Wiper Blades Revisited
 

So awhile back, someone did mention about what wiper blades ya'll preferred.
Having had the X for a lil over 2 year & stock blades ....I would be somehwhat familiar with the blades...I've had them replaced at least 2-3X already.

Anyhow to be fair, I did have the dealer put on new blades.
Prior to this, I cleaned the windshield with Autoglym Glass Polish and then followed up with a coat of Aquapel. Aqualpel is PPG's version of RainX.

With the new blades, it still always left a haze on the windshield with each pass. The winter season is just around the corner, so $40 later, I've got a set of Bosch Ikon blades. These look similiar to the Valeo blades at around $22-24 per blade. The Bosch # for the Ikon series that you will need is 422A and 424A.

The passenger side does not follow the curve as a perfect match. About 1 inch does not sit on the windshield in the resting position. HOWEVER, the blades are truely a night & day difference between the OEM ones as far as haze/streaking in concerned. It looks nicer to boot also....

Sorry no pics fellas. Maybe this evening.

It was me who posted the Q about the blades!! I'm still in search of the ultimate ones however, I'm probably going to get the OEM inserts since one member mentioned they cost $11 for the set. where did you get the Bosch ones from? what about the rear window?

I got the Valeos and they did not work on my 2002 X5 at all. I got them for my ML and my M3 and they were amazing , the fitment on the drivers side was so off and it made one great pass but on the pass down it left water on the pass down. I returned them to tirerack.

I just got new inserts on the oem's for now, I will try piaa next.

The wipers should be covered unless you're out of warranty ????


Anyhow, I picked them up from a local autoparts store - Autozone.
I do like the *looks* of it since it's a single piece. I did the test fit on the fronts first. They don't have a listed wiper in their book for the rear, so I plan to just buy a 18" and make just it fits....

"the fitment on the drivers side was so off and it made one great pass but on the pass down it left water on the pass down"

I had the same problem with both Valeos and Icons. In Germany some X5ers are installing Visioflex/Aerotwins and been reporting good results. I may try this in the spring. For now I'm staying with the SWF wipers.

visioflex and aerotwins where do you get them and also SWF what's that stand for?

SWF stands for(not single white female) but Spezial Werkzeugfabrik Feuerback, aka Southwestern German Broadcasting Corporation. They are a subsidiary of Valeo and make the Visioflex wiper. Both the Visioflex and Aerotwin can be ordered from ebay: (Bosch)http://stores.ebay.ch/AUTOTEILE-DIREKT-DER-SHOP. (Visioflex)stores.ebay.de/newie922. The aerotwins for the X5 would be made up from two sets: A601S(Renault Scenic I) and A550S(Audi A6) The visioflex come as one set (#28) I have not used these myself so I cannot speak from personal experience as to how well they work but some other X5ers have tried this and say the wipers work well. Hope this helps.

One more thing, the SWF wipers I have on my car are the OEM, not the visioflex flatblade.

Careful using RainX - You need RainX wipers as regular wipers will fall apart within a few months - Been there, done that on my GMC van.

Just ordered a set from Amazon.com

Good price and free shipping!

Oh, little note - when installing aftermarket wipers, you have to remove a small clip on the driver's side wiper to have the wiper sit flush on the window

I also added the Icons a while back. The 22" blade is too long for the passenger side. I bought the 421B or 21" for the passenger side, and it is a MUCH better fit than the 22". Just keeping you informed ;).

:iagree: , this is VERY important!

It has been raining like an exterior night scene in Blade Runner here....I wish I'd seen SuperG's post on the 21"s....but my blades should be here soon--I need them.

FYI the 18" Icon on the rear is perfect and would make a Manhattan window washer proud.

The 22's work just fine, they are just too long. The 18" does work perfectly on the rear window :thumbup: .

It wouldn't hurt to go with a 17" on the rear window either.
I have had issues with some 18" blades bumping the rear brake light on the underside of the rear spoiler. Just a heads up

Hi there.

To sum up, can someone post what Bosch Icon blades (with part numbers if you have them) are the best fit for the X5? Does it matter by year? If so, I have a 2005.

I assume the A and B designation has something to do with driver and passenger side?

Looks like a 24", 21" and maybe a 17/18 for the back?

Thanks for the confirmation,

Rob

I believe the "B" blades have more "curve" to them when compared to the A's. I have 424A on the drivers side, 421B on the passengers side, and 418B on the back. Mine is a 2002, should be the same on a 2005.

This is excellent. Thanks for the help. Anyone else have any different experiences?

As I posted before... I had to go with a 17" on the rear because it was tapping the rear spoiler/brake light at the peak of it's swing... That caused the whole wiper to lift slighly off the glass leaving an untouched verticle spot on the rear window

Contour Blades for your X
 

I just got a set of Contour Blades (ANC C22UB) for my X. The are one piece with air damn built into the blade to keep it tight on the glass . It has not metal frame so it fits to your windshield.It will not allow snow build up because of its flexibility. So far they work great and wipe the glass completely every sweep and no sqeaking.
Picked these up at my local auto parts store.

