Heavenly Silence: Finally, aftermarket wiper blades that don't skip.
#51
+1 for SprayWay - I use it on the ceramic tint inside when/if I get smudges. It's even rec. by name by Cardinal glass for my 2x insulated home windows with UV coating.
I don't use anything on the outside MB glass x/c Aquapel and my car soap (Adams). No issues with wipers skipping, but, they are not the best for sure. They just work acceptably. I just replaced blades with new OE rubber as the wear indicator decal said to change them out (10 months since new).
I had a Lexus back in '07 that had the best wipers I ever used on a vehicle.... wish they all could be that smooth. My GLE is def. better than my SuperDuty LOL..... but yeah, they could be better when you look at other makes.
I don't use anything on the outside MB glass x/c Aquapel and my car soap (Adams). No issues with wipers skipping, but, they are not the best for sure. They just work acceptably. I just replaced blades with new OE rubber as the wear indicator decal said to change them out (10 months since new).
I had a Lexus back in '07 that had the best wipers I ever used on a vehicle.... wish they all could be that smooth. My GLE is def. better than my SuperDuty LOL..... but yeah, they could be better when you look at other makes.
#52
I was talking to one of my salespeople today and in the background I heard terrible wiper chatter. I made a comment about it, and her response was "the wipers on this car are terrible". Guess what she drives? A Mercedes CLS.
These are a couple pictures of water beading on a completely clean windshield with no treatments whatsoever
I would not use ANY coating, and this is the glass cleaner I found that works well:
I also use paper shop towels so that there is no contaminants going on the glass from the towel. These are the shop towels:
Those cleaners will not hurt the glass. You can clean glass with steel wool actuallty.
Its alignment of the blades, and the blades even when aligned are very particular to what is on the windshield, so its what people are using on their windshields, or what their carwashes etc are using.
These are a couple pictures of water beading on a completely clean windshield with no treatments whatsoever
I would not use ANY coating, and this is the glass cleaner I found that works well:
I also use paper shop towels so that there is no contaminants going on the glass from the towel. These are the shop towels:
I can't explain why there are reports of skipping from some, and reports of no skipping from others.
Why some and not others? What's the difference?
Why some and not others? What's the difference?
#53
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nextmilenium (01-19-2023)
#54
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Using Bon-Ami, Barkeeper's or other abrasive polish or steel wool is a gamble IMO. Stacked against your windshield.
I certainly wouldn't use any of those on my cell phone glass, and Gorilla Glass is twice the hardness of a windshield.
Yes, steel wool is softer than glass, but did you ever get a paper cut? And yes, you can scratch your windshield with a plastic razor blade.
If you're considering using abrasives or steel wool on a $2,000 windshield, you might experiment on your $1,000 phone.
I think you'll wish you hadn't.
If you think you need more than a good cleaning, start with glass clay.
Always start with the least aggressive solution so you don't make it worse. Glass or paint.
I certainly wouldn't use any of those on my cell phone glass, and Gorilla Glass is twice the hardness of a windshield.
Yes, steel wool is softer than glass, but did you ever get a paper cut? And yes, you can scratch your windshield with a plastic razor blade.
If you're considering using abrasives or steel wool on a $2,000 windshield, you might experiment on your $1,000 phone.
I think you'll wish you hadn't.
If you think you need more than a good cleaning, start with glass clay.
Always start with the least aggressive solution so you don't make it worse. Glass or paint.
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nextmilenium (01-19-2023)
#55
Detailers have been using all of those things on glass for decades, myself included. Why do you think you can scrape glass with a razor blade? Its very hard. Of course you can scratch it, you just have to use common sense. You don't use Steel Wool or an abrasive cleaner dry, you use lots of water, etc. I've cleaned dozens of windshields with bon ami and steel wool and have never scratched a single one. If you want to feel better about it, use a glass polish with cerum oxide, but its essentially the same thing, an abrasive cleanser that removes impurities from the glass.
In fact, BMW directs the use of Bon Ami in a TSB for chattering wipers:
If you want a good glass polish, this one is very good:
https://www.autogeek.net/carpro-ceri...QaAm6VEALw_wcB
In fact, BMW directs the use of Bon Ami in a TSB for chattering wipers:
Bulletin Number: 61 02 94 (3990)
Noisy Wipers, Poor Cleaning: Group 61 Electrical
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
May 1994
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Windshield Wipers Are Noisy Or Do Not Clean Properly
MODELS:
All
Situation:
Windshield wiper blades may start to make noise, or fail to clean the windshield properly, even though the blades are not worn and are properly adjusted.
This can be caused by contaminants on the glass, such as oily road deposits or wax residues from car washes. These contaminants can cause the blades to chatter across the glass or fail to wipe cleanly.
Correction:
Common contaminants that are not removed by conventional glass cleaner can be cleaned with Bon Ami(R), a household cleaning product.
The cleaner should be applied on a wet cloth or sponge and the windshield must be thoroughly and evenly scrubbed. Wipe off residue with a clean,dry cloth before the product dries on the glass.
Warranty Status:
Information only.
