Wiper Blades Revisited

[justinpirie]

I just ordered and fitted the Trico spec'd below... they don't work on the E53, they don't have enough strength to get all the blade to touch the glass.

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

According to Bosch there is no confusion:

Update: Apparently BMW now specs for the E92 and E93 a new wiper blade which is the "Neoform Beam Style" wiper blades. I believe these are made by Trico. It's worth noting that they retail for DOUBLE the cost of Bosch Icon's or Valeo 900 (Ultimate's). The BMW E53 X5 relevant part numbers for these blades (in case anyone wants to try them out) are:
Driver Side: T16-240
Passenger Side: T16-220
Rear: T16-180

[anerbe]

got Icons in the following:
424A Drivers, 421B Passenger, and 418/19 A/B rear (I forgot the exact spec). Works great. No reduced visibility. Passenger side window gets cleaned right to the side trim.

I like go pick them up and drop them on the windshield after I clean off my windshield - this seems to prevent any type of streaking from ice or snow stuck. I find that new full replacement metal framed wipers have a more uniform wipe due to their stiff nature, but after a few months, they start to streak in isolated areas. The Icon's maintain their performance from new, although they are more flexible where they give way to any type of ice build-up. Just clear up any type of blockage/buildup and they are great.

No problems wiping at 80+ mph on wet salt expressway driving in 15 deg weather.

[LightWerkz]

Just ordered a set off amazon, the oem blades are awful in snow and bad weather.

[we350z]

umm - i dunno but I just ordered what bavauto said for my '00 4.4i 424A for driver and 422A for passenger. Direct replacement and perfect fit.

[X5 Meister]

I've frequently found Bav Auto to be somewhat off in terms of what parts work with what car. Their prices are also generally around BMW retail with no significant discounting.

Bosch specifically recommends the "B" variant of the 422 for the passenger side. While A may work just fine, the B has additional tension that they feel is necessary. FWIW.

[we350z]

Interesting - I thought it might be something specific to the 2000. I should have consulted the Bosch site directly. Well I guess I will find out soon enough. I haven't even done the windshield washer spritz test yet. Can't be worse than the chewed up blades that were on there. How does a blade get more "tension"? Does that mean it hugs the glass more or something?

--Peace

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

I've frequently found Bav Auto to be somewhat off in terms of what parts work with what car.
Bosch specifically recommends the "B" variant of the 422 for the passenger side. While A may work just fine, the B has additional tension that they feel is necessary. FWIW.

[X5 Meister]

How exactly I don't know. I presume it's just the way they are engineered. The Bosch rep specifically told me that and that is also why their website makes that recommendation.

One thing that I haven't experienced personally is how the Icons do with snow? Anyone with experience? (Michelle?)

Originally Posted by we350z

Interesting - I thought it might be something specific to the 2000. I should have consulted the Bosch site directly. Well I guess I will find out soon enough. I haven't even done the windshield washer spritz test yet. Can't be worse than the chewed up blades that were on there. How does a blade get more "tension"? Does that mean it hugs the glass more or something?

--Peace

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

One thing that I haven't experienced personally is how the Icons do with snow? Anyone with experience? (Michelle?)

They are absolutely awesome with snow. I would never go back to OEM. NOT EVEN IF THERE'S A FIRE. But seriously, since the blades are all one solid piece, there is no freezing, so no need to beat them on the windshield.

[X5 Meister]

Great to know, thanks. One additional question. Let's say that your car has been sitting outside for a few days and the windshield has a layer of ice on it which is then covered with snow. How do the Icon's handle it? Do they get stuck/frozen and need to be cleared off with a brush? Also, once free do they skate over the ice or do they manage to clear it?

Originally Posted by Michelle

They are absolutely awesome with snow. I would never go back to OEM. NOT EVEN IF THERE'S A FIRE. But seriously, since the blades are all one solid piece, there is no freezing, so no need to beat them on the windshield.

[jbimmer24]

I just installed the Bosch Evolutions this winter and they really work great,plus u get a free set with mail in proof of purchase....