BMW and M Power Owners

panthro · 1 Apr 2015 at 20:20

[TW]Fox;27859142 said:
The clogging up is caused by reactions between different types of fluid, so yes, using the BMW fluid exclusively will make the jets less likely to clog up (Though in theory so will exclusively using any other brand of fluid). The other crucial point is that it's a warranty issue if it goes wrong again and it's only had BMW fluid in.

It won't be down to the washer fluid blocking the jets it will be down to the water you mix it with, unless you use it neat.

Scania · 1 Apr 2015 at 21:34

I've never used the BMW screen wash / intensive stuff in any of mine and not had an issue.

Perhaps I'm just fortunate or maybe periodic rinsing out of the reservoirs with a hose does the job?

[TW]Fox · 1 Apr 2015 at 21:40

Scania said:
I've never used the BMW screen wash / intensive stuff in any of mine and not had an issue.

Perhaps I'm just fortunate or maybe periodic rinsing out of the reservoirs with a hose does the job?

I've never had an issue in my E39 either, but BMW forums are full of tales of woe on the new models.

PMKeates · 1 Apr 2015 at 22:47

panthro said:
It won't be down to the washer fluid blocking the jets it will be down to the water you mix it with, unless you use it neat.

Why do you say that?

Havana_UK · 2 Apr 2015 at 00:30

[TW]Fox;27859513 said:
I've never had an issue in my E39 either, but BMW forums are full of tales of woe on the new models.

I've never used BMW's own fluid (except for what came in the car and if they've ever topped it up at the service) in my E91 and I've had LOADS of blockages. Probably 10-11 times over the 4 years I've had it. Fortunately as it's a company car I just take it to the garage and ask them to fix it without worry, but when I get my new car I'll only be using BMW's own fluid.

Scania · 2 Apr 2015 at 08:08

[TW]Fox;27859513 said:
I've never had an issue in my E39 either, but BMW forums are full of tales of woe on the new models.

Come to think of it, clogged washer jets was one of the numerous issues my brother in law had with his f10,I wonder what's different in the design compared to the earlier models?

panthro · 2 Apr 2015 at 08:20

PMKeates said:
Why do you say that?

Washer fluid as far I'm aware is made with distilled water, solvents and alcohol/ethanol/meths. It shouldn't contain any trace minerals or solids in it to clog up the pump and filter. If you mix it with tap water then you're introducing impurities into the mixture. I could be wrong though.

MoRT489 · 2 Apr 2015 at 08:46

Burned_Alive said:
Also allows you to continue the Comprehensive warranty beyond 100k miles, as the mileage limit is at policy "commencement".

If the previous owner was paying monthly and it's over the 60k threshold is the price still fixed if the new owner continues paying monthly?

Dr House · 2 Apr 2015 at 08:47

MoRT489 said:
If the previous owner was paying monthly and it's over the 60k threshold is the price still fixed if the new owner continues paying monthly?

I asked the same and fox says its not transferable.

MoRT489 · 2 Apr 2015 at 09:02

I see, so after 60k there would be a new price for the new owner and only benefit to him paying monthly would be to lock in the price if keeping it past 100k?

xs2man · 2 Apr 2015 at 09:59

Burned_Alive · 2 Apr 2015 at 10:51

MoRT489 said:
I see, so after 60k there would be a new price for the new owner and only benefit to him paying monthly would be to lock in the price if keeping it past 100k?

And to maintain the comprehensive coverage level beyond 100k. If you are paying yearly, comprehensive coverage is not available at renewal once your mileage is over 100k.

On the washer fluid debate - I have used BMW fluid (diluted with tap water) since I bought my car and never had any clogging issues. Bought the car in 2010 on 37k and its now done 120k, so its had some use! Although I mainly carried on using it because I didn't want to become a victim of the frozen headlight washer issue, so tend to use a less diluted solution.

