GLS Class (X167) Produced 2020 to present

New GLS450 - wipers skipping!

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Old 05-30-2021, 07:06 PM
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‘21 GLS 450, ‘20 Ford Raptor, ‘20 Mazda Miata, ‘21 A35 AMG.
New GLS450 - wipers skipping!

Is anybody else experiencing wiper blades skipping? I’ve got a brand new GLS and the wipers skip like crazy since the start. I’ve tried cleaning the windshield, followed some YouTube tips, etc., nothing seems to work. Very very annoying.
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W P (12-30-2023)
Old 05-30-2021, 08:48 PM
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a
Seems to be a universal problem with no definite fix.
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cupecoy (05-31-2021)
Old 05-30-2021, 11:51 PM
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I was able to get the noisy skipping to go away after cleaning the wiper blades with some rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball.
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Old 05-31-2021, 02:16 AM
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I had this issue at first too, but it didnt bother me enough to do anything to fix it since it rarely rains from where I am at. However, It did go away after I ceramic coated my windshield (Gtechniq G1). Essentially, clean really well with an all purpose cleaner like simply green, and you follow the instructions to apply the coating which was very easy. It also tells you to coat the wipers at the end as well which solves the skipping that is common for coated windshields. After this there was no skipping anymore.
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Old 05-31-2021, 10:04 PM
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Have had the same issue for 1.5 years now. 2 dealers and 3 visits. No problem found . I tried alcohol and Gtechniq and made it worse (had to buy another set of MB wiper blades).

ironically if they are lubricated there is no noise or chatter. (Try using wiper fluid and see if goes away) problem is rain doesn’t have same viscosity/lubrication.

dealer keeps checking it with wiper fluid and states all is well. I have yet to find aftermarket blades for the car.
Old 06-01-2021, 10:12 AM
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Mine do the same - since new. Haven't bothered to try and fix. The new blades at the recent service helped for a while - but a few months later, back to the skip.
Old 06-01-2021, 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by DM335
I was able to get the noisy skipping to go away after cleaning the wiper blades with some rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball.
Correct. The skipping is due to the stuff they put on the cars for shipping and what they coat the wipers with for storage. Another thing that makes the wipers go bonkers is windshield coatings like Expell and others. To make matters worrse hydrophobic coatings like Expell can be superbly difficult to remove (which is precisely the point). Acetone or buffing are required!
I coat all other windows with it since works great and lasts a looong time, but I learned the wrong way not to use it on the windshield of MB cars since it makes the wipers skip terribly.
Old 06-01-2021, 11:15 PM
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Yet another MB feature. Count me in on annoying wiper blades. Cleaning helps a little, but I'll be honest... I'm really glad it doesn't rain much here.
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Old 06-03-2021, 05:12 PM
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I had this same problem and. You have wax build up on your windshield. In my case I use to choose the wax option when going through a carwash and I no longer do that. I used rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth to clean the windshield of the car. Problem solved and has not re occurred
Old 06-04-2021, 06:57 AM
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You clean it with rubbing alcohol after every wash? I’ve tried cleaning it and the dealer used some sort of MB cleaner which worked for a few days before recurring. You’re prob right though - It might be the alcohol content in the windshield washer spray that works temporarily too. I think the windshield construction or angle of it may be at fault too. I don’t have to do any of this in my Audis and they wipe quiet and smooth.
Old 06-04-2021, 09:38 AM
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I came up with the idea of using rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball after doing a bit of research online. Apparently the wax from automatic car washes can make wiper blades noisy. After 7 months of ownership and weekly washes, this was the first time I noticed the wiper noise. I certainly would not clean the blades every time, but it is probably a good idea every few months or so. (I was shocked at how black the cotton ball was after one quick wipe.)
Old 06-04-2021, 09:41 AM
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I’ve tried 3 sets of MB wipers and I can wipe them all day with alcohol and never get them to stop turning the cotton ***** black. After 20 min rubbing i gave up trying to clean more.
Will give windshield clean another go.

thanks
Old 06-04-2021, 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by DM335
I came up with the idea of using rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball after doing a bit of research online. Apparently the wax from automatic car washes can make wiper blades noisy. After 7 months of ownership and weekly washes, this was the first time I noticed the wiper noise. I certainly would not clean the blades every time, but it is probably a good idea every few months or so. (I was shocked at how black the cotton ball was after one quick wipe.)
The black in not only dirt its mostly the rubber coming off🥺
Old 07-16-2021, 12:37 PM
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Just tried Bosch Aerotwin replacement wipers that the Bosch website says will work with new GLS.

https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/au...tId=3397007854

i got them today and they don’t fit. According to their website they fit the new GLS but looks like they still use x166. Don’t fall for the same trap of hope. As a side note, these wipers are much higher quality….wish they fit.


