Exterior 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: Windshield Wipers

I did something unconventional with my wipers. A year ago, I was looking into replacement wipers and was looking at the PIAA website. There was a page (can't find it now, and the website has changed since then) that said their wiper inserts (the rubber part) will fit many OEM wipers. It showed a diagram of the cross section with measurements. Examining my original wipers, it looked like they might possibly fit.

The PIAA Super Silicone refill inserts are just $6.30 each at Amazon and qualifies for Super Saver free shipping. At that price, it was worth a try. If they didn't fit, I'd just buy the complete PIAA wipers ($17 each) and end up with an extra set of refills for the future.

I slid the PIAA inserts into the OEM wipers and they did work. The fit isn't perfect. The PIAA inserts are slightly narrower than the OEM inserts. Using pliers, I squeezed in the claws on the wiper to grip the insert more firmly. Functionally, they work perfectly (and still do, a year later). So I have the equivalent of a pair of PIAA Super Silicone wipers for less than $13 shipped.

Hey moderators, there are two threads with exactly the same name, and on the same topic. Maybe merge them?

 

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

Mark

 

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 got the Bosch for my 2004 MCS, but what do you about the air blade on the drivers side?

 

For me Bosch Ikons are the best. I have them on all of our cars.

 

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 got the PIAA silicones from Moss MINI and have been very happy with them.

_Dave_

 

Bosch Icons here too. They also look better IMHO

 

Yep. Icons work well and look best. The PIAA silicones probably work better but don't look as cool.

 

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

 

I have been using the sillblades for lots of years and love them, especially the 5 year warranty.

 

I change my blades every 6 months with OEM replacement blades keeping the original arms.

 

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.

 

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 had the Be-oitch Icons and they sucked after a while. Not perfect!

PIAA silicone #1

 

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)