Ok folks, I tried. I'm looking for any specific success stories here with new wipers for the 2012 ml. Stock wiper were great until they weren't. I've used Bosch icons on another car, but their data sheets don't say anything about w166. Rainx latitide did. So I tried and can't get the connector to work. Got a set of Goodyear assurance blades that don't mention w166, but were cheap. Those fit, but make a little noise. Not quiet like stock.

Has anyone replaced their blades? Do I have to go to the dealer for some MB-specific blades? I just want quiet, effective blades fitting of a Benz. And I don't mind paying for them, but I've always had experience that certain blades like Bosch are going to be better than what the dealer puts on.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Just stick with OEM. They work great and when they start to streak just switch them out.
I'm pretty sure the OEM ones are Bosch with Mercedes branding.
I'm sure you can probably find the blades for cheaper online than what the dealer will sell them to you for though.

 

RainX and you won't need them much.

 

RainX is not very effctive at low speeds, in my experience. And once you start using the wipers it wears off quickly and can lead to chattering. Griot's Garage Glass Sealant is reputed to be better, but haven't tried it yer.

 

Now I'm no chemist, nor have I played one on TV but one old guy who has done windshield chip repair since isinglass on a Surrey with a fringe on top said that prolonged use of RainX alters the molecular structure of the surface of the windshield making it more susceptible to rock chips. I've never really researched that but like Greg mentioned, RainX does not last worth a hoot so I stopped using it years ago.

 

I tried the Girot's sealant and it resulted in chattering by the stock blades during light rain. I had to keep spritzing the windshield with washer fluid to stop it.