I just get the regular Bosch blades from Pep Boys, with the passenger-side blade 1" shorter than stock. I think the favorite upgraded blade for Minis is PIAA silicone. Last I read, the new-fangled blades like Rain-X Latitude don't work well with the shape of a Mini's windshield.
I use Bosch. They are smooth and quiet. They need to be wiping down after washer to get all the residue of the rubber part of the blade.
I live without it and haven't noticed any difference. Maybe if you drive 100 mph in the rain you'd notice it lifting. I think I remember seeing Bosch blades with a spoiler on them, though.
I used to do this, and I put a driver side air dam arm on the passenger side. Motoring used to involve so many more daily miles, out on the bald a$$ prairie, with all kinds of weather. Mark
I have Rain-X Latitudes on an R56. They're not awful, but I can confirm that they don't quite work as well on the Mini's windshield shape as they do on SWMBO's Honda CR-V. They work better than the OEM jointed blades, which tend to crust up with ice and become rigid. However the top ends of the blades don't curve quite enough to contact the windshield during the full travel of the wipe. I can get photos if that helps.
OK Already.... I got the Bosch Icons! Really easy install. But I am saving the original wiper arms just in case I want to go back to the factory set up some day. By the way, I'm getting a $15 rebate from Bosch. Just go to their website and print out the details. Offer expires end of March.
DITTO PIAA silicones although they are probably more expensive than they need to be and we don't need no stinking wings; we are Coopaleros.:lol: Jason
I went in for a minor service and mentioned I needed blades last week, and they put some on as part of my warranty, but the driver side looks different now, is that the wing you are talking about?
The winged ones look like this and are oooooglie....(UGLY) The are not needed on a Mini but maybe a bugatti veyron. PIAA Super Sporza Silicone w/Spoiler Wiper Blades (Black)