S_W222

So I feel like a newbie with all these basic questions, but it's been a few years since I sold my former W222 and got my S560 few days ago.

I've been driving BMWs for a few years and I forgot the basic/101 MBenz stuff. What kind of windshield is safe to use in the W222/S560 other than OEM? My wife still drives a 2020 BMW X5 which has a sensitive windshield washer system that cannot take anything that has silica in it, and we have a good number of OEM BMW windshield concentrate with distilled water (mixing % is based on weather conditions and season, but it is the same concentrate all year long). Could that be safe in the MBenz since BMW is more sensitive anyway? If not, what are my options?

cfmistry

The Benz system is also sensitive and you cannot use Rain-X (silica) in it. You can buy the OE Benz concentrate online (there is a winter version).

I am sure the BMW formula would be fine and wouldn’t hesitate to use it on my S class.

S_W222

Just to make sure, are you saying the Rain-X (silica) is okay in the S-class? I am asking because Rain-X had ruined so many BMW windshield sensors as reported on several BMW forums. If MBenz can take the Rain-X silica just fine, I assume the sensor in the MBenz windshield system is different and not that sensitive, and hence at the very least I should be able to use the BMW windshield fluid with no issues given that it is designed for a more sensitive sensor/system. The BMW concentrate is cheaper too! I prefer to have once mixed solution in my garage for two cars.

aeggroup

I'm using BMW concentrate in my both cars ( Mercedes and Range Rover). Never had any issues and it clears the windshield perfectly fine.

S_W222

Yeah, the BMW concentrate with distilled water works like magic. Very clean wipe and good enough against bugs.

cfmistry

Sorry!! Autocorrect got me. Meant to type CANNOT.

vincheung

I use oem Volvo concentrate ($15) mixed with distilled water ($1 gal). One concentrate makes two gallons of winter mix. I've been using it in our s63 and macan and it has been great, also keep a spray bottle in the trunk to spray down any ice buildup ahead of brushing off.

Volvo Fluid:
https://amzn.to/3Z4W8Ae

S_W222

i bet the chemistry is the same for most manufacturers. BMW concentrates appears to be the same bottle design as Volvo, but FCP sells the BMW OEM for only $3.5/ea and it makes same amount you reported for Volvo. Just wanted to share my findings if you are interested. I appreciate you sharing what you’re using. Than you!

vincheung

Sw222, thanks for the info! I’ll be making the switch!

S_W222

Here is the link (cheapest website is FCP as far as I know). I also buy all my filters from them as they offer the replacement for free next time another filter is needed as part of their free Lifetime Replacement Guarantee on all items sold (except consumable fluid that disappear as used, like windshield fluid, unless you can collect it like oil, lol)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...te-83192221702

Now the next question is, what do you all use as an Anti-freeze to top off the reservoir as needed?

Tom in Austin

Oh good grief, I got a gallon of generic stuff at Walmart, surely it's ok if it doesn't freeze in cold weather!

aeggroup

Yeap....I thought like you as well until I tried the real stuff that supposed to be there. The difference is very noticeable. I bet when your turn on your wipers with that Wallmart stuff the whole windshield is one greasy fuggy place until wipers finished their job. After that it takes 3-5 seconds for that grease to disappear. There is no such thing with concentrate specifically produced for windshields.

vinflouen

W222 has a small rubber grommet filter that’s all the way on the bottom on the washer tank.
if that gets slimy the washers will not work as it can clog.
use distilled water and the MB concentrate.

Rmayrap

learn something new everyday

blackbullit

I use Volvo fluid too with distilled water. Works great!