Noisy Wipers, Poor Cleaning: Group 61 Electrical
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
May 1994
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Windshield Wipers Are Noisy Or Do Not Clean Properly
MODELS:
All
Situation:
Windshield wiper blades may start to make noise, or fail to clean the windshield properly, even though the blades are not worn and are properly adjusted.
This can be caused by contaminants on the glass, such as oily road deposits or wax residues from car washes. These contaminants can cause the blades to chatter across the glass or fail to wipe cleanly.
Correction:
Common contaminants that are not removed by conventional glass cleaner can be cleaned with Bon Ami(R), a household cleaning product.
The cleaner should be applied on a wet cloth or sponge and the windshield must be thoroughly and evenly scrubbed. Wipe off residue with a clean,dry cloth before the product dries on the glass.
Warranty Status:
Information only.
https://www.autogeek.net/carpro-ceri...QaAm6VEALw_wcB
Last edited by SW20S; 01-17-2023 at 08:34 PM.
#56
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Detailers have been using all of those things on glass for decades, myself included. Why do you think you can scrape glass with a razor blade? Its very hard. Of course you can scratch it, you just have to use common sense. You don't use Steel Wool or an abrasive cleaner dry, you use lots of water, etc. I've cleaned dozens of windshields with bon ami and steel wool and have never scratched a single one. If you want to feel better about it, use a glass polish with cerum oxide, but its essentially the same thing, an abrasive cleanser that removes impurities from the glass.
In fact, BMW directs the use of Bon Ami in a TSB for chattering wipers:
In fact, BMW directs the use of Bon Ami in a TSB for chattering wipers:
BMW has learned not to use abrasives since then. Even than, BonAmi was only a Last Resort, as the (outdated) TSB says. And they say to do the entire windshield, since the abraded parts will be apparent.
Regarding Detailers using Bon Ami and steel wool on glass, not on MY glass.
They use shortcuts like you mention to Get It Out The Door and move on. Get another Detailer.
You cannot manage the cutting edges of steel wool whether it's 0 or 0000 cut. They CAN and DO scratch your windshield. Eventually you'll see the swirl marks, especially at night with oncoming glare.
I ask again - would you try those abrasives on your (harder than windshield glass) phone screen?
Another comment: You said your Tech said "They're all like that." That's a completely unacceptable response. It's just saying "I don't want to spend the time," or "You haven't convinced me there's a problem." Try a more responsive shop.
Maybe you could learn from the folks who don't have problems instead of dismissing them as idiots of Fanboys.
#57
That TSB is from 1990. That was also when they provided a wiper optimizer (cleaner) through parts departments - lots of complaints about wipers 33 years ago. I still have some of those wipes.
BMW has learned not to use abrasives since then. Even than, BonAmi was only a Last Resort, as the (outdated) TSB says. And they say to do the entire windshield, since the abraded parts will be apparent.
BMW has learned not to use abrasives since then. Even than, BonAmi was only a Last Resort, as the (outdated) TSB says. And they say to do the entire windshield, since the abraded parts will be apparent.
Regarding Detailers using Bon Ami and steel wool on glass, not on MY glass.
They use shortcuts like you mention to Get It Out The Door and move on. Get another Detailer.
They use shortcuts like you mention to Get It Out The Door and move on. Get another Detailer.
You cannot manage the cutting edges of steel wool whether it's 0 or 0000 cut. They CAN and DO scratch your windshield. Eventually you'll see the swirl marks, especially at night with oncoming glare.
I ask again - would you try those abrasives on your (harder than windshield glass) phone screen?
Another comment: You said your Tech said "They're all like that." That's a completely unacceptable response. It's just saying "I don't want to spend the time," or "You haven't convinced me there's a problem." Try a more responsive shop.
Originally Posted by SW20S
Was chatting with my MB mechanic about this. Its the way the wipers are adjusted. They are VERY sensitive to adjustment and the process to adjust them is almost comical, requiring dedicated tools etc. Some come adjusted properly, some don't. Some dealers can adjust them, many can't.
Maybe you could learn from the folks who don't have problems instead of dismissing them as idiots of Fanboys.
Mercedes wipers are sensitive and finicky and are too prone to skipping, other manufacturers dont have this issue to this level. Bottom line. Why does this trigger you so? Mercedes does some things incredibly well, others not so...wipers they don't do very well.
Last edited by SW20S; 01-18-2023 at 02:50 PM.
#58
While I try and say I’ve seen it all—especially on car forums—this place brought something new to me. I’ve never seen someone so blindly defensive about negative comments towards a manufacturer. Defensive in the sense that they’re outright hostile like I’ve just insulted their mothers. It’s mind to boggling to me unless they’re getting paid by said company or are outright trolls.
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SW20S (01-18-2023)
#59
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
1994, glass is glass. Bon Ami works fine.
I was a detailer lol. Many quality detailers use Bon Ami and steel wool on windshields. We didnt use to have the kinds of glass polishes we have today so that was all there was to use.
Bottom line. Why does this trigger you so? Mercedes does some things incredibly well, others not so...wipers they don't do very well.
