It is time to get new wipers and I am curious if the original wipers with the "wing" makes a big difference vs aftermarket ones. What wipers did you use to replace yours?

 

I used the Rain X blades, and no, the airfoil on the wiper doesn't really help. We took delivery of our Bootsie in Germany, and after break-in, maxed it on the Autobahn. Max speed was 123 MPH in the little Justa. Wipers started to whistle at 90 and were flopping all over the place even with the OEM blades.

 

I still love the Silblades wipers. Never had a set that didn't perform great.

 

I used the updated solid beam design for mine and on my R58 i already have it and at speeds it helps keep the blades against the windshield. Some guys do our conversion on the older MINIs. The original design is good as it has the aero blade but not on the passenger side.

I did not really have mine jump around at high speeds, but i think at super high speeds it might jump, but then again everything does. The biggest thing is to have a clean windshield and scrap all the gunk off with a razor.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ades-arms.html

 

I just got a set at NAPA, called it good. OEM only lasted 1-2 years.

 

I like the Bosch Icon for mine, better performance and longevity in my experience. Tried rain x, trico and some no name brand that escapes me right now and came back to Bosch.

 

just tried using the beam Michelins from Walmart 18"/19". were bad. couldn't get a good 'seal' on windshield. went back to stock inserts. I do have an aftermarket windshield..not sure if that makes a difference.

 

Agreed, I tried them on my BMW and will never buy them again. Same issue.

 

I am thinking of retrofiting the passenger side with the aero blade. Might be a nice mod. I just need to find a wiper blade insert to see if it will work.

 

2004 Mini Cooper S (same Front Wiper Set 61610028137, insert 61618229196, 2002 to 2012 models):

Stock Wiper Blades cost alot and seem to last 1 year in Texas.

Same failure mode, the rubber piece that touches the windshield splits, starting at the ends and working its way inward.

Grown tired of funding BMW/Mini dealerships, an alternate solution.

Trico 45-170 Wiper Blade Refill - Left side (OEM spec 18", actual 17.6875", replacement 450mm = 17.7")
Trico 45-190 Wiper Blade Refill - Right side (OEM spec 19", actual 18.6875", replacement 475mm = 18.7")

NOTE: series 45 is for a 6mm wide insert, square section, dual metal guide blades.
NOTE: -170 and -190 indicate length, should be 17" and 19", but as shown above "logic" and "reality" do not match.

APPEARANCE: These inserts are identical in cross-section, including the dual SS metal guide blades
DIFFERENCE: The OEM has notches to position the blade, but NO triangular "clip" provision, ONE picket is manually crimped. Trico has a triangular clip.

Conversion from "crimped" to "clipped" is required.
Remove OEM one by UNBENDing the crimped picket. Picket at one end is crimped.
(1st one I finally cut the rubber bent back the metal guide... eventually got it out)
BETTER: Suggest using a good pair of stronger small nose pliers, Channellock No 738 and push back rubber both side to grip metal blade 1/4" inboard of notch near end.
Push blade into rubber to allow the other end of the notch to fit under the last picket. Flip and repeat. Some bending of the picket may be required (see below).
Blades can be slipped out from the other end, once the notch is out of the crimped picket.
NOW, you can likely grab one side of the picket and bend outward (see other pickets for desired final shape and try to undo the crimp).
The rubber will slide out the other end once the crimp is released.
(Helps to work on a piece of plywood and piece of 2x4 ON the table so each slip does not gouge YOU or the table... press wiper to wood while working)
UNBEND the crimped picket to be like the others
AS I RECALL.... the "clipped" end of the insert goes near the wiper pivot end...
INSERT the insert from the "clipped" end, making certain each picket is in the RUBBER GROOVE, not touching the metal blade.
The final push will "ramp" the blades up the triangular portion and the last picket will snap into the notch.
(fingers or pliers can squeeze lightly as necessary...)
Reinstall this Wiper Arm Assembly.

RESULT: Once the crimped picket is UNBENT, this process is easy, remove each Wiper Assembly from car and "refill" sitting at the table, 5 minutes! Re-install.

TRICO: Is a 100 year old Wiper company based in the US, I suspect THEIR wipers will not melt in the Texas heat... we'll know soon!



SUGGEST: Remove ONE side from the car, there is a tag, grabbed with a fingernail to release the detent, so the wiper blade assembly slides out of the U in arm.

COST: OriellyAuto was $5.99 each
RockAuto.com 45-170 at $2.22, 45-190 at $2.45 or $4.67 per car... NO free shipping, sorry.

 

If cost isn’t issue the 2013 R56 wiper arm and blades are the best option.

 

Physical Differences?
Are the 2013 interchangeable? (fit the 2002 - 2012 Arm?)
Last more than 1 year? (quality?)
Cost?

NOTE per realoem.org:
Arm changed in 2013, and poor photo shows a different "END".
Seems you need NEW ARMS to make the later blades fit. Certainly a viable option.

 

I bought a new OEM set and before I threw out thr old one I bought a blade refill and reused the old driver side wiper with the fin and placed it on the passenger side. Now they look the same. Also I wont buy another new set as replacing the rubber blade only costed me $4.

 

Found a complete wiper set front/rear from China for $14.xx shipped from ebaY. The quality is fine. Mine is a 2013 with the slot arm fitment that is hard to find over-the-counter replacements for.

 

Best blades have used are Piaa Silicone. Lasted me 4 years. New England winters and all.
Going to put a new set on my 2nd mini too.

 

Wait, What?!
The 2013 MCS wiper blade is a proprietary BMW size/fitment?
Is this still true or are there some "off the shelf" alternatives?

 

In 7/2012 production they changed the design of the blade and the wiper arms, so you will need the production date off your car.

 

I already ordered blades from you yesterday after learning my local auto parts store couldn't figure out what style blades they took...
And know the parts store does free blade install's I'm sure he's seen a lot of styles of blade but he'd never see these...
effing BMW...

Easier to order two sets from you (to get the free shipping) than f@ck about with finding a store that stocks a proprietary blade...

 

ok, glad you got it fixed. We are here for you if you need anything.
Yes, i dont know why they changed the style but they did.