[Shovelman]

The 'pretty good' wiper blades from an auto parts store worked pretty well for a few months but sometimes chattered. They got worse faster than they should have. Bit the bullet and had the dealer install OEM blades at twice the price. Labor free, by the parts counter guy. They work really well, totally worth it.

[John in VA]

FCP Euro doesn't show genuine BMW wipers but they carry the Bosch beam style - buy from them & return them every year or two when they stop performing using their lifetime replacement warranty.

[Nickies]

From experience, the only wiper blades I buy are the BMW Genuine and I replace them every year at fall. They are expensive at about $50 but the best. OEM replacements are garbage.

Also, make sure your windshield is cleaned regularly with white vinegar to remove any contaminants. Pitted windshields destroy wiper blades. Most insurance companies fully cover a new windshield.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Nickies

From experience, the only wiper blades I buy are the BMW Genuine and I replace them every year at fall. They are expensive at about $50 but the best. OEM replacements are garbage.

Also, make sure your windshield is cleaned regularly with white vinegar to remove any contaminants. Pitted windshields destroy wiper blades. Most insurance companies fully cover a new windshield.

Even though I take my car out only a few times each year, I change the BMW wipers out spring and fall. It's just simpler that way.

For a couple of decades now, I've coated my windshields with Aquapel. The stuff is incredible. While not quite as impressive as RainX for repelling water, it lasts many times longer. I last coated my BMW's windshield - note that the car stays in a climate-controlled garage when it's not out and about - five years ago. So far, the car's Aquapel is still going strong.

I think it would be nice if my insurance company would buy me a new windshield should I need one. Since I haven't needed one, however, I'm pleased not to have paid the increased premium for the coverage.

[Fraysa]

Bosch A 696 S is for the BMW F22.

[Fraysa]

Originally Posted by Nickies

OEM replacements are garbage.

Actually, the Bosch A 696 S is the exact same product as the genuine BMW part no. 61615A43583.

[Nickies]

Originally Posted by Fraysa

Actually, the Bosch A 696 S is the exact same product as the genuine BMW part no. 61615A43583.

It is not. BMW Genuine is #61612219147.

Bosch, Valeo and others are aftermarket products and the blades have cheap compounds. I tried all of them and came back to Genuine BMW in their OEM branded packaging.

[cristo]

I’ve been using PIAA Super Silicone
blades and refills for many years.
They’ve been THE best.
Aquapel applicator windshield
treatment or the packs that come
with the PIAAs are great as well.

[BringBackButtons]

Originally Posted by cristo

I’ve been using PIAA Super Silicone
blades and refills for many years.
They’ve been THE best.
Aquapel applicator windshield
treatment or the packs that come
with the PIAAs are great as well.

I have these (came with car) and have also been impressed. But i think this spring id like to refresh, can you share a link to what you purchased for refills?

[cristo]

Our M240i takes a 22” and an 18”.
blades from tire rack:
https://www.tirerack.com/wipers/deta...043&brand=PIAA

refills from tire rack (need Super Silicone blades
on already to use the refills):

https://www.tirerack.com/wipers/piaa...r-blade-refill

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by Nickies

It is not. BMW Genuine is #61612219147.

That is the old/ended part # - new is 61615A43583

Set of wiper blades, up to 06/2019 61612219147 ENDED
Set of wiper blades 61615A43583
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...147&series=F22

[Fraysa]

Originally Posted by Nickies

It is not. BMW Genuine is #61612219147.

Bosch, Valeo and others are aftermarket products and the blades have cheap compounds. I tried all of them and came back to Genuine BMW in their OEM branded packaging.

61615A43583 supersedes the P/N you sent.

Bosch is the manufacturer of the Genuine BMW wiper blades. As you do already know, BMW does not produce wiper blades for a living. The Bosch part number I sent is the exact same product, without the BMW branding.

[Nickies]

Originally Posted by Fraysa

61615A43583 supersedes the P/N you sent.

Bosch is the manufacturer of the Genuine BMW wiper blades. As you do already know, BMW does not produce wiper blades for a living. The Bosch part number I sent is the exact same product, without the BMW branding.

No matter Bosch is a BMW supplier, the A696S is a generic aftermarket blade assembly that has not the same design hardware attachment as the Genuine you get from BMW dealer. This is where it really matters about stability and performance. You pay for a tested and engineered product when its in the BMW packaging. For me, this matters.

