CMFUSA

2020 GLE 350 and 2021 GLE 350 ... both had/have the same problem with the windshield wipers, they skip and jump across the windshield. It drives me nuts, I truly hate the sound by now, and I live in Florida ... we get rain.
As suggested here, I had my dealership replace the wipers several times, the windshield was replaced (for other reasons) but the result was the same, and I have scrubbed the windshield again and again with Rain-X Windshield Stripper.
The result is always the same, after a couple of minutes, the skipping and jumping reoccurs. Mercedes has tried their Sentry Tipps for this, no change. How this problem ever made it through quality control is a mystery to me, I mean, the technology is not entirely new.

I had been looking for aftermarket wiper blades to see if a softer rubber may be the solution to the problem, but with the new mounting adapter, nothing aftermarket was on the horizon.

Until last week, when I looked on AliExpress and ended up ordering a pair of aftermarket (front) wiper blades for $25. I did not expect much, I wasn't even sure about the adapter fitting properly.
They arrived today (26in and 24in vs. factory 26in and 22in, but they fit the windshield) and the adapter fits. So far, so good. Then the garden hose and ................... nothing. Just wiping. No skipping, no jumping.

Heavenly Silence. I am speechless. They work, they are quiet. Victory!

I can't say if this is the ultimate solution to the problem, but at first glance, it works, and the rubber of the blade is noticeably softer.
And even if these only last 6 months, I am happy to replace them for $25 a pair every couple of month, if I get the skipping/jumping to stop.

No guarantees, don't blame me in the end, this is just a PSA, but these worked for me: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256...7052f19cZgoxrH

MBguy013

Look forward to hearing how they work after a couple of weeks. Did you get one of the bright colors?!

CMFUSA

I was tempted by the red ones, but I stuck with black.

jtjbt20x

Which, if any, adapter did you need to buy?

CMFUSA

None - the blades came with the correct adapter to fit my 2921 GLE350.

jtjbt20x

Thanks.

hutch300

Looks like they can be bought in OEM length individually. I'd like to hear if they stay quiet. The OEM ones drive me nuts.

CMFUSA

Yes, I talked to the seller. They can ship 22 or 24 inches for the passenger side. I am actually quite happy with the (incorrect) 24 inch length, as it cleans a bigger area without touching the paint/frame anywhere.

I ordered two more sets for $43 today (had some points). As I said, even if it only lasts a couple of months, it would make me happy.


Now I am waiting for some rain...

nextmilenium

Please let us know how these perform when it rains!!!

zengshengliu

I bought kimblade and they are silence also. Only down side is that those wiper are taller than the stock one, so it sit slightly higher at the off position.

CMFUSA

I did not know about that manufacturer.

But now that you mention it, the new ones do sit a tough higher than the old ones. Barely noticeable, but true.

GregW / Oregon

I live in Oregon, which you may have heard gets rain. I don’t doubt your issues, but have had zero with my two sets of OEM blades. My car has never seen an automatic car wash. The waxes and stuff you can get in those have got to be a huge issue on the windshield.

EddieKBG

I just ordered a set. Will give feedback after using them for a bit.
THANK YOU for the info.

TonyF61

I go to car wash on a regular basis, and am wondering if there is some sort of residue from that which is causing the issue. My X5 had the same issue. Although, I noticed that after applying RainX, it would stop.

CMFUSA

Just drove two hours in Florida rain... nothing but silence. That's how it should have been from the beginning.

And I don't think it's car wash residue. Same windshield, no washes in between, just different wiper blades.

TonyF61

Might just have to take your advice. Keep us updated as to how long the peace and quiet lasts.

chassis

Great to see you found a solution.

MB failed again at the crossroads of engineering and cost reduction. Cheaped-out flimsy wiper arms combined with space age wiper blade polymer and coatings equals skipping and chattering wipers.

As you correctly posted, we aren’t talking about new technology here. It’s windshield wipers for goodness’ sake.

EQ-Boost
V167 wiper chattering
GLB cylinder heads
Rough 9G downshifting (affects 7G also)
M157/278 cylinder scoring
GLC, C and E-Class piston cracking

where is this all headed?

mikapen

Let's see.
I'll be on my fourth set of 167 wiper blades next week when I get my 20,000 mile service on this car.

Maybe I'll experience this skipping sensation, but odds are it won't be a problem for me either.

I do notice that if the windshield is dry, they don't operate as smoothly as when they are wet.🤔

mikapen

If you believe all of these posts, WE'RE DOOMED!

Of course, those are all overstated and border on mis-information.

At least we don't have those one or two brands that Consumer Reports thinks are highly reliable, that are number one and number two in recalls for the last several years.

TonyF61

There is another post at https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...streaking.html where M-B is stating that wiper chatter is being caused by car wash residue. See post # 13.

nextmilenium

The Aliexpress link no longer works but I was able to find another set for similar price. Hopefully these will work. Thanks OP.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...d=T8KD3KmX0UUr

shotgun_banjo

Are there aftermarket wipers if you have the vision control option?

wildta

How have these been now that you've had them for many months now?

zengshengliu

I have success with kimblade, but the attachment is very "tight" on the passenger side, making it hard to remove (when I bring my car in for service which includes wiper blade replacement, so I don't want them to replace the one I got and put the old one back)
I definitely believe its the rubber itself, since the new blade also have the issue.
Out of curiosity, I tried applying 303 protectant on the wiper blade (I did that on my old car to minimize UV damage to rubber), and it actually silence the wiper (at least the few rains after the application). If anyone happen to have those available, maybe you should try it too.

Frenetic

Wiping the blades down with Aerospace 303 helped. I’m talking a liberal wipe down on both sides of the blades then letting it sit/cure for 24 hours. Not sure how long it will last but so far a few storms and it’s still working good.

However, I will say it again because it’s worth mentioning: morons designed the windshield wipers.