HOW-TO: Replacing headlight wiper blades

[gerryvz]

An often overlooked item on E500Es are the headlight wipers. Of course, the 1992 and 1993 models' wipers are different than the later model 1994 wipers. If your car's headlight wipers haven't been replaced within the past 5 years, age & exposure have probably taken their toll on the rubber and blade edges and are reducing their effectiveness.

In short ... for 90% of all E500Es on the road, THESE BLADES NEED TO BE CHANGED.

For owners of 1994 cars, replacing the wiper blades is a simple task that requires around 1 minute per side. First of all, you need to order replacement wiper blades.

The part number for 1994-1995 cars is 124 820 02 45 67 and two of these blades are required. Current cost for each blade is MB list price $10.50, wholesale $8.50.

The blades on 1994 cars fit on the shaft with a little metal tang that fits into a slot into the wiper blade assembly.

To remove the old wiper blades, simply:

a) pull the wiper arm forward, away from the headlight
b) turn the wiper blade on its swivel toward the center of the car (the grill)
c) pull the blade out and away; you will feel the tang release out of its slot in the wiper blade assembly
d) remove the blade completely.
e) remember how the blades were oriented as they come away from the blade arms.

To install the new wiper blades:

a) orient the new blades as the old ones were; i.e. the smaller/skinnier portion of the blade arm should swivel INTO the covered portion of the wiper blade arm (i.e. should be facing the fender side of the car)
b) turn the blade so that it is 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the end of the blade arm
c) begin to insert the tang on the end of the arm into the slot in the middle of the wiper blade assembly
d) as the tang goes into the slot, rotate and press the wiper blade into position along its center axis
e) the blade should suck right into place as the tang seats into the slot; at the end of the operation the skinny portion of the blade arm should be completely covered by the blade arm housing and the blade assembly should be parallel in orientation to the blade arm
f) rotate the entire wiper blade assembly (the blade arm + installed wiper) back into position against the headlight.
g) crack a beer and take a few swigs

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[8899]

Current cost for each blade is MB list price $10.50, wholesale $8.50.

Price has gone up. List is $42/each and wholesale is $31/each. Ouch!

This thread should be moved to the HOW-TO section.

 

[gsxr]

OUCH. Thankfully, they are still available - at the moment - via aftermarket sources without the BOHICA price.

Bosch part number is: 3-398-113-068

http://www.autohausaz.com/pn/3398113068 <-- $10 each

https://importecautoparts.com/parts/part_number/124 820 02 45 67/3 <-- $9 each

Add a couple of oil / fuel / air filters to your order from either vendor above and you get free ground shipping as well if the total order is over $75.

 

[sheward]

I used a set of off the shelf generic refills and fashioned refills for my late model wipers. It simply involves cutting the refills to the proper length (metal strips and rubber). Bring your wiper arms to the parts store and match up the thickness. The spring catch holds them in place.

drew

 

[nocfn]

I bought 2 refills from AZ when I got the car and IIRC they were around $10ea, but needed for free shipping

 

[JC220]

Yes I couldn't believe the price of those little wipers when I checked a little while back. So I got standard wiper refills (as mentioned above) £2 later they both were as good as new! Since they are plastic the arms don't really need replacing unless damaged.

 

[8899]

I used a set of off the shelf generic refills and fashioned refills for my late model wipers. It simply involves cutting the refills to the proper length (metal strips and rubber). Bring your wiper arms to the parts store and match up the thickness. The spring catch holds them in place. drew

Ok, so I guess refills, in the true sense, are just not available..?? Whether you buy OE or buy aftermarket Bosch, you end up with the blade AND the metal arm. And since my headlight wiper arms are painted polar white, I would want to pursue your method.

View attachment 22004

 

[gsxr]

Ok, so I guess refills, in the true sense, are just not available..?? Whether you buy OE or buy aftermarket Bosch, you end up with the blade AND the metal arm. And since my headlight wiper arms are painted polar white, I would want to pursue your method.

Correct. Except that the blade assembly is plastic, not metal. The only metal part of the arm is the non-replaceable item which is the "boomerang" shaped section in your photo. The last little bit with the rubber attached has a plastic frame. And yes, if yours are painted body color, finding a way to replace just the rubber insert would be easier than re-painting new blades!