TWALK, I know this off topic but I needed ask about your location. You say "Istambul". I assume that should be Istanbul or is there an Istambul somewhere?

Bosch Icon follow-up
 

All,

Thought I would add some closure to my experience. I ended up going with Greg's recommendation of the 424A (driver), 421B (passenger), and 418B (rear). All installed VERY easily on a 2005 X5 and I did not need to remove any tabs from the wipers. Interestingly enough, the Bosch site does not recommend Icons for the 2005 and newer Xs (they list them for the 2004 and older), but they did install fine and are doing great. As an aside, I think the 21" wiper for the passenger side is the right choice. It's about 1/2" shorter than the OEM blade I had on there, but I notice no loss of cleaning area.

Good luck,

Rob

THANK YOU for the timely post... I'm here in Cincinnati for a few days visiting family. I was a the AutoZone store this morning to buy Bosch Icons BUT did not get any because the catalogue indicated they were not suggested for the 2005s. I'm heading back there this afternoon.

Come home and the CEO rips me a new one. Always messing with the cars, etc. I put the Ikon on the rear and assumed the curve would just work itself out....

And maybe it's just the X, but out of 2 Ikons I have tried, they just don't make proper contact to the rear window. This one was even worse than the other one I tried recently. This one only made contact on 1/2" on the outer end of the blade. Bearing we just had a mini noreaster, she was not a happy camper.

I subcumb...and give in. Off to the dealer for a *OEM* blade

Havent' tried them myself yet, but this issue has been discussed at length in the past. This is from a prior post...(I called BOSCH myself and got this info...)

"They do not list ANY Icon blades for the rear window. He says people can do whatever they want, but the Icons were not designed for rear window applications (windows that are flat), only for front windows (curved windshields)."

I hear yea but unless alot of fellow forum members are blind, or have not tried their rear wipers in rain or inclement weather , ---only to know that the wipers fit, alot of fellow forum members swear the rears are good.

Not whether it only applies to fitment or usability is another thing...

I have the ICON on the rear window and it works perfectly!

i bought the swf valeos of amazon.com they work amazing

theres a pic of them

i bought the BOSCH ICONS tonight and had to return them, the drivers side wasnt making contact with the windshield in the center of the wiper. the ends made contact the center did not. if i keep them on will they straigthen out? has anyones else had this same problem?

You will find the answer here

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...te-wipers.html

i read all the post and saw that a few people had the same problem but there was no adivce on how to fix it or what the solution was. the "U" peice does not get it the way, so its not that. they just dont make full contact. its not touching in the center.

Mine are 100% touching ... you have to remove the plastic U piece completely and install the wiper directly to the metal arm

I can take pics if u want

how do you take off the metal U peice? pics would help i guess i would be able to see what you mean. Essam Khafagi thanks for your help.

fwiw, the wiper problems sorted itself out.
I bought a new arm as I realized it was not making contact on the glass. And the Ikons amplified that as it made less contact than the OEM.

I had the X last week as we traded cars and I wanted to do a full detail on it.
Planned to changed the arm and go figure...it was was making full contact on the glass on the entire sweep.....

Break it off. :flex:

it that what you did? you have had the icons on your truck for a while now, have you had any problems with them?

whats that U peice for anyways? the original wiper doesnt clip into it on my X.

Yup. Just wiggled it back and forth and it snapped off. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/images/smilies/wiggle.gif

No problems with them whatsoever. The same wipers have been on for two and a half years...through rain, sleet, snow, ice, etc.

i just dont want to buy them if the drivers side wiper is not going to make contact. if it will fix its self in a matter of time i will buy them. last night here in NYC it was pouring for hours, everything was flooded. if i would have left those wipers on i probably would not have been able to drive home.

There is a U plastic piece installed on the U metal piece ... just remove the plastic U and attach the ICON directly to the metal arm ... if this is not clear I will take pics for you in the morning as it is almost 10:30pm here now

Or he can bring them to the Tri-State Meet and I'll break off his tabs and install the Bosch Icons for him. :nanana: :bustingup

"Break off his tabs" ... Tough chick that Michelle.

Send me a two way ticket to the US and I will be happy to install them too :p: ... and of course, see everyone in the meeting :rolleyes:

:rofl::rofl::rofl::thumbup:

lol thanks for all the help. michelle you can break my tabs anytime. i going to do it now.

Why does the Bosch recommend the Icons for 2004 and older? Is there a difference in the windshields of the 2004, 2005 and 2006? Visually, those model years look the same... :confused:

I have an 03 X. I was going to order the Icons for amazon.com. Then I noticed some threads recommending a 422A vs 422B for the passenger side. I think 422B is the right one. Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks.

