[tadaska]

Don't mean the size. Which brand/type you guys are buying?

[mapleleaf1773]

Bosch

[N8N]

I used to use the stock replacements, which for my pre-LCI were Valeo, but when the last set wore out PIAA had finally introduced silicone wipers that fit my car, yes PIAA lights are janky ricer stuff but the wiper blades are the real deal I have been using them on everything I could (company cars, a couple Jeeps, etc.) for over 10 years. They literally last 5+ years whereas parts store stuff is lucky to last a year and even the good Valeo blades are done after 2-3.

[Dapper93]

^ agree with this guy. Had PIAA wipers, SI-Tech, I think they were called, on my previous car. The absolute best wipers I've ever used and they lasted for 5 years (sold the car, so who knows. They could still be on there).

Bought Bosch for my E90 when I accidentally snapped a clip this winter and couldn't wait for shipping on the PIAA. Still pretty good.

[jacbo]

I've always used bosch. Great performance, last ages and usually can find them for a good price.

PIAA do sound interesting though, especially if they do last much longer than rubber wipers

[N8N]

Originally Posted by jacbo

I've always used bosch. Great performance, last ages and usually can find them for a good price.

PIAA do sound interesting though, especially if they do last much longer than rubber wipers

They really do. I end up replacing them when they start streaking, but they remain flexible and still flip over easily. You can see by inspection that the wiping edge is literally just abraded down and a little rounded off. I bet if you were really cheap you could make a jig to trim them with a razor blade and get another 5 years out of them. My Jeep sits outside 24/7 too and same result.

When you first install them you may be a little disappointed as they streak a little right out of the box, but they literally do last 2-3x as long as any other blade I've tried. The other effect of using them is they basically rain-x your windshield, the area the wipers sweep now the water beads up and runs off. Also makes it easier to scrape ice off in the winter.

[tadaska]

Got my PIAA Si-Tech wiper blades installed.

But am I missing something? The clip area looks like crap. The original caps that cover the joint can't be used. It looks like a cover is missing but they haven't provided anything that could go over it. And they are not secure. Someone could lift the arm, twist the blade and just pull it off. It can be stolen in 2 seconds.

[Dapper93]

Yours is a pre-LCI? There should be a plastic cover - that is the piece that doesn't fit?

[tadaska]

Originally Posted by Dapper93

Yours is a pre-LCI? There should be a plastic cover - that is the piece that doesn't fit?

Yep, the original plastic cover won't go on.

[hassmaschine]

Just go with OE BMW. They fit better, last a long time, and the covers actually clip in place. You can get them on amazon, they're not even expensive.

I had the Bosch ones on our E91, they worked fine but they don't fit right and they look like crap.

[Silver Streek]

I usually get the BMW ones from the BMW eBay shop, same if not cheaper than the Bosch ones. And as said above they last for years.

[nomiS330d]

I’ve never considered anything other than Bosch. They fit fine, the covers go back on and seem to last as long as I’d expect wipers to last. I’ve never heard of PIAA to be honest. Might check them out....

[jacbo]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

Just go with OE BMW. They fit better, last a long time, and the covers actually clip in place. You can get them on amazon, they're not even expensive.

I had the Bosch ones on our E91, they worked fine but they don't fit right and they look like crap.

I disagree. Bosch fit perfect and the OEM clip goes back on. And look like wipers.... what more can you ask for

[Andy198712]

I currently have Bosch but reckon the velo ones before look nicer and worked a tad better ?! Who knows

[N8N]

Originally Posted by jacbo

I disagree. Bosch fit perfect and the OEM clip goes back on. And look like wipers.... what more can you ask for

I want to say that Valeo was OEM for pre-LCI and Bosch was OEM for LCI (or there was a break somewhere around then, and before then they're Valeo and after then they're Bosch) my 2009 used Valeo. Specifically, I'm getting this straight from my Amazon history

Valeo Frameless Ultimate 900-18-10B
Valeo Frameless Ultimate 900-24-10B

that's for an E92 coupe. I believe convertible is the same but other body styles use the same series wiper but different lengths.

This may be why some people say Bosch fit great and others do not. I believe the difference is that the original plastic covers for the connection for the Valeo wipers won't fit the Bosch ones. BMW I believe recommends that you buy the newer model blades and new plastic covers. I never have, I still have the original ones and just bought Valeo blades until PIAA came out with theirs.

[nomiS330d]

Checked out PIAA. Silly expensive.
Sticking with Bosch.

[N8N]

Originally Posted by nomiS330d

Checked out PIAA. Silly expensive.
Sticking with Bosch.

I disagree with this comment, for my pre-LCI

PIAA 18" $25.45
PIAA 24" $30.53
PIAA pair $55.98

Valeo 18" $16.47
Valeo 24" $23.52
Valeo pair $39.99

all prices from Amazon

to me the extra $15 for the far longer life and not having to worry about them is well worth it. I was going to compare to dealer prices but the blades don't even seem to be listed on getbmwparts or their search is wonky

[nomiS330d]

Over here in Blighty the piaa wiper are around £55 a pair. Amazon are selling Bosch aerotwins for £18 the pair. I can’t see piaa wipers being amazingly better than the Bosch ones to justify that difference in price.
I concede that’s an offer price but it says I last bought these back in 2017 so I’ve gone back in my purchase history and they were £18 back then so it looks like it’s one of those where they make out it’s a special offer price but it’s permanently that price.
Anyway, they’re still on the pre lci car with the plastic covers fitted and still doing a good job.

[N8N]

wow, things are different over there I guess. £55 is pretty expensive and I can't believe you can get the Bosch that cheap. So, I guess the answer to the OP's question is "it depends on where you live"

[tadaska]

PIAA might last longer but atm they don't work any different from normal rubber. I can't see any silicone film on the windscreen. Considering how ugly looking the connection on the PIAA is... I think it was a mistake. Next time I'll buy Bosch or Valeo. Bosch was what I had on my pre-lci and they fit perfectly. I can't remember if I had Valeo on this car, could have been the Astra I had. Buy cheaper buy more often will be my wiper policy.

[N8N]

Originally Posted by tadaska

PIAA might last longer but atm they don't work any different from normal rubber. I can't see any silicone film on the windscreen. Considering how ugly looking the connection on the PIAA is... I think it was a mistake. Next time I'll buy Bosch or Valeo. Bosch was what I had on my pre-lci and they fit perfectly. I can't remember if I had Valeo on this car, could have been the Astra I had. Buy cheaper buy more often will be my wiper policy.

Ugly connection? They must have changed them as the stock covers (early, valeo-style) on my car fit right over the PIAAs and other than the little branding you can't tell the difference.

Over time you can't see the silicone film, but I definitely do notice the beading up better and easier ice removal in the winter.

[Karlos20945]

Another +1 for Bosch wipers here. Mine fitted perfectly with the little cover clips. Always used Bosch and never had any issues. Strangely, even though mine's an LCI, it still uses the pin system as opposed to the arms that replaced the pins with clips.