Just joined today. In response to the windshield wiper question, autohausaz.com sells a pair of OEM Bosch for under $30. (for '97 528)

IMO, the best solution is buying just the blade inserts (el cheapo replacement at $11.95 but great quality). I encountered several problems during what should have been an 'easy' install on my 2000 540iAs so hopefully this will make things go more smoothly for others who wish to save some money. :help:D No pic-by-pic but I'll try to be as clear as possible...;) ALSO NOTE: Double check to make sure that you have the OEMs before you order the replacement blades.

#1 - Buy wiper blade refills at Bavarian Autosport (item #61618217711 for the 540iAs @ $11.95 ea.) or anywhere else you can find them 'cause I don't work for Bavarian Autosport so I don't care where you get them. Do make sure they are sending two different lengths if you are doing your 540i though.

#2 - Be aware and make a note to observe that the two rubber blade inserts should be of unequal length. One is definitely longer than the other so be sure to pay attention here 'cause I screwed up (just a little) and trimmed the wrong one. :D Don't do it at 3am and I highly recommend doing one side at a time...:stickoutt

#3 - Remove the complete wiper assembly (much easier to free the rubber blade and metal frame/holder first) by sliding the locking tab (located at the connecting point of the wiper arm and blade assembly) to the unlocked position, which will allow the blade assembly to slide right off the pivoting pin. **You should be able to see the word 'Lock' stamped on the slider.

#4 - Now it's time to deal with the clips that hold and lock the top portion of the rubber blade insert (use needlenose pliers to squeeze the 'locking clips' together). BTW, it's a PIA. :mad TIP: I found it easier to use a flathead screwdriver to gently 'pry' the two folded metal clips apart ever so slightly (on the main body of the wiper assembly frame where the blade slides/locks at the top) before trying to unclip/squeeze/remove the rubber blade 'locking tabs'...MUCH easier! :D

#4a - Here you may be tempted to clean things up a bit and will try to remove the plastic aerodynamic wing from the metal wiper arm to refresh it. :shifty DO NOT ATTEMPT this unless you are a glutton for punishment! :nono It slowed my entire project to a snail's pace as it was very difficult to get the damn thing back in place properly...not impossible, just a scary PIA 'cause I thought it was gonna snap at any second. :mad

#5 - The old rubber inserts will have two long, thin, flat metal stabilizer/stiffeners (designed to give the soft rubber blades rigidity) inserted into the uppermost of the two channels/slots running the length of the old blade insert. **Make a note of the direction of the locking tabs (tiny outwardly bent pieces of metal on each stabilizer/stiffener) and position the two 'holding' pins (just below the locking tabs) to the inside of the uppermost channel (the locking tabs will be facing out and the two securing pins will face in). Remove and transfer metal stabilizer/stiffeners (two per blade=four total) to the rubber inserts. TIP: Use a bit of masking tape to secure the locking tab end of the metal 'blades' to the rubber insert as the pins really don't hold them in place. :evil2

#6 - Take the now empty metal wiper 'frame' (which holds the rubber blade to the windshield) and begin threading the newly assembled rubber blade using the secondary channel (blade down and metal stabilizer/stiffeners up). **Remember the wiper frame itself is direction oriented (the top end pivots up and away from the windshield) and will not fit or lock properly if assembled upside down. :eek:

#7 - After you have successfully reassembled the blade and frame, reverse to install to the wiper arm and repeat on the other side. **Remember to slide the locking tab back to the locked position on each side after reinstalling the blade assembly and you have completed your El Cheapo Wiper Blade Replacement! :redspot


FYI, it rained the very next day and the rain sensors with new wiper blades worked perfectly!! :alright

12CoolDude, thanks for posting but I had some problems, I made two mistakes that I'd like to bring forward so others don't make the same mistakes when buying the parts.

If you bought your car used like I did you may want to confirm if you have the original BMW wiper blade assembly, or Bosch or something else before buying the wiper blade inserts. The wiper inserts are different and in my estimation they are not compatible so it is best you order the correct wiper insert the first time. When you search against part number 61618217711 at most online parts suppliers they will usually show two or three wiper inserts. In my opinion the Bosch insert is made for the Bosch wiper blade assembly but there is another type that closely resembles the original BMW insert and is a direct replacement.

The difference between the inserts is in the design of the wiper blade stiffeners. The original BMW wiper blade has two thin metal stiffeners running along both sides of the wiper insert while the Bosch design has only one thick stiffner running along the top of the wiper insert (see the pics). Essentially if you don't have the correct stiffner(s) the wiper insert will not work out. So it is a good idea to check out the stiffners and the corresponding channels in the wiper insert where the stiffners are to be installed before ordering.