A or B has worked for me....and I've been using them since 2004....either variant will work IMO

According to Bosch they spec 424A for driver's side and 422B for passenger side. Check out this link:

Vehicle Part Finder Results

Also see attached $15 rebate offer (expires 2/28/2010)

I got 424A and 422A for my '00 4.4i per Bavarian Autosport... hope that's right.

BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport


(click to see more) Bosch ICON 22" Wiper Blade Right only
The Bosch ICON blade features a unique bracketless design with dual rubber technology, an ... more info... Part # : 422A $ 18.95 http://www.bavauto.com/img/button/addtocart.jpg http://www.bavauto.com/assets/produc...bosch_icon.jpg
(click to see more) Bosch Icon 24" Wiper Blade Driver's Side
The Bosch ICON blade features a unique bracketless design with dual rubber technology, an ... more info... Part # : 424A $ 18.95 http://www.bavauto.com/img/button/addtocart.jpg

A is for driver side and B for passenger side. Might work, just try them out and make sure the integrated airfoil is the right way. Or change your order if not too late.

One side note is that 424A and 422B is what Bosch calls for in their book. However, you will notice that the tip of the passenger one is "hanging" off the windshield a bit. No big deal really but I went back to my local auto parts store and exchanged the 422B for the 421B a lot folks here run. Not much difference in length, but enough to not "hang" anymore. There is no performance difference, simply a cosmetic one.

About the performance, so far I am not that impressed. They leave streaks on the windshield, both driver and passenger. Before being totally disappointed, I will "lube" the hinges and springs so that a little more downforce is applied and also wipe them with alcohol to get rid of possible crud on them. We'll see if they work better.

I have the 422B and 424A and the passenger side is a bit too long and does not make contact at the bottom of the passenger side windshield.

The "A" and "B" do not refer to driver or passenger per se. They refer to spring tension. The 422 comes in A and B, and Bosch recommends the 422B on the X5 for the passenger side for the increased spring tension. As far as length is concerned, some people have used the 421B for the passenger side with good results.

Ugh, I wished I had read about the passenger side problem on here. I just shaved the 422B on the passenger side so it would not hit the fender (and it does pick up on the edge, which annoys me to no end). Guess I'm going to buy a 421B tomorrow...

WTF - why does this need to be so hard?

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.

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

Why does what need to be so hard?

The confusion about exactly which wipers are supposed to fit?

According to Bosch there is no confusion:

Driver's: Bosch Icon 424A 24"
Passenger's: Bosch Icon 422B 22"
Rear: Bosch Hindsight 40818 18" - which unfortunately are no longer being made and they do not have a replacement!

If you feel that the Bosch Icon 422B 22" passenger wiper is too long (though I've tested it and it isn't too long and fits perfectly...read my note about it at the bottom of this post though), get the Bosch Icon 421B 21" wiper. A and B refer to the pressure or 'spring tension' of the wiper and not so much fitment (driver side versus passenger side). The "A" variant has less curvature and spring tension and is used on the driver side since the windshield is essentially flat. The ""B" variant has more curvature and spring tension to it and that is why it's used typically on the passenger side where the windshield is more curved and not as flat.

Since Bosch no longer make a wiper for the rear you can try the Bosch Icon 418A or 418B, though they do not recommend it for reasons they cannot explain very well, people on the site have reported the 418B to work well. I don't know about the 418A.

Another option if you want the newer style wipers blades (like the Bosch Icons) then you can get the Valeo 900 Series (Ultimate's) (which I believe is what all new BMW's come with now) in 24" and 22" size:
Driver Side: 900-24-1B
Passenger Side: 900-22-1B
Rear: None specified

Valeo also introduced a "Gen 2" wiper, but according to their technical support line, the 900 Series are still much better. One interesting thing to note is that they do spec a Gen 2 wiper for the rear window (model U-18), however their tech support says the 600 Series Premium wiper (model 600-18, which apparently requires a "T2" adapter) is a better wiper than the Gen 2 model, and their best rear wiper.

(Of note, the OE BMW wipers were made by SWF, which is Valeo. I believe they were the 800 Series).

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

Here are the relevant links:

Bosch
Vehicle Part Finder

Valeo (1-888-718-2536)
Valeo Wiper Systems - Valeo Wipers Online Catalog

Trico
Online Catalog

As far as replacement intervals go, BMW used to specify replacement twice a year (before and after the winter season) and with the free maintenance they did it twice a year no problem. Now they have increased that interval to once a year for the free replacements.

