[Maxdog]

I don't if this normal, but when I turn my washers on , right after I can smell the washer fluid for about ten seconds?

[MforLove]

Normal

[stormlv]

Originally Posted by MforLove

Normal

+1 I don't think I've had any car where this has not happened...

[donsbabybeamer]

Has happened on almost all of the 20+ cars i've had. Some are much more noticeable then others.

[ft1330]

I guess it depends what washer you use. I guess it's your first car ever???

Some of those smell like disgusting yogurt. I personally use a simple blend of alcohol and water that is also very cheap at the store.

[Michael Schott]

BMW washer fluid has a distinct smell. I like it.

[Maxdog]

Always a smart remark, it's my 9th car, I guess it's bmw fluid I have. Not refilled it yet, and it's my first bmw, thx for the legit answer ones.

[P-Bass]

Originally Posted by Maxdog

Always a smart remark, it's my 9th car, I guess it's bmw fluid I have. Not refilled it yet, and it's my first bmw, thx for the legit answer ones.

Yes, it is a distinctive odor, especially if you have the cold weather package (probably in Ontario) and the headlight washers spray even more fluid over the hood.

I have always used RainX (40 + years). I kept getting messages that the fluid level was low, even after I filled it. Eventually my dealer replaced my reservoir and told me not to use RainX as it was triggering the sensor. I must say I miss it. I have coated the window, but don't get the same results as using it as a washer fluid. I think there was a thread about this some time ago (yes, too lazy to search). Anyone else have experience this recently?

[Professor///M]

Originally Posted by Maxdog

I don't if this normal, but when I turn my washers on , right after I can smell the washer fluid for about ten seconds?

They have an alcohol based solution which is very strong, on the first fill up.

[joewalton]

Originally Posted by Maxdog

I don't if this normal, but when I turn my washers on , right after I can smell the washer fluid for about ten seconds?

Yes, and it's one of the joys of BMW ownership, smells like a BMW candy store.

When I run low on washer fluid I seek a BMW dealer for a top-off, I never use another brand.

[34.50]

Originally Posted by PSA955

I have always used RainX (40 + years). I kept getting messages that the fluid level was low, even after I filled it. Eventually my dealer replaced my reservoir and told me not to use RainX as it was triggering the sensor. I must say I miss it. I have coated the window, but don't get the same results as using it as a washer fluid. I think there was a thread about this some time ago (yes, too lazy to search). Anyone else have experience this recently?

You are correct - there is a thread on this forum where everyone had those low washer fluid messages while using RainX. The solution is not to use RainX washer fluid. I just buy the cheap blue washer fluid.

@ OP - I don't smell washer fluid in the cabin (using the cheap washer fluid). However, when I was using RainX, I could smell it in the cabin. Either way, it's a non-issue, your car is fine.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by Maxdog

Always a smart remark, it's my 9th car, I guess it's bmw fluid I have. Not refilled it yet, and it's my first bmw, thx for the legit answer ones.

In ft1330s defence, you can smell washer fluid in probably every car ever built. I wonder why rain x is so bad?

[RedlinePSI]

Originally Posted by joewalton

Yes, and it's one of the joys of BMW ownership, smells like a BMW candy store.

When I run low on washer fluid I seek a BMW dealer for a top-off, I never use another brand.

haha so true. First time I sprayed that thing I was like hold up now, what do we have here!?

[abstractmethod]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

BMW washer fluid has a distinct smell. I like it.

I agree! My SA told me they were happy to fill it up anytime, but she thought I was a bit off when I told her that the smell was intoxicating I did end up buying some from the BMW performance center when I visited so that I could mix it myself. Maybe I do have a problem!

[RedlinePSI]

I'm thinking about making a candle out of it.

[kv12]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

BMW washer fluid has a distinct smell. I like it.

I agree, the BMW washer fluid smells great!

[DS_BMW]

Originally Posted by 34.50

You are correct - there is a thread on this forum where everyone had those low washer fluid messages while using RainX. The solution is not to use RainX washer fluid. I just buy the cheap blue washer fluid.

@ OP - I don't smell washer fluid in the cabin (using the cheap washer fluid). However, when I was using RainX, I could smell it in the cabin. Either way, it's a non-issue, your car is fine.

I get this also with rain x fluid. Weird. Maybe there is not enough methanol in it and it freezes up?