Exterior 1st Gen Windshield Wipers

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by MC40, Jan 24, 2010.

  1. MC40

    MC40 New Member

    Jun 4, 2009
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    Any suggestions for the best windshield wipers ? Need to replace on my R53.
     
  2. bee1000

    bee1000 New Member

    Dec 23, 2009
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    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.
     
  3. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

    May 5, 2009
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    I've had the Bosch Icons on my MINI for a couple of years now, and I'm very happy with them.

    Mark
     
  4. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

    May 9, 2009
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    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.
     
  5. UKXPAT

    UKXPAT New Member

    Nov 12, 2009
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    I got the Bosch for my 2004 MCS, but what do you about the air blade on the drivers side?
     
  6. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
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    For me Bosch Ikons are the best. I have them on all of our cars. :Thumbsup:
     
  7. bee1000

    bee1000 New Member

    Dec 23, 2009
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    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.
     
  8. am0eba

    am0eba New Member

    Dec 16, 2009
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    I got the PIAA silicones from Moss MINI and have been very happy with them.

    _Dave_
     
  9. Batrugger

    Batrugger New Member

    May 13, 2009
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    Bosch Icons here too. They also look better IMHO
     
  10. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Yep. Icons work well and look best. The PIAA silicones probably work better but don't look as cool.
     
  11. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

    Jun 12, 2009
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    PIAA FTW. I'm on my second set - first ones lasted roughly 40k / 1.5 years.
     
  12. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    May 4, 2009
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    I have been using the sillblades for lots of years and love them, especially the 5 year warranty.
     
  13. nabeshin

    nabeshin New Member

    Jun 8, 2009
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    I change my blades every 6 months with OEM replacement blades keeping the original arms.
     
  14. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

    May 5, 2009
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    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
     
  15. hexmonkey

    hexmonkey New Member

    Jan 16, 2010
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    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.
     
  16. MC40

    MC40 New Member

    Jun 4, 2009
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    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.
     
  17. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    Jan 5, 2010
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    :Thumbsup: 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
     
  18. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    I had the Be-oitch Icons and they sucked after a while. Not perfect!

    PIAA silicone #1
     
  19. TPLS BLR

    TPLS BLR Member

    Dec 1, 2009
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    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?
     
  20. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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