I replaced my wiper arms with some from a local auto parts store (NAPA I think) and I'm not happy. The curve doesn't match the glass at the ends, and the passenger one shudders across the glass sometimes and leaves a streak on the way back. My side is OK. Any suggestions from the peanut gallery? Thanks in advance.

 

BOSCH icons work well.

I'll never use the old style blades again.

 

you replaced your wiper blades .. rather than the ARMS I suspect (arm, blade, refill ....)

* there IS a difference between $5 blades and $15 blades

* Rain-X works as a 'lube' to help the blade slide . . . (no comments please) <to those who poo-poo RAIN-X, my BOSCHE blades came with packets of a 'glass treatment' to apply when mounting the blades, who's purpose was improving blade performance....>

* You can adjust the pressure the arm applies to the blade, and it does not require a tool or a reference to a maintenance manual. {bend the arm}

 

Yea, I Rainxed' my car the day after I got it.. It rained like mad.. I couldn't see for crap... That stuff is amazing.. I use the washer fluid as well.. It really helps.

But the Icon blades really catch that lower passenger side curve pretty well.. It's not perfect, but acceptable.

 

I replaced the blades first with refills. Those were horrible. Then I replaced the drivers arm. Sweet. Then I replaced the passenger arm with the same brand. Stinko. So you all swear by Bosch Icon arms eh? Looks like they are about $25 per. One site asked if the car was 2011 or 2012 (only choices). I assume the glass is all the same except the Countryman.

 

If you are a member of Costco the Good Year blades (Bosch knock offs).. Are pretty decent.. I've not tried them on the Mini... But they are the same style as the Icons..

 

Go with an inch shorter blade on the passenger side, and it won't miss any part of the window.

Also, Rain-X is great stuff. Opti-Coat has put out a new product that is a lot more permanent than Rain-X.


PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, DO NOT USE RAIN-X washer fluid. It etches the paint and can make permanent spots all over your paint. I am in the process of compiling evidence to send to Rain-X to see why their washer fluid is so harmful to automotive paint.

 

I can say I've found the PiAA blades to be the best around. They do cost a bit right off the bat, but I've got a set that is 4yrs old on one car and they still work as well as the stock wiper blades.

 

not bad price for 2 full arms.

 

Bosch ones work well, but I have Pilot 21" on them now. The problem in Arizona is getting them to last during the sunny days for that dozen or so times it does rain, so cheap refills are a must, the sun just rots them out in 2 months, often before they are ever used to wipe the window.

 

The cost is justifiable: they're sturdy and deadly silent, as if a Katana wielding Ninja was employed to wipe your glass.

I used to be a fan of the Icons, until I noticed the sweeping problem, where the end of the flat blade just loses contact at the farthest part of the sweep. It even happens on my Element's windshield, which is as gently curved as most windshields get.

 

Jesus Christ, stop using that word.

The wiper BLADE is what is pictured, and is what you replace.
A wiper cartridge is the rubber part only that can sometimes be replaced.
The wiper ARM is the ARM that conects the motor to the blade. You know, the long metal piece that the BLADE attaches to.


Anyhow, I am running Bosch Icon's on my Mini and they work fantastic. I am also running Valeo blades on my girlfriends car(The first brand to come out with this style of blade, back when they made them for M-B before they hit the aftermarket availability).

I have no complaints and will never waste the money on traditional pressure-point blades again.

 

Thank you! I was just about to explain the same thing myself. You saved me the trouble and the effort!

 

Just little pet peeves I have about using the wrong word for things as routine lol.

 

ditto and most of the time they are on sale, 2 for the price of 1.

 

Sorry off topic: InjectedGT are you familiar with C.O.R.N. our mini group in Omaha?

 

I've seen it on here a little bit. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about it so we don't clutter the thread :P

 

No need to be offensive!

 

Can you get refill cartridges for the Bosch Icon BLADES? Or do you have do buy the whole BLADE again when the rubber goes south?

 

It's all 1 unit. It's a single piece blade.

 

I saw it for $25 on one site (driver's side) plus shipping. The two sides are different lengths aren't they?

 

They are, I believe, differet sizes. I couldn't say off memory what the lengths are though.

 

18" for the driver side, and 19" for the passenger side. If you went Bosch, you would need a 18A and a 19B.

 

What's the A and B, does that refer to the way the BLADE attaches to the ARM?

 

Nope. It is just whether it is for the (A) driver's side or the (B) passenger side.