Hi. My wife got her 2009 Clubman back in April of 09 and I got mine just a few days ago. In both cases we're not happy with the factory wipers. Mine, pretty much from the very first time I used them, are streaky. My wife has experienced similar issues on hers.

I can find some options pretty easily however I'm looking for feedback from someone who has used them. So, any recommendations for after market wipers? something that works well in Chicago winters?

Thanks
-Gary

 

I recomend Aquapel treatment on the windsheild first
(it's like RainX but lasts for a year)
for aftermarket wipers I've been using latitude ones

 

+1 on RainX, Aquapel or the 3M equivalent. I use Bosch wipers on mine.

 

been hating mine too. They are 19" right and 18" left correct? I'd measure but its cold :P

 

I put Piaa on my wifes and she loves them

 

I went with 18" Bosch Icons on my 07 MCS, and I like them. No way to really test winter use though for me.

 

Try to clean the window and wipers first then treat them and see how they work. Then get new wipers if needed.

I love my sillblades with the five year warranty.

 

Aquapel is good stuff. Our local Costco has it too!

 

Thanks for the replies so far. I've got a partial bottle of RainX at home and since the car is only a few days old I haven't had a chance to apply it yet. I'll start with that and consider the Aquapel stuff when I use the RainX up.

My local car parts place stocks Bosch so I'll see what other recommendations I get but so far they look promising. I had a set of them on my previous vehicle (Civic) and they worked well but I didn't know if the same performance would carry over on the MINIs.

 

Make sure the winshield is as clean as you can get BEFORE putting anything on it.

 

Yep.

Goodyear Assurance "Bracketless" Wiper Blades.



I put these on the minute I got my new Clubman home.

About US$13.00 a blade at Costco.

They work well.

I believe the RainX Latitude,


Michelin Symphony,


Bosch Icon,


and Goodyear Assurance are all rebadged versions of the same "bracketless" blade.

 

My 2 cents:

1) I stay away from rain-x until you find out you have to use it; I find that once you start using it, that's it, it's on your windshield forever
2) on my old car, I bought the Piaa silicone sport wipers. WOW those were so smooth on the windshield...

For my mini so far, I find the wipers OK. Note that I have the heated nozzles, so that might help things in the cold weather?

 

which means use your clay bar if you are a clay person or using a single edge razor blade to run ALL the glass. U L B amazed how much stuff U pick up ... THEN clean well with an ammonia strong wash (windex)

I run my glass with a razor every 6 months and ALWAYS pick up crud

 

FYI, here is another link related to your question: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ld-wipers.html

I switched my wipers out to a cheap set just so they can wipe better than the stock ones (took them from my friend's shop), and when I took my car in for service last week, swapped the OEM wipers back on and told the dealer to replace them, so they did it. They are OK so far..

 

Here is another option for the cold weather climate folks.

These heat up and that way snow and ice do not collect on them when in use.

http://www.autoxcooper.com/heated_blades_order.html

 

don't bother with these if you're in a sub-zero winter climate

I gave them a try on my Mazda last winter and they harden right up, the rubber compound just doesn't seem to be meant for the cold... worked great in warm weather tho

 

My original set of OEM blades on my '08 Clubman were great, the replacement OEM blades I got last March from the dealer are not nearly as good, they streak, especially in a light rain.

I'll try OEMs one more time when I get the next oil change in March, but if they don't work out I'll have to shop aftermarket. I also need a new set of rear blades.

I wish the rear wipers had a speed setting so they didn't end up wiping a nearly dry window all the time. Maybe the next gen Clubman will have that feature.

 

Just got a pair of Goodyear Assurance from Costco over the weekend...what a day and night difference compare to the stock one...took me 5 minutes to install both and at $7.99 each...nothing can beat that

 

Anyone ever replace the rear wipers? Mine started to just smear a little while ago, on one side, and it's really annoying.

 

I have replaced my rear wiper many times and I get an OEM from WayMotorWorks...never had an issue with the performace with the rear wiper.

The front wipers are another issue...I found this thread very useful. Many options to try.

The biggest issue is finding a wiper that will remain in contact with the super curved windshield.

 

Rear wipers pretty much have to be from MINI is what I am thinking.......

For the fronts went with..... PIAA SUPER SILICONE CURVED..........

PIAA part numbers 93245 and 93248.........