Again, your wipers will last depending on the overall quality of the windshield they are working on. If it is pitted from rock chips, get in touch with your insurance company if you have coverage.

OEM Genuine BMW stamped windshield may be covered and a must if you have NAV and other connectivity features. Generic from Safelite and other installers are thin glass marketed as OEM cheap

As for the Genuine part number for wipers, it may have changed but I still order on the old one and it works fine.

[Fraysa]

Originally Posted by Nickies

No matter Bosch is a BMW supplier, the A696S is a generic aftermarket blade assembly that has not the same design hardware attachment as the Genuine you get from BMW dealer. This is where it really matters about stability and performance. You pay for a tested and engineered product when its in the BMW packaging. For me, this matters.

Again, your wipers will last depending on the overall quality of the windshield they are working on. If it is pitted from rock chips, get in touch with your insurance company if you have coverage.

OEM Genuine BMW stamped windshield may be covered and a must if you have NAV and other connectivity features. Generic from Safelite and other installers are thin glass marketed as OEM cheap

As for the Genuine part number for wipers, it may have changed but I still order on the old one and it works fine.

... but you're wrong. The A696S is NOT a generic aftermarket replacement. This is a specific model for the 1/2 Series F20/1/2 models - the SAME exact model as the genuine one - I compared them.

I am too against generic aftermarket wiper blades - but the A696S is THE SAME product with THE SAME fitting and THE SAME materials. BMW DOES NOT produce wipder blades.

I really don't understand why are you writing these things and mistakening people over facts...

[Nickies]

Originally Posted by Fraysa

... but you're wrong. The A696S is NOT a generic aftermarket replacement. This is a specific model for the 1/2 Series F20/1/2 models - the SAME exact model as the genuine one - I compared them.

I am too against generic aftermarket wiper blades - but the A696S is THE SAME product with THE SAME fitting and THE SAME materials. BMW DOES NOT produce wipder blades.

I really don't understand why are you writing these things and mistakening people over facts...

You have the right to your opinion.

I never said BMW make wiper assemblies. They have specs of their own for suppliers to follow if they are packed and sold under their brand name.

This is the same for engine oil, filters and all other service parts. Genuine are certified. OEM are not. You pay for what you get.

As for another example......MANN is a filter supplier to BMW. They have the same part numbers and look the same as Genuine but most of the time have slight differences of material textures that may question performance efficiency and proper fit. The most noticeable are the oil and engine air filters. I never installed them.

For most, aftermarket parts are just fine. For me, I don't sacrifice performance and reliability.

[Jcoop901]

Leave to BMW drivers to debate..... wiper blades..

We truly give ourselves a bad name.

[Fraysa]

Originally Posted by Nickies

You have the right to your opinion.

I never said BMW make wiper assemblies. They have specs of their own for suppliers to follow if they are packed and sold under their brand name.

This is the same for engine oil, filters and all other service parts. Genuine are certified. OEM are not. You pay for what you get.

As for another example......MANN is a filter supplier to BMW. They have the same part numbers and look the same as Genuine but most of the time have slight differences of material textures that may question performance efficiency and proper fit. The most noticeable are the oil and engine air filters. I never installed them.

For most, aftermarket parts are just fine. For me, I don't sacrifice performance and reliability.

There are some parts where the branded part has some minor differences, e.g. brake pads to comply with the noise requirements for the manufacturer.

However for wiper blades there aren't. I compared both and they're identically the same.

[freakystyly]

Originally Posted by cristo

I’ve been using PIAA Super Silicone
blades and refills for many years.
They’ve been THE best.
Aquapel applicator windshield
treatment or the packs that come
with the PIAAs are great as well.

Looking at the PIAA SS wipers, their connector isn't compatible with 2 series. We don't have J hook wiper arms. Our arms are called I&L.

Did you use some kind of adapter?

[cristo]

My mistake- I use the PIAA SS blades on
My MINI and the PIAA Si-Tech blades with
the A adapter on our 2020 F23 M240i.

https://www.tirerack.com/wipers/deta...202&brand=PIAA

[cristo]

The Si-Tech blades do work very well
on the BMW.

[delvec03]

If you're not using FCP Euro for wiper blades, you're throwing money down toilet.

Every other wear item should also be purchased only from there. It makes maintenance absolutely free.