I have a 2013 Cooper S (HB) and wanted to replace the blades to something with a bit more quality plus shorten the passenger blade a little (the far right side of the passenger blade does not contact the lower corner of the windshield).

Someone recommended the Bosch Icon blades, but the attachments on those blades are "J" type and the Cooper wiper arm ends in a blunt tongue ("bayonet"?) that is incompatible with the J-type blades.

So what is the type of blade I am looking for (I don't even know what it's called) and can anyone suggest brands/model numbers?

 

did they change the arms?

this is my 07-S

 

Yes,

MINI went to a new wiper blade system that is flat aero type.

Which is from 7/2012-

Here is the set for reference:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/61610039343/


Fits R55 R56 R57 7/2012 -

They have a flat type insert for all new aero wiper blades.

The R60 Countryman was the first to get the flat type. They have a different part number. No year split. 61610038597


The R58 & R59 have the aero type also and have the 61612239962 part number. No year split there

Currently I only know of OEM Genuine MINI.

Thanks and I hope that helps.

 

well it didn't take too much searching . . .

looks like PIAA has the correct adapter in their set that comes with their better blades . . .

references include all 2013 MINI models . . .

 

I love the Bosch Icons and the fit and look amazing. You can replace the back one with one but, I have not yet ans when I do I will put up a how to.

 

Anyone tried two 17 inch ? I changed p/s to 18 which I have both sides now and am still missing a good wipe on the top ends. Rainx Latitudes.

 

I've got a 17" Bosch ICON on the left side, and while it's a bit short on the top end, it's not bothersome as I sit pretty low in the driver's seat.

The 18" on the right side still has a lot of overhang & un-wiped area on the lower right.

 

Goodyear Assurance blades. Great quality and you can get them at Costco for $7 each. They come with 4 adapters to fit most attachments.

 

I tried RainEx all weather blades and the sucked, went back to the refills in the regular wipers and they are much better.
2007 MCS

 

I tried those and I didn't like them very well.. Maybe I should give them another shot..

On a side note, does anyone know if there is a replacement (other than OEM) for the rear wiper blades for a Clubman? I need to change them out soon.

 

I bought an 13" Rainex blade (the smallest I could find) for the the rear wiper of my '06 MCS and ended up having to cut it to fit. You can probably get a single 22" or longer blade and cut it in half to replace both rear blades. It'll save a bit of cash and you'll still have the OEM assembly.

 

I've currently got the Bosch Icons on my '04 R53 and they don't contact the top half and the lower corner of the windshield properly. It's like the windshield has too much curvature or something. So far the ones that I've tried that make the most contact seem to be the OEM wiper blades, and the PIAA silicone wiper blades.

I haven't found any aftermarket replacements for the rear wiper. The OEM one sucks.

 

It's amazing to me that with all the attention to detail in the MiNi Cooper, the passenger-side wiper blade for on the windshield seems really off. Cutting out down from 19 to 18 lowers the arc and still didn't resolve the unwiped corner, if I understand things correctly. Any chance of a blade with a sharper camber that might follow the curvature of the windshield?

 

The OEM ones due seem to make the most contact on the corners due to the design. Which Fit R50 R52 R53 , R55 R56 R57 up to 7/2012

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/61610028137/


The 7/2012- newer aero flat blades set will possibly work on older MINIs but you would have to change out the wiper arms also to accommodate the new connection. I have seen the new wipers and they are like the BMWs and ultra flat and curve well.

These would be for R50 R52 R53 R55 R56 R57 . The wiper system motor base is the same.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/61617352525/ left side 7/2012-

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/61617352526/ right side 7/2012-

Then you would need the newer blade set:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/61610039343/


For the rear of the R53 & R50 replacing the whole blade helps vs. replacing the insert.

Up to 7/2004

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/61627079943/ES169999/


From 7/2004

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/61627129280/ES170005/



Thanks and that gives you some options

 

ECSTuning, can i easily change the old to new wipers arms to accommodate the new wipers? Any diy instructions out there?

 

ECSTuning - thanks for the heads up. I think I'm going to try taking on this project for my '04 R53 next payday...

 

I've used all the different brands of wipers and can say the PIAA are by far the best. I didn't like the price at first, but they have lasted 3 or 4x longer than any other blade I've used
http://waymotorworks.com/piaa-wiper-...-for-mini.html

 

Agree with the PIAA advice, and after you get the PIAA blades, the refills for them are pretty economical.

 

Our German counterparts have done it already.

Those parts above are the ones you need. They are for the R50 R52 R53 & R55 R56 R57 pre 7/2012 to post 7/2012 conversion:

http://www.mini2.info/forum/showthre...t=69199&page=3


On the second page you can see fits 1:1 and they are happy with the results. You will have to google translate , but if you have google chrome and hit translate you can read there story . For german market cut off was 4/2012 , US version 7/2012 is the division.

I am looking to do this myself.

Thanks

 

Speaking of refills, am I the only one who can't find a store that actually CARRIES refills rather than having to buy the entire blade? The only thing I hate more than wasting money is throwing away perfectly serviceable parts.

 

Try Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/94045-Silicone.../dp/B0002Z9R0W
http://www.amazon.com/94048-Silicone.../dp/B0002Z9R4S
less than $10 each, free shipping, and in stock.

 

Another PIAA Silicone fan. I've had mine for over a year and they work like they did on day one. Just don't use RainX with them. They'll chatter like crazy.

They do have a slight whistle at high speeds when in use. That little wing that MINI put on the driver's side wiper actually had a purpose.

 

I'm going to order up another set of PIAA Silicone wipers for the time being, and see if I can somehow get the blades to fit the OEM wiper blade frame (yes, I'm a geek and kept the original ones). I like the little wing on the OEM wiper, and as you noted - it does serve a useful purpose...

 

I've found the Rain-X Latitudes work well for me. I also use Rain-X on my windscreen and headlight lenses. I have a rain sensor on my '05 MCS and the 18" work fine for both sides.
Good idea for the back one to get a 22-23" and cut it in half.

 

As am I, now.

Have you (ECS) or anyone here yet confirmed absolutely that:

• 61617352525 (left arm)
• 61617352526 (right arm)
• 61610039343 (blades)

...are direct replacements for the earlier arms on (for example) an R56? I'd love to have the aero wipers on my 2011... The standard ones suck, frankly, in snowy weather. Snow and ice always get stuck in the framework of conventional blades, and I'm not very interested in non-MINI options (I don't care who makes them, I've never found them to work as well as a factory blade).

I asked the parts guy at the local dealer whether it was possible, but he said no—although he was clearly just going by the book in giving that response (e.g., that part number is not for my car).

I'd just try it myself, but $125 or so for the arms and blades is an expensive test if it fails...

Wes