Interior/Exterior Interior and exterior modifications for Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Interior/Exterior I started using Silblades........

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Old 04-15-2004, 06:36 PM
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.........during the Fall and while they did a nice job, one end of each wiper did
not come in contact with the windshield. When the weather turned cold they became stiffer and were less effective, leaving droplets in the middle of the windshield where the arcs of the wipers meet.

To my surprise, as the weather is getting warmer here in the Northeast, I have noticed that they are now conforming more to the contour of the windshield. The blade on the driver's side is completely flush and the passenger side is getting there.

It looks to me like you need to be patient when first using these blades. In my case
the performance has improved over time as the blade molds to the shape of the windshield.

The really good news is that if I'm not imagining this I shouldn't have to change them for at least another four and a half years.......since they're guaranteed for five.

 
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Old 04-16-2004, 08:40 AM
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I'm not really sure what the product you mention is all about.I was about to start a new thread asking if anyone had any experience with Bosche or any of the other "good " replacements,as I am totally underwhelmed with the OEM.Could you tell me some more about these Silblades? where bought?cost? Website?overall satisfaction? Thanks
 
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Old 04-16-2004, 08:46 AM
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This is sort of on-topic/off-topic, did you know the dealership will replace your worn wiper blades for free as part of the 36K maintenance plan?
 
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Old 04-16-2004, 09:04 AM
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I haven't been terribly impressed with my Silblades...They're all right, but I think I had too high of expectations.

_________________
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Old 04-17-2004, 07:19 AM
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Go to....www.silblade.com....to get info. I'm aware of free replacement and am using
that for the rear wiper since I was never able to attach the rear silblade without breaking the housing. I'd rather not have to keep changing them.....these should not keep wearing out like the original blades. One neat thing about silblades is that you can order the wiper and blade in any color combination you want. I have black wipers and gray blades to match my DS/W color scheme.
 
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Old 04-17-2004, 07:46 AM
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I too had high expectations of my sillblades. Mine are also fitting the windshield better after 6 months than they did initially. At first they also squeaked in a very annoying fashion, so much so that I almost took them off and returned them.

I think the greatest benefit is that they are made of silicone and will last a very long time.
 
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Old 04-17-2004, 08:19 AM
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>>This is sort of on-topic/off-topic, did you know the dealership will replace your worn wiper blades for free as part of the 36K maintenance plan?


yeah I am aware of that, but I am disatisfied enough with the oem replacements to seek(and pay for) better quality.Has anybody tried the Bosche ?



 
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Old 04-17-2004, 01:44 PM
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I'm still using the stock blades after 2 years.

That's two Minnesota winters which can be pretty rough.

I have a pair of winter replacement blades, but the stock ones just keep going!!!

Oh well, whenever they wear out, I'll put on the replacements.
 
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Old 04-17-2004, 02:50 PM
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So far ( a week or so) the Bosch Micro Edge (i think is the name) blades are just fine. No contact issues, and they're on sale (2 for 1) at Advance Auto Parts. At $8 a pair, I can't complain.
 
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Old 04-17-2004, 03:03 PM
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dominic - the wipers are only warranted for 2000 miles according to my dealer. At 25000, I am on my third set in the rainy NW.

GMG
 
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Old 04-17-2004, 03:41 PM
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Mine seem to be getting a little better too now that it has warmed up...but the black paint on the metal part of the wiper is chipping off in huge chunks. Sure the blade will last a while but the arm sure won't.
 
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Old 04-18-2004, 07:11 PM
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Thanks for the feedback. It's good to know that the improvement I've noticed wasn't
just my imagination! We'll see if it stays this way when cold weather is upon us again.
 
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