Bosch Icon Windshield Wipers
 

Has anyone tried these wipers yet? They're bracketless with enclosed springs and a wind spoiler built in to the design. As we all know, the BMW windshield wipers are the only thing on the X that is horrible, so I've been on the lookout for a good alternative. Any input on these wipers or alternatives would be greatly appreciated.

Too True! :p I swear my windshield has a deformity where the right wiper reverses. :( The new rear still leaves massive streaks. :damn: Really would like to hear alternatives. :excited:

Did you read my previous post.....I have used them for about 2 weeks and while the passenger side doesn't follow the true curve of the windshield ( most aftermarkets are not a true fit), IMO the blades are much better than the OEM. I have always had some streaking with the OEM, even testing NEW OEM blades and then putting the Ikons on. They Ikons do not streak for me, just short of normal winter/cold weather condensation ! It's paramount for me at least to have streak free windows when driving in any inclement weather or just even on snowy days........as the majority of people tend to forget how to drive when it rains or snows.....

I have used the silicon blades from PIAA with success in the past. They leave a film that allows water to bead away from the windshield.

Hi Breyton
I have been looking at the PIAA blades but they only seem to do one side of the X5
What part numbers do you use for the different blade lengths?
Thanks

Walkabout

Whatever blades you choose, I suggest RainX for the glass. You will notice a huge improvement in the blade efficiency, and at speed I do not even use the wipers!

Warning!! - Some wiper blades disintegrate with Rainx within 2-3 months :mad: (been there,done that) :banghead: - Mind you , I love what Rainx does and have it in the van, but with Rainx wipers - Have not switched over to Rainx in the X5 yet - But when I do, I will also add Rainx wipers - I'm willing to read about alternatives, though. :thumbup:

Thanks Burkleymh, I haven't noticed any abnormal wear of my OEM blades with RainX on the windshield, I've even wiped the blades with RainX as they recommended. Next time I need blades, I'll look for RainX brand. Tomaz

I do believe the post about RainX and RainX wipers is somewhat misleading....

I'm not a fan of RainX but that's merely because I'm very picky about detailing products and prefer to use PPG Aquapel.

However, I'm sure there is a HUGE consumer market that uses RainX with whatever wipers they have on the car and it does its job without breaking down their wipers. It could have been a isolated incidence in your case but RainX is such a popular consumer item......I do believe something would have cropped up in the news, etc about it breaking down other brands of wiper blades if if was indeed the issue.

Just one mans opinion.............

I have used RainX for years, without any apparent problem. I love the stuff!

I can only tell you what I experienced once, after starting to use Rainx washer fluid - I replaced my wipers soon afterwards (Bosch, or Anco?) and within a 2-3 month period, the wiper edge started to peal away from the rest of the wiper and leave a sticky residue on the glass :mad: - Never had this happen before in any of my 40 years of driving - I assumed it was due to the Rainx as it was the only new addition to my routine. - No problems since then :thumbup:

OEM Wipers work GREAT
 

I think the OEM wipers on my 2005 X5 work great (BETTER THAN ANYOTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED).

I am a Rain X user and have used the washer fluid in my BMW with good results. The OEM wiper work great with or without Rain X. With Rain X the water beads off the windshield.

My X3 only has 5500 miles, but with all the rain recently, the wipers seem like they are 100k miles old. I want to get them replaced under BMW's free maintenance plan. Do I just have to go to the dealer and ask for new ones? Will I get any trouble since it is so soon?

My brother-in-law has the PIAA's on his e46 and says they are the best thing ever.

Does your X5 have the rain sensor? And if so, do you use Aquapel on the area over it?

FWIW, Consumer Reports tested blade and the Valeo 600 series and the RainX Lattitude came in 1st and 2nd place. The Bosch Icon was rated eight, and the PIAA Super Silicone was 7th.

Note: The RainX did not clean really great, but it had a long-life, cleaning the same after six months while all the others had declined measurably. So go for the Valeo 600 if you want the best cleaning action.

P.S. One side effect I have found with Rain X is that your windshield will frost-over more readily overnight outside. I guess the same properties that cause the moisture to "ball up" also tend to encourage frost development. I did a test one Fall, going into Winter, and treated only one side of the windshield with Rain X. On many mornings I would come out and find that the Rain X-treated side had frost on it that I had to scrape off, while the non-treated side was clear of frost.

Yeah I know. I posted the article that you are quoting from already on another thread. The test was done before the newest ones came out and IMHO is outdated information.

Good info on Rain-X though. They should fix that problem and come out with Rain-Y.

Bought the Bosch Icon, installed them, love them, recommend them.

Switched to the Bosch Icons, so far so good. Did need to remove the factory guide on the drivers side wiper arm that helped hold the blade down.

I'm up for a new pair of rubbers so I think i'm going to swap in the RainX ones.

Very useful information, thanks.

Seeing as how frost is an issue for Alberta almost 8 months of the year.

just switched to Bosch Icon's a few weeks ago
 

they work great and love the cleaner look of them.