I needed new wipers and went researching. People with other cars said good things about the Valeo 900 Series Ultimate wiper. I tried them out and they DO NOT FIT the MINI. They don't make contact with the windshield on the outer 1" of the 19" passenger blade. The contact isn't 100% on the driver side either, leaving a straight thin strip of water down the center of the windshield. Stay away from these wipers. I've written two letters to Valeo, but no response.

What are the best wipers available that work with the MINI?

Here's a YouTube video of someone showing the right edge issue:

 

I use the PIAA silicone series for my wipers.

 

I like the BOSCH Icons I put on two of my other vehicles.

 

I use two PIAA Sporza Super Silicone 19" blades on both the drivers and passenger side and they work perfectly. And, the advantage of both sides being the same I have to only keep one size of refill in the garage when they need a change. Both have the spoiler and again, they perform better than any blade I have ever used including the Bosch blades.

Rich

 

What’s the correct length of the wipers on a MINI ?

 

I heard rain X wipers are amazing.

 

I have the Rain X on the BMW and they ARE amazing! I have the PIAA's on the Mini and they work very well.

 

We use the rain X. They work great

 

Silblades are also at the top of the list.

Stock sizes for the MINI are 18" driver and 19" passenger side.

 

Thanks!

 

My Bosch Icons work well, but also don't get that last inch on the passenger side. Doesn't bother me since my steering wheel isn't there...

 

Yes. They come that way from the factory. But I really liked the PIAA Super Sporza blades with the spoiler. They don't come in 18" so I tried the 19s on both sides and they worked perfectly. And both have the spoiler and I don't have to keep multiple sizes in the garage.

The only problem for me is the replacement refills are hard to find locally. But they last a long time and I keep two on hand just in case.

Rich

 

Even my stock passenger wiper does not make contact over there. I replace the blades with BMW replacement ones every 6 months.

I might get a second driver's side wiper for the passenger side.

 

I have these on the wifes Jetta. They are pretty good, but not perfect. I might try the RainX ones, but if I can't find them I'll get the BOSCH again.

 

TireRack has em in 18 and 19. Good to know dual 19's work though

 

So you think Rain X > PIAA?

Is it the Rain X Latitude that you are using?

 

So the 19 on the driver side doesn't have any overhang on the edges of the blade and has solid wipe lines (no water streaking spots)?

 

Does anyone have pics of these blades on the MINI? PIAA, BOSCH, or Rain-X

The Valeo Ultimate looks really nice and works well except for the overhang and 95% window contact. Damn you Valeo. Luckily, I showed that video to TireRack and they refunded my purchase.

I'm leaning towards PIAA or Rain-X.
If it is the Rain-X latitudes that you guys are talking about, I'll get those. They are the same style as the Valeo Ultimate, which I like.
Looking at the PIAA site, I can't decide which of their blades I like most. My MINI is Dark Silver, so the carbon fiber look might look good. Color aside, I don't know if I should go with the Super Silicone or the Super Sporza Silicone

 

Bought Sillblades for 3 of my cars, and after a year, meh, they are needing replacment. My wife's mini van, and my Acura MDX were spotting and streaking. I was pissed after paying so much for a "5 Year Guarantee".

I was touting to high heaven at first. Now after 3 cars worth, never again - at least with the thought that I would not have to replace them for 5 years (or 3 whatever the guarantee is).

smp

 

Just went to the PIAA site and they don't list any blades for the R56.

 

I just put on new silblades & the driver's side wiper does not make full contact with the windshield on the right side (right side when sitting inside the car looking out). I plan to send them back. The Driver's side OEM blade has a spoiler on it, the silblades do not. Maybe this spoiler helped it make contact I dunno. I am trying to find the PIAA's with spoiler but Tire Rack doesn't list any available for the MINI & the site won't let me order them without entering a vehicle make (maybe I just need to call them?) I am having a hard time finding a set online anywhere

 

Rain-X ones from Wally World worked for me. Wiper blades get replaced once a year anyway.

 

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+1

 

Has anyone tried fitting PIAA silicone blade refill inserts on the OEM wipers? It might be an inexpensive way to upgrade the OEM wipers. I saw this on the PIAA website, and it looks like it might work:



PIAA silicone refills are $6.37 each at Amazon (and it is a "Super Saver" item that qualifies for free shipping when your order includes $25 in Super Saver items). They are cheap enough that I just might try it.