The RainX latitudes and the Valeo Ultimates look pretty much the same curved design so I'm not surprised. Has anyone tried using a shorter size, like 18 instead of 19 inches, on the passenger side in regards to the coverage problem? I'll move my driver's side blade over this weekend to try it out.

 

Might do the trick, but im not really sure that gains you much since the bottom part is working fine. Has anyone tried the Bosch ones before? I thought they were the first to the market of this style perhaps they work better. The books at pepboys said that they wouldn't fit the mini but when I tried the clips on some my dad bought when I got home everything worked fine. I think if you buy the 19A and 18A (actually directional because there is an airfoil) it would be probably fine. I just noticed with those they are a bit more springy to the curved shape than the latitudes, but his smallest blade was still too big for the mini so I couldn't test it out.

 

Same issue here. I wanted to try the Bosch Icons as I've heard awesome things about them from other users. However Pep Boys didn't have the correct size for the MINI. Ended up getting the Rain-X Latitudes instead and they're great. Only issue is the bottom passenger side not getting complete contact, but it doesn't bother me much.

 

As I said, I will try to get them to replace it. They also said something about wiper inserts being dirty but its definitely melted rubber on the shield. How easy is it to replace the wipers yourself? I was wondering if I could get better quality wipers and give it to them to replace it.

I dont want to deal with this stuff again. I would rather have good wipers.

 

Get new ones. They are very easy to install. No tools needed. Literally, snap off, snap in.

 

Rain X ? or any other recommended ones? I heard about Bosch too but if Rain X does the job I m fine with it.

 

I'm very happy with my Valeo Ultimates, similar curved uniform pressure design as the new Rain X latitidues. Even when it's not raining, I'm a little to trigger happy cleaning my windshield now that I get a reliably streak-free wipe. Only minor issue is the coverage as I showed in the video above.

 

Thanks. I will see which ones I can get hands on first. Can't wait to get rid of these stock wipers. They are CRAP!

 

So what is unique about the stock wiper that allows it to not miss the edge of the windshield on the passenger's side? How come all the aftermarket wipers can't wipe this area?

 

I think the standard 4 point hinged design allows the wiper to conform to the mini cooper's curved edge better but sacrifices the uniform pressure of the new design which works very well otherwise. In reality, a couple inches that side don't matter. It's the OCD that's hard to overcome.

The PIAAs and Bosch seem to be standard designs. I think others have had good results with them without the edge issue. Someone will probably comment.

 

Damn OCD! I m still obsessing about the smudge and will not rest until i resolve this issue. I m so tempted to get to the dealer and just get the wiper replaced but then it will be the cheap stock ones again.

I did some research today. Most people seem to be happy with Bosch icons . Will drive down to nearby auto store and see what i can my hands on.

 

Well said!

Oh and although the PIAAs are of standard design, the Bosch (Icon's at least) are uniform pressure type as well.

 

It's weird. In 40 years of driving everything from a SAAB Sonett to a Fiat Brava to BMWs to my current MINI, I've never before had the rubber-on-the-windshield problem I experienced last fall on a 1200 mile trip, mostly in rain. I wonder what is different about these wipers?

 

How do I tell if a wiper is of standard design vs. uniform pressure. On my Mazda6, I had my wipers for 3 years before I felt that I needed to replace them. Since it was a lease, I replaced the wipers with fairly inexpensive Duralast brand and they worked much better than my factory brand new MINI wipers.