[87path]

I'm having a hard time pulling back my wiper blade on my 2002 e320. Manual shows that it should pull back like any car. However, when I try it, it feels like I am really fighting the springs in the arm and would have to use a good chunk of force. So far, I've just pulled it a quarter of the way and carefully turn the blade over while holding the arm up to look at it. It's quite a chore and not as easy as my toyotas. Maybe I'm just being too ginger.

Also, I notice there is this little square shaped hinge between the two springs under the arm that just moves up or down when I move the blade out of it's way. Any clue what this is or what position it should be in? I hope I didn't do anything to it.

Thanks!

 

[87path]

Got one part figured out. A discussion on wipers on mercedesshop.com says there is a spring detent that is there to allow you to prop up wiper blade from window when cleaning window at gas stations, etc. This must be the hinge that I'm wondering about. They also said to put a little grease on it as it can become stiff and make it hard to pull back the wiper arm as blade it pushed towards the window. Sounds like what happened to me. Still heistant to pull the blade all the way back against the force of the springs.

 

[Check Codes]

Hey, 87. YIKES! It is indeed NOT like a Toyota or Honda, it doesn't come to a 90 degree angle to the windshield. The arm only comes up a little bit, just enough to (1) hold it out of the way when you're cleaning the windshield and (2) change the blade. If you pulled it past that quarter you're referring to, that's too far. FWIW, your Benz is different from those cars in many, many other respects as well, please don't approach it in a like manner.

I'm not sure about the hinge you're referring to, it may be the mechanism that moves the blade up and down as it sweeps left to right.

Did you damage it? Only one way to know, spray some water on the windshield and turn it on. If it jumps, skips or is noisy, you'll have to replace it.

Good luck and enjoy the ride,
Greg

 

[87path]

Thanks, I did test it and it works fine. I didn't pull the blade very far back at all. Never like to force things. I did think I did something wrong when the "spring detent" made a lound sound and finally moved a little and allowed the blade to pull back at least a little bit above the window. Are those hinges mentioned in the manual anywhere? I was dumbfounded when I looked it over as it didn't seem to provide any functionality at all. Now I know and it will come in handy when washing the window. I'll just be sure to put a little grease on it now.

 

[Check Codes]

Whew!! I thought you'd hauled away on it the way you were describing it, glad you didn't. It only comes up a bit, then the click, which holds it barely off the glass. That's normal, so it sounds like you're good to go.

I haven't thought about lubricating that mechanism, maybe some spray silicone would work well in there. Hmmm. That must be one of the items the stealership includes in the $350 "B" Service. []

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

 

[fju2112]

do i have to buy an OEM wiper blade insert to get a new wiper blade, or can i buy any wiper blade to replace the wiper blade i currently have? I think it's starting to go, and my friend, who has a bmw 330xi (i know, completely different car) had to buy just the blade insert; he tried a pepboys wiper blade from an aftermarket manufacturer and it didn't work at all. FYI mine is an E430 with a single blade (not sure if all w210's have the one blade system).

 

[87path]

OEM is basically Bosch brand wiper inserts. The exact size is @ $15 at autohausaz.com. I've read on this forum somwhere that auto stores have a Bosch wiper insert that is very close in size to OEM, can't remember which size though, but its one of the larger ones and pretty much the same price as OEM at autohausaz.com. Dealerships charge close to $30, I believe.

 

[fju2112]

thanks for the info 87.

why are the inserts so expensive...?

so instead of buying a whole new blade, the proper thing to do would be to buy just the insert...i haven't tried putting one in...is it a pain?

 

[xlimodriver]

I bought one at the dealers 2 years ago and if I remember it was only $11 Cdn. To install, just slide it into the groove and pinch the clips on the ends to hold it on. They don't like being frozen to the windshield so if there is any frost on the car I pour some warm water on it to release it.