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2020 GLS450 / 2024 Ford Bronco / (former) W212 4-matic 350 sport package
Windshield wipers
Any recommendations on windshield wipers that don’t sound like I’ve got an NBA game being played on my windshield? These are my 3rd set from the dealership and I hate how loud and clunky they are against the glass..
What washer fluid are you using to clean windshield, brand/mixture also, have you tried cleaning blades. If still under initial factory warranty (48,000/4years) have dealer check/adjust wiper arms. Other members will comment on their choice but you can Google OEM 2128201900 should also pull compatible aftermarket if this is your intent.
2020 GLS450 / 2024 Ford Bronco / (former) W212 4-matic 350 sport package
Interesting, I never gave a second thought on the fluid, thanks K!!
Just some basic gas station fluid is what I use - blue bottle, won’t freeze. Usually I just pull over and grab a bottle of whatever when I need it, never gave it a second thought....until now!
might also explain why my other car’s windshield looks streaky too. Guess I’m about to get educated on windshield fluid!
You want to be careful of what washer fluid you use. Install the wrong stuff (especially the orange kind) and the whole system can get clogged up (read expensive fix for a silly error).
There's another current thread on this topic. It discusses how to mix distilled water with splashes of added elements that creates enough chemistry to work with the car's sensors (as noted in Konigstiger's post above). I have not tried this, but probably would in lieu of buying the premixed stuff at Walmart... https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...her-fluid.html
The safest thing is to buy the SummerFit concentrate from the dealer and follow its instructions. I've done this for nearly 20 years now and never had any problems. In my southern climate, it takes 2-3 years to use up the SummerFit mix, so it's not that expensive in the long run.
You can buy the Bosch units on Amazon for $30. They absolutely need to be replaced annually. If you go longer than a year get ready to hear them skip.
I use the blue jug-o-fluid.
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
Try cleaning the windshield with a water & vinegar solution, the wiper blades with water and alcohol solution and apply a wax coat to the windshield. This should greatly quiet down the squeaking
I used to get mine on Rockauto, they had the Trico Neoform ones for a little over $2, but I think they're sold out now and they just have basic cheap ones on clearance. I think they also have the OEM Bosch ones, but I tried them once and they didn't last much longer than the cheap Trico ones so I just stick to the cheap Trico ones and order a bunch at a time. I also clean them with isopropyl alcohol before using them. They only seem to last about 6 months or so before I end up changing them. I think there's supposed to be silicon wiper blades out there that are supposed to last a few years, but I haven't gotten around to trying those yet.
I'm also fed up with the Mercedes wipers. They squeak after only a week or two of use. I've tried cleaning and even waxing the window to no avail. I'll have to give the Boschs a go next year if folks are saying they're good.
I'm using Bosch for the rear wiper and it's the pits. They streak instead of wipe right out of the box.
What helps with my OEM blades is garaging the car, I think. No UV exposure on the rubber. Haven't waxed my windshield, said any chants while rubbing the wiper blades. The car has the same OEM wipers on it since I bought it 21 months ago, and I have no idea how long before. I know they were not changed when I acquired it.
We get our fair share of rain here in Dallas, and when we do, the wipers never get my attention with strange behavior.
Strange, mine is garaged too. I was even parking in a covered spot while at work too. I've wondered if the condition of the glass had anything to do with it. Judging from the wear and tear on my glass, I'd guess it was original, or similarly aged.
2020 GLS450 / 2024 Ford Bronco / (former) W212 4-matic 350 sport package
Mine is garaged as well. But I think the stuff I’ve been using for washing fluid might be the culprit. On my VW, it steaks badly too, same on our Toyota as well. I’m going to replace the fluid, wipe the glass with a Mr. Clean “Magic Erasure Bar”, clean the blades and go from there.
I have heard it does, but I have never used it personally.
I've not used Rain-X on the W212 yet. But I treated the windshield on my W203 a couple times its first 10 years, and really appreciated it. For repelling rain, it makes wipers redundant for anyting up to a driving rain storm. Anything less and the water beads and rolls up and over the roof. So, if minimizing use of the wipers to preserve them is an idea, then this should work well.
When wipers are needed, they did not chatter over a Rain-X treated windshield. Of course, a Rain-X treated windshield doesn't repel snow. So you'll need the wipers for that.
Bosch blade wipers look identical to the OEM wipers except they don't have a star printed on them. I bought a pair on Ebay last time, less than $30.
As far as washer fluid, when I buy my OEM oil filter, I buy a package from an Ebay seller very close to me in FL who has the oil filter, crush washer, and washer fluid concentrate bottle for about $35. Typically need each about 1 a year.
Waxing your windshield is exactly the same as waxing the paint on your car. Same product, same technique. Apply wax to the glass, let it dry, polish it off. It has the same effect as Rain-X and it seems to last a bit longer. I've tried waxing and Rain-X, but both resulted in (albeit diminished) squeaking. It does remind me that I'm due to wax my windshield again though...
In case anyone hasn't thought of it, FCP Euro offers lifetime replacements on all of their products for any reason...including windshield wipers. That means you only need to pay return shipping.
I purchase Bosch blades at Advanced Auto Parts. They will install them in five minutes or less or you can do it yourself. Never had a problem with them. Easy thing to replace on an M-B.
Just bought 4 new beam wipers from Rockauto. 1.80 each plus shipping. Put them on the other day, work fine. Minimum shipping is about 7 bucks as long as they all come from the same warehouse. I've bought closeout stuff before, and some of the packaging looked a bit worn, but these looked fine.
There are some comment/opinions about Rain X in this thread.
Rain-X is THE superior product for wind shield for fast highway speeds. It DOES NOT WORH BELOW 50 mph speed.
BUT, At speeds above 50 mph it is better than any wipers you can have. The problem is if you need to use wipers with Rain-X on your glass it will wear it off very quickly and cause streaks to the glass.
There’s a very simple fix to keeping your wipers on any car from chattering or smearing the windshield. Now, If they are torn or damaged you unfortunately have to replace. If not, please continue gentle reader. What happens is that grime and road tar get kicked up on your windshield when you drive, and this sticks to your wipers too. So just clean them. Take your can of WD40 and spray it on the blades, wipe clean and repeat if very dirty. Then get your windex out, clean your windshield very thoroughly and Bob’s your uncle. Goodbye chattering and smearing. Happy motoring.
Does the 2016 W212 not have some sort of proprietary connection that makes sourcing aftermarket blades difficult? My 2014 W204 blades always chattered. I tried everything. The dealer also tried everything. As I get ready to take delivery of a 2016 E350 this is the part I am dreading... the first rain. I really hope it's not like the W204, but to me the wipers look the same.
12-16-2019, 01:13 PM
