Bosch ICONS vs. Valeo Ultimate Wipers
 

I know that many people have been interested in upgrading their wipers to either the Bosch ICONS or Valeo Ultimate Wipers (which you can get @ Tire Rack). Actually, the OEM manufacturer for BMW's wipers is SWF which is part of Valeo. In fact, the newer wipers in BMW are also made by SWF.

Nevertheless, if you have a E53 X5, the front driver's side wiper size is 24" and the passenger size is 22". The rear wiper size is 18".

If you have a 2000-2003? X5, most likely you have a plastic rear wiper arm which needs to be upgraded to the current rear "metal" wiper arm which can accept BOSCH ICONS or Valeo Ultimate wipers (size 18"). To order the rear wipers from Tire Rack, you will need to tell Tire Rack website that you have a 2006 X5 and it will show you Valeo 18" ultimate wiper as available for sell for the rear wiper.

I always wonder the difference between the Bosch ICONs vs. the Valeo Ultimate wipers....the first thing I noticed is that the Valeo wipers are a little thinner (similar to the OEM wipers on the newer E60, E90, E70). The Valeo cover over the wiper arm appears to be nicer than the Bosch ICONs IMHO. Take a look at the pictures and the Valeo seem to cover the area where the wipers attach to your wiper arm better than the Bosch ICONS. However, I currently have the Bosch ICONS on my X5 (Front & Rear) and they work well!!

I also got Bosch ICONS/Valeo Ultimate wipers for other family members as gifts!! (It is funny that some applications were available with Valeo in some cars vs. Bosch ICONS).

Right now, Tire Rack has a sale on the Valeo wipers (buy one @ $19.99 and get one free).

BTW, note the pics of the wipers are NOT on a E53 X5! The Valeo are on an old Volvo and the ICONS are on an Audi.

So will this stop some of that streaking I
see with heavy rains? By the way, nice post.

I need to replace the front ones on my car. They smear/streak when it rains and visibility is compromised

I have the valeos and they work great. No problems.

Good deal! But why do the wiper arms look like that? So thin and plain? Looks kinda weird imo.

I wonder who makes the ones on the new Honda Civic. Cuz they smear when the wipers wipe up when it rains :mad:, making visibility on the already dopey windshield even worse. (Thank god I don't drive this much)

:withstupi

I don't think the wiper arm is from an X5

my install

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...installed.html

I installed those Valeos from Tire Rack just last Tuesday prior to some rains we had. They work very, very well. I wish I knew about the tip for getting the rear one then. No biggie though, I just ran down to AutoZone and picked up an 18" ICON for the rear.