There have been a number of threads expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the R56's OEM wipers. I too was quite underwhelmed at first by the wipers in my 07 MCS - streaking, fogging, misting and incomplete wiping of the field of vision. A definite problem. I was unhappy. I considered several potential solutions: seek replacements from the dealer under warranty; new wiper blades or inserts; nanocoatings, as suggested by some; or a hydrophobic coating. I decided to start with the lowest-coat, least intrusive solution, intending to work up to more elaborate measures if no adequate remedy was found initially.

Fortunately, I hit on what seems to me a perfectly satisfactory solution on the first try. I bought a spray bottle of Rain-X from Pep Boys and applied it liberally to the windscreen. Rain-X is a bit of a pain because it requires vigorous polishing - for 10-15 minutes, in several iterations - after application in order to dissipate the recurrent haze and achieve a clear finish. I also wet a paper towel and applied Rain-x liberally to the rubber inserts in the wiper blades.

I am happy to report that this simple, inexpensive treatment seems to have completely reformed the character of my MCS's formerly-misbehaving wipers. There is now no further fogging, misting, streaking or incomplete wiping, no matter whether I am in fog , mist or driving rain. Water beads on the windscreen to the point that it is almost unnecessary to wipe in order to see clearly. But the wipers now do their job in the manner intended, no fuss, no muss. I am happy. I have concluded that the initial poor performance of R56 wipers, as reported by numerous owners, is neither terminal nor irremediable. Extreme measures are not needed, IMHO, to achieve good wiper performance. I highly recommend the Rain-X treatment for the front windscreen and wipers, as well as the rear window and wiper. Works for me.

 

I Rain-Xed Lewis first thing, and I just had the dealer replace the wipers after 6 months because they were terrible streaky. Rain-X doesn't help when you're driving through a mist of aerated mud - dirt sticks and you have to wipe it off.

But: Rain-X is awesome. The Rain-X window cleaner is a good addition for just before a trip or just when you don't have time to do the full rubdown (and who does?).

 

Thanks, good to know.

 

Anyone go over 100mph and have there wippers lift into the air and make a horrible noise?

 

PPG makes a single uses application that is much easier to apply and lasts way longer. The down side is the single applicator costs $8 at pepboys. There was enough in there to do the windshield, mirrors and door windows.

I got so frustrated with how much work it took to apply rainx that I stopped using it.

 

I got some michelin radius replacements. they are 15 a piece, but they work very well and remind me of mercedes wipers. hopefully they dont lift off !

 

I use the Michelin on my '01 Durango...Love 'Em!! Will be looking for new Wipers for Molly once she gets here. Previous post asked about PIAA Wipers, but no replies yet.

 

I agree. I use the PPG product (it's called Aquapel). It functions as well, or a little better than RainX, but lasts much longer. Agreed about the price, though. At $8, it's a bit pricey.

 

here is an interesting blog, which links to someone with a mini and way too much free time. They coated half of there windshield with rain-x the other half with aquapel. He then recorded the results over the next 70 some odd days, including video captures, anyways makes for interesting reading and confirms what has been said here aquapel lasts longer...

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/r...-grudge-match/

 

also not to plug amazon, but here is a link for aquapel for $6.45 each...

http://www.amazon.com/Aquapel-88625-.../dp/B000CDAEVK

 

So if I want to apply aquapel, and my previous Rain-X application isn't entirely worn off yet, do I need to somehow strip the Rain-X off first?

 

I was disappointed with the blades that came with my mcs, but after having the dealer replace them, the new ones are working great. No problems or streaking at all.
I have yet to be in a major storm like I did with the stock ones that sucked horribly, skipping all the way up and down the windshield.

 

I put Rain-x on all the windows; front, sides, and rear. I also use it on my side view mirrors, it keeps all the glass much cleaner with less spots.

 

I had my dealer replace mine too and the new set seems to be working much better than what came on the car.

 

I've been doing the Rain-X thing on windshield and wipers, plus side mirrors, on my Z3 for years, but I think I going to give Aquapel a shot.

 

Before now I had not heard of Aquapel. If it works as claimed, that would certainly beat the labor-intensive routine of applying Rain-X every month or so. I may look at some of those Michelin wiper blades as well. I enjoy this forum because of the really useful information which is shared among the members.

 

Rain-X works well; I've used it on our two cars for years. You can get a windshield washer additive as well that helps.

I've been thinking of trying Aquapel, and buying it in multiple packs on eBay seems to be the way to go, getting to $5 per application, including postage.

 

My wipers have kinda melted onto the windshield.

It doesn't get THAT hot here.

I had to scrub the rubber off with a paint scraper.

Anybody else had this happen?

 

Poor windscreen...

 

Yup, I purchased from this seller on Amazon and was very pleased with the order (fair and quick shipping) and with the aquapel - noticeable improvement so far but I still will most likely replace the oem wipers with the PIAAs.