epd00

This may be a dumb question, but here it goes anyway.

Windshield washer is low and read the manual which said I need to use MB blended fluid, otherwise some damage to plastics may occur? This sounds like BS. How can MB windshiled washer be any different than every other washer out there? But before I throw in the stuff I bought from the gas station, figured I'd ask here.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Bobby4919

I usually get mine refilled when I go into the dealer to get my free wash and Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. Who knows what they put in it but I doubt if they're giving away free 'MB' specially blended washer fluid.

Actually... when I refill it on my own I use RainX washer fluid and haven't seen any detrimental effect. However, i seem to recall a thread on here that indicated that using the wrong fluid can affect the sensor used to determine if the fluid level was low.

makris0000

Do you go to Mercedes of Orlando in Maitland???

Cao Black

No idea why you need Mercedes windshield fluid, but I have read several articles cautioning about the use of RainX on Mercedes and other windshields with wiper sensors. Don't recall if it was specifically their washer fluid. It may be worth looking into.

Bobby4919

Yes Makris. Love the oatmeal raisin cookies there

And Cao, I'll check further into it. that's kind of what I was alluding to. I'll do some further research.

roger23

Excellent topic, as its an inexplicable mystery to me.....
I have been using RainX in my MB vehicles for over 20 years, with the exact same problem, which magically, seems to cure itself.
Whenever I fill up the reservoir with Rain X for the first time, yes, I always get the 'low washer fluid' warning light coming on.
I go to my dealer, and they replace the sensor.
From that point on, over the next few years, although filling the reservoir subsequently with many many jugs of Rain X, the light never comes on again.
The next new MB vehicle I get, its the same process all over again....
For some reason, replacing the factory sensor, with the MB parts dept sensor, seem to fix the problem permanently.
MB claims its the same part at the factory, and I have contacted Rain X, and they have no explanation for this phenomena, who says there should be no detrimental effect if used in MB vehicles.
I really cannot understand why its only the original factory sensor which causes the problem, and not the replacement sensor installed at the MB dealer, using the specified MB part.
So years ago, I gave up trying to figure out the answer, and now I simply go through the ritual of replacing the factory sensor once, then continuing to use Rain X happily thereafter, with no 'low washer fluid' light coming on thereafter.

c4004matic

You can use any fluid you wish. Do not use anything with rain X in nor Rain X itself. It leads to wiper chattering. The same goes for Aquapel, which is like super Rain X, they just dont work with MB wipers period. I use Aquapel on all windows, but again, never on the windshield.

roger23

Really ?
I must have been lucky thus far.....
I have always used Rain X on my many MB vehicles, and never experienced wiper blade chatter....
I put Silver Wax water beading treatment on my windshield with my new E, and have had no problems....
Cars are a mystery........

c4004matic

I cant speak of older models, but my c400 and e43 hated the stuff. When I used Aquapel on my C, I Iiterally had to use glass polish and an orbital polisher to remove it since the wipers became completely useless due to skipping. On the new MB manuals they tell you to avoid any type of hydrophobic treatments. I dont know if its a glass or wiper material issue.

gfmohn

On the one or two times I had chattering when using Rain X on either my 2007 C280 or my 2015 C300, I took my car in on a rainy day and asked my independent garage specializing in Mercedes to adjust the angle of the wipers. That fixed the problem.

Cao Black

A little further info on the subject...

https://www.classaction.org/rain-x-lawsuit

I seem to recall that some complaints were about the windshield sensors...the ones that turn the wipers on automatically when rain is sensed, rather than the low washer fluid warning sensor. I don't use either RainX or Aquapel, so I haven't researched further, but I can state that I have experienced wiper chatter and had the dealer adjust the blades.

Racerboy221

My understanding was the Mercedes Fluid is called "S" fluid for wipers and is mixed about 25:1 Water to concentrate. I just happened to be reading my manual this afternoon and that was part of it.....

Cesar350

I used to have a Jeep Grand Cherokee 2013. I filled the windshield tank with orange rain X and next day got the low fluid light. After reading in some forums I saw rain X caused the problem. Flushed all the liquid. I removed the sensor and the two prongs were covered in some orange goe, cleaned the terminals, re installed the sensor and filed with the cheap blue thing from waltmart. Never had that issue again.

I just bought a ‘15 ml 350 (really enjoying it) and wouldn’t think to fill it with rain X.

I’ll better buy the Mercedes concentrated liquid for 20 bucks, and you can buy it online from Walt mart or amazon. Or better yet I’ll go to the dealer and ask if they can fill it (hopefully for free).

ua549

My dealer always fill the washer tank when the car is being serviced.

DFWdude

My 2001 C320 worked great on the MB Concentrate for 18 years. Then, one day my daughter put in some of that orange stuff before I could stop her. Gummed up the works instantly. Been grappling with it since.

Removing the fender to DIY troubleshoot the pump/sensor is low on my priorities, and taking a car worth $500 to the dealer or an indie is out of the question.

Given all the negative discussion across several sub-forums on this topic, the Mercedes "S" fluid concentrate is about the only OEM Mercedes consumable part that I use religiously on my W212.

Almashayekhi1

Tap water but don't do it.

No issues with the sensor at all. But I think the blades are not liking it. They skip and don't clean as well. Just replaced them lately so it's not a ware out problem.

brewtownwi

What do you recommend to unclog the washer lines? Or if they a not working?

nothing comes out and my levels are full.

Not sure if clogged, or something electrical wrong

c4004matic

If its been very cold or your not using the right fluid, they are frozen. An ovenight in a warm garage will solve it.