Standard disclaimer: searched the site for this solution, did not find any relevant threads...

Somewhere along the line I got the impression that one could replace just the rubber blades on the wipers instead of the entire wiper blade assembly (i.e., the blade with the supporting arm framework); in fact, MINI/BMW offers what they call "wiper blade inserts," which appear to be just the rubber blade, and a set of which costs roughly 2/3 the price of a pair of wiper arm assemblies (which, given the "BMW tax" on these simple maintenance items, means a lot of folks might just opt to avoid the fuss of changing the inserts and replace the whole assembly...). But nowhere can I find the "how to" that explains the swap out procedure for a wiper insert. I'm guessing the inserts just slide in/out of the wiper arm frame, but I'm seeking a little clarification/confirmation about the whole concept:

1. The front blade inserts come in one size: 475mm; which apparently means an insert needs to be cut to fit the driver's side blade frame (which is about 450 mm). Simple enough.
2. When installed, the blades have a thin, flexible metal strip that runs along its length; the strip appears to serve two purposes: to provide some structural rigidity to the rubber blade insert, as well as a little spring tension to hold it against the curvature of the windshield as the blades sweep; and to lock it into the wiper arm frame. The question here is how to release the blade/metal strip combination from the wiper arm frame without breaking/bending the small clamping tabs that hold it? The wiper blade inserts appear to come with some kind of small 'tool' that may aid in this; but none of the online parts sellers elaborate on this 'tool.' I'm also presuming that one just re-uses the metal strips?

So can someone set me straight on the mysteries surrounding wiper blade inserts...? Thanks!

 

I used a needle nose to squeeze it together and remove it. I also start at one end and push it to the farthest end giving a little wiggle room
then pull it out.