In regard to fitment:

- The Bosch ICON 424A fits perfectly and does require the removal of the "U" shaped guide. That little plastic part can simply be pulled off (for reusing at another time) and need not be "broken" off. Their fitment guide states this as well ("Plastic clip must be removed from Driver Side Wiper Arm before installing ICON Blade"). Also, it seems that a longer wiper (like 25") would even fit, however the next size up is a 26" wiper. It would be interesting to see if a 26" wiper cut down to 25" would be effective.

- The Bosch ICON 422B seems to not have enough tension at the last outer inch in order to make complete contact with the windshield.

- This is just speculation, but maybe the reason Bosch does not spec an Icon blade for the rear (such as the 418A or 418B) is that the original wiper arm has a "U" shaped clip that cannot be simply removed, but must actually be broken off (unlike the case with the "U" shaped clip on the driver's side wiper arm) since it is riveted to the wiper arm itself.

- The Trico T16-180 wiper for the rear fits well and fortunately does not require removal of the "U" shaped clip. Since it is a much lower profile wiper than the stock wiper it actually contacts the glass and passes under the clip without making any contact with it.

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.

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.

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

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?)

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.

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?

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....

Any reason in particular you picked the Evolutions over the Icons?

I have a garage at home, so the only time the X gets snowed on is when I'm at work. And I have ALWAYS lifted the wipers up while parked, so they've never been frozen to the windshield. Sorry.

Really for the free set and knowing Bosch makes good Wipers....:thumbup:

Updated post # 62 with all the relevant wiper blade information which hopefully makes selecting less confusing. And here's an interesting article from the November 2008 consumer reports.

Consumer Reports Cars Blog: How to choose the best windshield wipers

Bosch Icon's aren't as as good as they seem to be anymore. We had a set on our X5, but the $10 wiper refills at the dealership are much cheaper and a better buy. Even if we change a set every 6 months, the cost of stock wipers would be cheaper than buying a set of Icons every year or 2.

I tried them out since a lot of people here run them, but I am not impressed with them in the 3 months I've had them. I'll go to another brand or stock refills as soon as the Icons are done.

Bosch $15 wiper rebate - Last day is today!
ICONic Rebate Offer

Trico $15 wiper rebate - Just started!
Trico Spring 2010 It's Raining Rebates

And the Tirerack Valeo, buy 1 get 1 free deal.
Valeo Buy One Get One Free Offer

I have been very pleased with my Icons over the past few years, but there is a good deal going on at Tire Rack for the Valeo Ultimates right now.

Valeo Buy One Get One Free Offer

I still have the same set of Bosch Icons on my X5 that SuperGreg installed back in December 2006! Almost 4 years old! :wow:

4 years! You may want to go ahead and change those out for good measure. 4 years is pretty long for the same set of blades. Mine worked well for about 2 years. I thought that was crazy until you just posted 4.

LOL I know! AND it's not like I'm in California where wipers are only used twice a year! We use our wipers A LOT in Maryland!

For the past few weeks, they haven't been clearing the windshield quite as crisp as before, but they still work damn good!

I'll probably put a fresh set on in the next week or two.

true to the california remark above

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.

:yikes: justin, what where you referring to about the Trico? i just ordered a set of Exact Fit and their hybrid beam-Teflon Shield... please don't tell me they will not fit on the 2005 X.....

Maybe...
 

Well if you ordered the part numbers above, they're not going to work... What part numbers did you order?

TRICO 20240 and 20220 the Teflon Dual Shield through rockauto. - please tell me these would fit. :dunno:

also purchased standard wipers TRICO 229 TRICO 249, but these, I was going to just use the blades on the oem arms just like what another poster did.

thanks

Any other recommendations?
 

I was wondering if the wipers you purchased fit and how they performed. What's the latest and best recommendation for the front set and the rear wiper (North East climate)?

I put the Bosch Icons all around on my e53. I'm very happy with them so far.

the Trico's were the first aftermarket blades i've switched to. so my knowledge of wipers comparison is quit limited. As for the Trico i have installed, the installation a breeze. Just as others have mentioned, you must remove the wiper arm piece on drivers side. Just wiggle it with a plier and it'll come loose.
i would have purchased a 21" rather than the 22. The arm sits just right above the window rubber trim. I live in sunny socal, so we haven't had any rain in a while. So again, limited experience. Sorry. just the normal wipe and light rain, it seems good so far. sorry for the inverted pic.

If these doesn't work out, I'm going to go with Bosch as what many have recommended.

Good luck

Wipers
 

Another vote for Bosch Icon's, they are working great.

Thanks for the responses guys. I looked around and found that the original ones are from Valeo's SWF series (800), which are available. I have PIAA (silicone) on my Jetta, and they've performed well for a year now, but they are pricey. The PIAA also come with an optional spoiler too for the X5.

So, now I've narrowed it down to the PIAA with the spoiler, the Bosh Icon's or the Valeo SWF 800 (OEM) for the front. For the rear I think I'll go with Trico as I read here it's a perfect fit. If anyone else has experience with the above, please share.