Assuming that what that thing is... If it is a spoiler - why is it only on the driver's side? - why doesn't the passenger side need one?...

Just curious... And sorry if this is a dumb (or previously asked & answered) question...

~ Manu

 

It is a spoiler and I guess the logic is the passenger doesn't have to see where they are going......the driver does.

 

I recently determined on a long trip that it's primary function is to evenly distribute bug splatter across a larger area of the windshield than opposed to direct hits.

 

Actually, since the wiper blades aren't oriented symmetrically on the windshield, the airflow affects each one differently, hence the need for a spoiler on one side only.

 

on2wheels - very, very true!

Hate to say this but in my experience the wipers on the MINI are not the greatest. Some swear by Rain-X, others by Silblade.

 

The Clubman is my 10th BMW and every one of them has only had the spoiler on the drivers side (Well, the Isetta didn't...but thats another story). We drove 3 days in constant rain last week on vacation and the wipers worked superbly...especially the ones in back.

 

Drivers side wiper with the "spoiler" is not unusual. My SAABs are that way as well. Of course when the blades need replacing, I unload the standard blade and buy both the same. Have not noticed any difference in window cleaning. Dan

 

Not saying you are wrong, but my 525iT sport wagon has spoilers on both sides.

BTW when they break they are expensive. Got hit by an ice chunk off a truck last winter on a trip to Vermont and it smashed the wiper holder and spoiler. Three days (there are no BMW dealers in Northern VT) and $21.00 later i was back in business but it was not a fun ride.

 

I agree the wipers that Mini replaces do not last very long. The dealer used to replace mine every months in Atlanta. I now go to the dealer in K-town and they are only doing every year so I purchased the curved kind but after a few months my drivers side is jiggling around at interstate speeds. Any ideas on how to correct this since I no longer have a spoiler on it.

 

The piaa ($20) 19 inch have spoilers and are really nice. Everyone who has them loves them. They come with windshield goo like rain-x and made my 106K windshield behave like a new one.

 

I always wondered about that spoiler too!

 

Hmmm. I'm familiar with these things, as BMW seems to use them on many of their models; but I didn't realize they put them on the MINI as well. It would appear that my wiper spoiler has gone MIA (if, in fact, one was still on there when I bought the car used)...

Is this something that could somehow become separated on it's own from the wiper arm, or is it pretty well attached (i.e., it has to be deliberately removed, or is an integral part of the wiper arm)...?

I found the parts on RealOEM, but it says they're discontinued -- which I find a bit difficult to believe...? A Google search reveals this from MINI of South Atlanta...?