I believe A is for driver side, and B is for passenger side.

 

I'm using Icon's and I just put in RainX washer fluid, I hope this combination works for me

 

I clean my windows by hand at least twice a sometimes way more if it rains a bunch. Just use Rain-X glass cleaner. You would buy glass cleaner anyway so why not treat with Rain-X at the same time? In conjunction with Rain-X washer fluid it's amazing. I really want to try those PIAA wipers now...

 

Sorry, I came late to the conversation. I have a 2006 MINI Cooper S and it sounds like I need to buy 18" for the driver side and 19" for the passenger side. Is that correct? How easy are they to install? This will be my first time.

Thanks!

 

[QUOTE=hooch504;4024426]Sorry, I came late to the conversation. I have a 2006 MINI Cooper S and it sounds like I need to buy 18" for the driver side and 19" for the passenger side. Is that correct? How easy are they to install? This will be my first time.


Yes, 18" driver, 19" passenger, although I use 18" on both sides. I also
used the curved 18" PIAA Super Silicone on the passenger side and the
straight 18" PIAA Super Silicone on the driver side - more even pressure
across the blade with those choices. They're easy to install.

 

Advance Auto parts is running a sale now $10 off when you buy 2 Ikon wiper blades.

 

[QUOTE=cristo;4024494]Thanks Cristo, I will have to take a look at these in the store. I haven't used PIAA wipers before but read good things about them in these forums. I was leaning towards Bosch because I've had very good experiences with them in the past in previous cards I've owned. Your thoughts on Bosch versus PIAA?

 

I've had both and I like the PIAA ones better. If you can't find them locally,
(I can't), just get them from Amazon (free shipping if over $35). You can get
the refills from there as well a year later.

 

Keep in mind the real issue is the extreme curvature of the MINI windscreen.

Only the OEM blades maintain full contact, even the 18" curved PIAA blade just lifts from the windscreen in the last 8th or quarter inch on the passenger side.

I have been happy with the 18" curved PIAA. All of the other aftermarket blades I have tried, including the Bosch, lifted off the windshield the final inch or more.

But I live in the "what is rain" part of SoCal so your mileage may very.

 

I upgraded my stock wiper blades and arms to the new Aero Wiper kit and they work wonderfully at first then started seeing a white streak with chattering like they were skipping a bit. I haven't ever used any product but Windex brand glass cleaner.

 

I live in northern maine and have found that with my Mini running the least expensive Bosch blade sized 17" for both sides works best for me. I change them frequently as we get a ton of gritty crud from poor weather.

I have tried expensive blades and have found the shorter cheap blades provide a good contact swipe. I also change frequently to new ones as the blades get trashed by sandy grit.