MoRT489 · 2 Apr 2015 at 11:52

Guys, what's your opinion on these two X3s, both very similar high spec although the dealer one is a year+ younger, they have the same mileage. The older one has more options fitted from what I can tell.
Dealer X3
Private X3

Dealer told me they just knocked £3k off the price so they can't sell it for any less than asking, although this doesn't make sense given it's already sitting at the top of the AT suggested valuation. The private one I expect some space to negotiate down.

lee1101 · 2 Apr 2015 at 12:06

Dealer one doesn't look like it has Xenons. Boooo

[TW]Fox · 2 Apr 2015 at 12:20

MoRT489 said:
Guys, what's your opinion on these two X3s, both very similar high spec although the dealer one is a year+ younger, they have the same mileage. The older one has more options fitted from what I can tell.
Dealer X3
Private X3

Dealer told me they just knocked £3k off the price so they can't sell it for any less than asking, although this doesn't make sense given it's already sitting at the top of the AT suggested valuation. The private one I expect some space to negotiate down.

The fact the dealer has dropped the price is irrelevant - they've dropped the price because it wouldn't sell at the previous price, simple as that. It is therefore not part of any negotiation you may wish to try

With the exception of Xenons the dealer car is better spec - has top view camera etc. The private seller has simply listed every standard option as well giving it the impression its loaded.

The private seller is hilariously optimistic - who does he think is going to come along with £27500 in actual cash to buy a privately advertised 4 year old X3? How about nobody. That car will be for sale for ages until he eventually gives up and trades it in or prices it significantly less than the dealers.

Blackhawk47 · 2 Apr 2015 at 12:33

[TW]Fox;27861513 said:
With the exception of Xenons the dealer car is better spec - has top view camera etc. The private seller has simply listed every standard option as well giving it the impression its loaded.

Most people on here do that don't they?

If I had to choose I would go for the one with xenons. Seems daft to not get one with them. The camera could surely be retrofitted if it was that important to someone buying it?

[TW]Fox · 2 Apr 2015 at 12:39

Top view is a collection of cameras not just one and is expensive to retrofit.

Though I agree about Xenons and as a result would pick neither car.

MoRT489 · 2 Apr 2015 at 12:46

Looking through the actual spec from the pic and chat with both sellers, the only extra the dealer seems to have is the top down camera (meh) and paddle shifters, whereas the private one has the uprated wheels and suspension (maybe more uncomfortable ride?) and xenons. Are xenons really so worthwhile as to make them a must have? Possible to retrofit?

If I could get the dealer one for £27.5k or the private for £25k (too high?), which would you choose? Bear in mind I'd have to buy 12 months warranty with the private one (£540) and get a full AA inspection done (£345) as well...

Choice of high spec models with light interior and time to get her car is limited

[TW]Fox · 2 Apr 2015 at 12:53

I've noticed you are the chap who lives on Jersey. Why are you so desperate to buy a diesel powered 4x4 for this task - it really isn't well suited at all to that type of driving so to spend £25-28k on a 4 year old diesel 4x4 to drive around at 40mph seems completely bonkers. I have the same engine in my 5 Series and frankly at low speeds around town it really isn't at its best, it can't hide the fact it's a diesel and it's not until it's thoroughly warmed up - which it almost never will be for you - that it turns into a great engine.

Note the insured warranty you'd buy will NOT cover the DPF either.

Something like a petrol F31 328i Touring would surely be a better car for the job in every possible way?

MoRT489 · 2 Apr 2015 at 12:59

I agree with you but the wife has her heart set on an X3 and hates the look of the touring. A 4x4 provides extra height which makes loading/unloading the kid easier on our backs (we're both tall with occasional back problems), bigger trunk and she feels more confident driving one. In this scenario I just need to get an X3 and if it turns out to be a mistake then we can sell it, although the only reason it theoretically could be is due to the DPF and I take on board the problem associated with that.

Edit: Dealer won't budge on price - said it had been sitting at the higher price for 3 months but they can't drop it again unless it is unsold for 6 months :rolleyes: