	Appreciate 0 Quote