I was a detailer lol. Many quality detailers use Bon Ami and steel wool on windshields. We didnt use to have the kinds of glass polishes we have today so that was all there was to use.
Bottom line. Why does this trigger you so? Mercedes does some things incredibly well, others not so...wipers they don't do very well.
But I DO take exception to products and procedures that might do harm.
If you said the solution to oil leaks was to drain the oil, you'd be correct, but I'd post my thoughts.
Your glass procedures? I commented.
You've backpedaled on many of your statements when presented with facts. As above.
You wouldn't be my detailer. I vet the products they use.
Nobody in my former shop would use those things without full disclosure and signed release.
Bottom line - We disagree on glass care. You call me names.
Anybody without a wiper problem is a Fanboy.
You treat actual knowledge as a threat to something.
You should stop.
The BMW TSB was 1990.
#60
The TSB, bolded for emphasis:
You aren't worth this amount of energy, onto my ignore list you go where I have a feeling you exist already for most posters...
Bulletin Number: 61 02 94 (3990)
Noisy Wipers, Poor Cleaning: Group 61 Electrical
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
May 1994
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Windshield Wipers Are Noisy Or Do Not Clean Properly
MODELS:
All
Situation:
Windshield wiper blades may start to make noise, or fail to clean the windshield properly, even though the blades are not worn and are properly adjusted.
This can be caused by contaminants on the glass, such as oily road deposits or wax residues from car washes. These contaminants can cause the blades to chatter across the glass or fail to wipe cleanly.
Correction:
Common contaminants that are not removed by conventional glass cleaner can be cleaned with Bon Ami(R), a household cleaning product.
The cleaner should be applied on a wet cloth or sponge and the windshield must be thoroughly and evenly scrubbed. Wipe off residue with a clean,dry cloth before the product dries on the glass.
Warranty Status:
Information only.
Noisy Wipers, Poor Cleaning: Group 61 Electrical
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
May 1994
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Windshield Wipers Are Noisy Or Do Not Clean Properly
MODELS:
All
Situation:
Windshield wiper blades may start to make noise, or fail to clean the windshield properly, even though the blades are not worn and are properly adjusted.
This can be caused by contaminants on the glass, such as oily road deposits or wax residues from car washes. These contaminants can cause the blades to chatter across the glass or fail to wipe cleanly.
Correction:
Common contaminants that are not removed by conventional glass cleaner can be cleaned with Bon Ami(R), a household cleaning product.
The cleaner should be applied on a wet cloth or sponge and the windshield must be thoroughly and evenly scrubbed. Wipe off residue with a clean,dry cloth before the product dries on the glass.
Warranty Status:
Information only.
#61
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
There was an earlier one in 1990, and I think one in 87 or so. I remember it because Dealers wouldn't perform the BonAmi trick without the signed release I mentioned above.
Thanks for your ignore.
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DavidBN (04-10-2023)
#62
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 462
Likes: 235
From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2015 X5 35d, 2009 SLK 300
I would not use steel wool to clean windshields. As you use steel wool, tiny bits of the steel break off. If you don't get it all properly rinsed off, those bits of steel will rust and stain surfaces. Maybe bronze wool would be better?
#63
Originally Posted by BlueYonder;[url=tel:8706937
8706937]I would not use steel wool to clean windshields. As you use steel wool, tiny bits of the steel break off. If you don't get it all properly rinsed off, those bits of steel will rust and stain surfaces. Maybe bronze wool would be better?
To be clear that’s not a regular cleaning protocol. That’s for heavily contaminated glass.
Last edited by SW20S; 01-21-2023 at 04:07 PM.
#64
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 749
Likes: 312
From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
One good thing you can do is clay bar the windscreen using car wash. This will remove any ingrained grit and make the sweep of your wiper blades much smoother and they will last much longer. I've added probably 50% or more time I get out of my blades by doing this every few months. Takes 3 minutes.
Last edited by BlackML550; 04-10-2023 at 05:39 PM.
#65
#66
So I gave Bosch wiper a try (only one from this brand that fit GLE), and it looks almost identical with the Mercedes one, but without the noise (from the few rainy days I have in the past week). The part number from Bosch is 3397014832 for the front pair.
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wildta (09-23-2023)
#67
Mine chatter on the downward motion. Did yours do the same?
#69
#70
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
My Mercedes 167 wipers were fine, two sets - no skipping or noise - until I started going to a tunnel carwash, a year and a half after new.
Now they skip. I clayed the glass and that seemed to fix it - for a while.
Now they skip. I clayed the glass and that seemed to fix it - for a while.
#71
#72
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
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wildta (09-24-2023)
#73
Is it compatible with magic vision?
#74
#75
Sadly I replaced my magic vision wipers on my S560 which I had gotten to stop chattering, and the new ones chatter. I drove our Pacifica on a trip this weekend and driving back in the heavy rain today I commented to my wife how FAR superior the lowly Chrysler's wipers are to Mercedes.
I kept the old worn set in case this happened and I'm about to put them back on. $250 for such garbage is offensive, IMO.
I kept the old worn set in case this happened and I'm about to put them back on. $250 for such garbage is offensive, IMO.