:needpics:needpics:needpics:needpics:needpics:need pics

What made this thread possible was the fact that I ordered the wrong wiper (OEM) insert for the wiper blade frame (Bosch) that was installed on the car but what make things not so wrong was that when I removed the wiper blade frame I found that the wiper frame was bent and slightly twisted (See Pic). If I had removed the wiper blade frame and checked things out before hand then I would NOT have bought the wiper inserts in the first place.

I replaced the entire wiper blade assembly with BWM Part# 61-61-9-070-579 and now have two inserts still in the plastic bags to use next time.

:needpics:needpics

Yeah, yeah...I KNOW! At the time I was still a NOOB so you'll have to cut me some slack dude. :lol I promise to add pix the next time I do the task or you can close you eyes and visualize the procedure in your mind. Use that power to create the images...yes, you can see it now. :think::rofl:

12CoolDude, thanks for posting but I had some problems, I made two mistakes that I'd like to bring forward so others don't make the same mistakes when buying the parts.

If you bought your car used like I did you may want to confirm if you have the original BMW wiper blade assembly, or Bosch or something else before buying the wiper blade inserts. The wiper inserts are different and in my estimation they are not compatible so it is best you order the correct wiper insert the first time. When you search against part number 61618217711 at most online parts suppliers they will usually show two or three wiper inserts. In my opinion the Bosch insert is made for the Bosch wiper blade assembly but there is another type that closely resembles the original BMW insert and is a direct replacement.

The difference between the inserts is in the design of the wiper blade stiffeners. The original BMW wiper blade has two thin metal stiffeners running along both sides of the wiper insert while the Bosch design has only one thick stiffner running along the top of the wiper insert (see the pics). Essentially if you don't have the correct stiffner(s) the wiper insert will not work out. So it is a good idea to check out the stiffners and the corresponding channels in the wiper insert where the stiffners are to be installed before ordering.
My apologies as I was new to the game at the time and had ordered my part based on the part number from RealOEM.com using my VIN. My car is used as well but I hadn't thought about the fact that someone could have previously changed out the entire assembly. :help

What made this thread possible was the fact that I ordered the wrong wiper (OEM) insert for the wiper blade frame (Bosch) that was installed on the car but what make things not so wrong was that when I removed the wiper blade frame I found that the wiper frame was bent and slightly twisted (See Pic). If I had removed the wiper blade frame and checked things out before hand then I would NOT have bought the wiper inserts in the first place.

I replaced the entire wiper blade assembly with BWM Part# 61-61-9-070-579 and now have two inserts still in the plastic bags to use next time.
Glad you were successful in spite of the missing instructions. Thanks for adding your experience. That's what make this board great...:D

Thanks for this thread. I replaced my wiper inserts this weekend, and yes it was a PITA. Some edits to your original post:

I bought the exact same replacements, same part number, from BavAuto. Two big differences:

1. They were the exact same length
2. The both had on one end a solid rubber tip -- in other words, the slots on the sides ended.

This meant I couldn't thread the driver side one, b/c the end would fit. Had to squeeze it into each little holding pin one at a time, time consuming.

The pass side was easier, since I had to cut that one anyway, so cut off the solid tip, that one I could thread.

Glad it's done, but it took too long. I'm not surprised a lot of guys replace the whole assembly, but I wasn't going to waste the $60 some odd bucks I was quoted by BavAuto.

FWIW It seems that the inserts can be had at dealers for anywhere from $4 to $6. I have even been comped a set. The ones I get from them are long enough for the long wiper and have groves that allow the stiffiners to be snapped off at the right length for the shorter one.

Also a Note that using inserts made for other wipers is a problem as the geometry of the insert makes them a very tight fit.

FWIW It seems that the inserts can be had at dealers for anywhere from $4 to $6. I have even been comped a set. The ones I get from them are long enough for the long wiper and have groves that allow the stiffiners to be snapped off at the right length for the shorter one.

Also a Note that using inserts made for other wipers is a problem as the geometry of the insert makes them a very tight fit.


Agreed. OEM is the only way to go. I got mine at the dealership for $4.50 each.

Note -- the Bavauto ones are OEM.

Note -- the Bavauto ones are OEM.
Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. Bavauto.com doesn't commit to OE or any particular brand. I know this because I asked, and was told:

We don’t list brand names on the majority of our items, because availability from our suppliers varies and brand names on items can vary.This is why I use BimmerSpecialist.com (http://www.bimmerspecialist.com/usa/parts/index/bmw).