Windshield Washer Fluid
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2017 E300
Windshield Washer Fluid
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 18
From: Orlando, FL
'17 E300
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 827
Likes: 202
From: Florida (727)
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 746
Likes: 178
From: NorCal
2015 ML350+2025 E350
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.
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.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
2010 E550 / 2012 ML 550
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
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.
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Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
2010 E550 / 2012 ML 550
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........
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........
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
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.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 789
Likes: 47
From: Eastern Massachusetts
2021 E450, 2020 C43, 2015 C300, 2007 C280
Rain X?
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 746
Likes: 178
From: NorCal
2015 ML350+2025 E350
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.
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ
1991 300D
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.....
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
2015 ML350 W166 and 2006 SLK 350 R171
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.
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.
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).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,695
Likes: 1,830
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
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.
Last edited by DFWdude; Sep 22, 2019 at 05:56 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio USA
MB 2007 E350
Washer Fluid Not Working
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
nothing comes out and my levels are full.
Not sure if clogged, or something electrical wrong
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
If its been very cold or your not using the right fluid, they are frozen. An ovenight in a warm garage will solve it.
