replacement wiper blades

1C00lVC · 12th February 2003, 21:20

any one here has a strong opinion about replacement blades for the beast (for a California cream puff, no snow/ice, rain in winter, washer fluid in summer)..

Thanks,

tfung · 12th February 2003, 21:45

aren't replacement blades free from the dealer?

1C00lVC · 12th February 2003, 22:04

yes they are, but the OEM last only 4 months (it is dusty here), and I dont feel like spending 15 min on the phone making an appointment, and waiting an hour for them to "do the job"... I don't mind spending a few bucks to get better blades.. I love the way new blades clean the windshield.

Teutonaddict · 12th February 2003, 22:06

Quote:

Originally posted by tfung
aren't replacement blades free from the dealer?

Only if you're within the 3/36K threshold. And then you must issue a complaint of "wipers streaking" for your SA to replace them under warranty. (Can't just say "replace my wiper inserts," as that doesn't meet warranty requirements!)

If you're out of warranty, Arie, I would buy factory replacements. You could get 20-25% off by purchasing from a mail order BMW parts operation.

I have yet to see an aftermarket wiper insert that works as well as a BMW factory model. Strange as it may seem, I remember the realization--when I bought my first Bimmer, an E36 325i/5--that "these are the best d*mn wipers I've ever experienced!!" It was just one single data point in my downhill slide to German-engineered nirvana. Go ahead. Spend the $14!

Need4Spd · 13th February 2003, 02:32

Arie, you're amazing. You only get 12k miles out of your tires (to my 30k) and 4 months out of your wipers (to my 12 mos.), and we live in the same (dusty) place! I've been wanting to try PIAA silicone wipers but am too cheap to buy them since I'm still getting free OEM refills and they not only work really well, but last me a year. But I have to agree that the OEMs are better than anything else I've ever actually tried. I've put all sorts of refills in my wife's car (an Acura), and they don't last very long and don't work as well as my BMW's. I should just put a set of BMW blades on her car!

kwalls · 13th February 2003, 11:36

I guess with all of the 'good' things your BMW dealers do there in the US, free blades is just icing on the cake. First our warranty use to be one year unlimited mileage, will get longer on my new M5. But European perspective is blades are designed to wear out just like tires wear out so no warranty covers that. Have yet to see after market blades that will fit my BMW and in most cases if you want BMW. MB, or Porsche parts here you only have one source. Der Dealer

Philip · 13th February 2003, 12:48

WOW NeedForSpd, you get 30K on your tires? Do all your driving on snow? I just burned threw mine at 10K.

The factory blades are the best. I replace my own.

Need4Spd · 13th February 2003, 20:13

Quote:

WOW NeedForSpd, you get 30K on your tires? Do all your driving on snow?

Yes, I got 30k out of my stock Michelins and replaced them with S03s. It's almost embarassing to admit. But not if you've ridden with me; you'd know I drive plenty fast. Most of my driving is on the freeway. I like to tell people that my driving style is like Jackie Stewart's. If you'll recall the great Formula One driver, he was known as the smoothest driver you've ever seen, and very easy on his cars, though he ran plenty fast enough to win 27 Grands Prix and 2 World Championships. I'm no Jackie Stewart, but I certainly like the analogy.

TriflowM5+M3 · 13th February 2003, 21:14

Bosch Micro Edge Excel or (havent tried these yet) the new PIAA super silicone wipers

the bosch are like 12 a wiper but last about 12 months...dont know about the PIAA's yet.

IF you are within the warranty...use the oem ones...

FastFwd · 13th February 2003, 22:03

Quote:

Originally posted by Need4Spd
Yes, I got 30k out of my stock Michelins and replaced them with S03s. It's almost embarassing to admit. But not if you've ridden with me; you'd know I drive plenty fast. Most of my driving is on the freeway. I like to tell people that my driving style is like Jackie Stewart's. If you'll recall the great Formula One driver, he was known as the smoothest driver you've ever seen, and very easy on his cars, though he ran plenty fast enough to win 27 Grands Prix and 2 World Championships. I'm no Jackie Stewart, but I certainly like the analogy.

I read a story about a journalist who rode with Stirling Moss (saw him and Dan Gurney race at Laguna Seca, great!). The thing I remember was that the journalist had to look at the speedometer to appreciate how fast they were flying. It did not seem fast at all, thanks to the smooth skill of the driver.

I also have heard of some driving courses using a tennis ball set in a shallow plastic dish taped to the car's hood. The idea is to drive with smoothness and lack of drama, and thereby achieve the fastest times. Just look at the pros, they make it look easy.

And Jackie Stewart was great. Him, Jim Clark, and Mark Donahue are my all-times favorites, and maybe Dennie Hulme. I was shaken when Jim and Mark bought the farm.

Best,
Bert