Last edited by Bayern; 07-16-2021 at 12:51 PM.
Old 07-17-2021, 07:40 PM
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MB blades do this. My 2014 E350 is like this too. One poster mentioned cleaning fhe blade with a silicone lubricant. I’ve come to the conclusion it’s the rubber they use for blades. Likely fine at 150mph on the autobahn. If you can fine silicone blades instead of rubber, I’m willing to bet that’ll solve it (like it has for so many other manufacturers). Mercedes- the definition of German stubborn..
Old 03-01-2022, 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by instarand
Is anybody else experiencing wiper blades skipping? I’ve got a brand new GLS and the wipers skip like crazy since the start. I’ve tried cleaning the windshield, followed some YouTube tips, etc., nothing seems to work. Very very annoying.
Yes!! Same problem. Very annoying to say the least!! Cannot use the wipers on anything but the highest setting. Took it to dealer as it is under warranty, they had to order then install the entire wiper mechanism - took about three weeks. Then it still happens. I was told that a carwash could "gunk up" the blades and glass with waxy substances, I followed their advice to wipe off rubber blades with pure alcohol then rub down the windshield itself with a good glass cleaner. Does not help. Frustrated. How I could spend this much money on a lemon of a car, I could kick myself. Will take it back to dealer soon, and leave it there until they figure everything out.
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Old 03-01-2022, 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Coug
Yes!! Same problem. Very annoying to say the least!! Cannot use the wipers on anything but the highest setting. Took it to dealer as it is under warranty, they had to order then install the entire wiper mechanism - took about three weeks. Then it still happens. I was told that a carwash could "gunk up" the blades and glass with waxy substances, I followed their advice to wipe off rubber blades with pure alcohol then rub down the windshield itself with a good glass cleaner. Does not help. Frustrated. How I could spend this much money on a lemon of a car, I could kick myself. Will take it back to dealer soon, and leave it there until they figure everything out.
Clean the wipers with vinegar. Clean the windshield with glass polish. It will solve it.
Old 12-07-2023, 07:52 PM
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Fixed

Better late than never……

Found a fix for this that worked flawlessly for me, prior I was experiencing extreme shuttering when in use.

New wipers, used Turtle Wax bug and tar remover.

1 coat on the windshield, and 1 wipe across the bottom of the wiper blades, with light solution on the towel. 100% fixed for me.
Old 12-08-2023, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by brownninja83
Better late than never……

Found a fix for this that worked flawlessly for me, prior I was experiencing extreme shuttering when in use.

New wipers, used Turtle Wax bug and tar remover.

1 coat on the windshield, and 1 wipe across the bottom of the wiper blades, with light solution on the towel. 100% fixed for me.
Like most chemical solutions, you'll have to weigh the impact on life (yours and others) due to the carcinogen in the formula (DEA).
Old 12-08-2023, 01:29 PM
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GLE owners are finding these Bosch wipers solving their skipping issues:

BOSCH 3397001583 Twin Spoiler Original Equipment Replacement Wiper Blade - 21"/21" (Set of 2) https://a.co/d/gnI0YHN
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sarawnty (12-08-2023)
Old 12-16-2023, 03:24 PM
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Yes, I'm having a positive experience with the Bosch... Full details here:

https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...ml#post8879446

Good luck!
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W P (12-30-2023)
Old 01-01-2024, 06:18 PM
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I have a 2022 GLS 450 where this is an issue with either new or old OEM blades from/by Mercedes. I tried the bug and tar solution mentioned above with not much success. I also tried cleaning the OEM blades with WD40 and that did not work either. I then tried the Bosch OE Aerotwin replacements. Note, there are several part numbers depending on your GLS vehicle options. In my case, I had just basic blades, so the Bosch OE Aerotwin Wiper Blade Set: 3397014832 26”/22” fit, looked good and worked. They are also WAY cheaper ($40) vs the OEM version ($150). However, I also then tried another option with the OEM blades that was only $9 and took 10min. I applied NuFinish Polish (which does not contain wax) to my windshield.

Step 1: Clean window with window cleaner. Step 2: Clean window with rubbing alcohol. Step 3: Apply “NuFinish, the once a year polish”, and then wipe off. Issue was resolved.

I would not have believed it had I not tried it myself. It worked so well that I ended up taking back the Bosch blades. See the video I found on YouTube. Credit to Smok’n Jay’s garage.

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