LOVE my mono wipers....why discontinued? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #16 08-24-2010, 11:04 PM

I have always thought the 126 should be a single wiper system, it very nearly is, the passenger side wiper covers such a small swipe that I doubt anyone would miss it if it was not there. the driver's wiper has SUCH a huge swipe, and it works so well, I totally see where the 124's system was derived. a smaller windshield, so that small amount the 126 wiper missed is removed from the car! I've not driven my 124 in the rain much yet, and my wiper has the wrong blade on it, so it's bound in the corner. I'll have a verdict on the mono/double of my own.

bobodaclown · #17 08-24-2010, 11:22 PM

Hmmm.. Single point failure come to mind. But I really like my W124 wiper. Reminds me of a couple size "A"s at the base of the wipe.

pawoSD · #18 08-25-2010, 12:12 AM

The W126 wiper is superior if not for the sole reason that it "disappers" off the window when not in use. I hate seeing the wiper sit up on the window within my field of view. One of my main issues with the monowiper. (and the W123 wipers, which are antique) I'd prefer a UK configured monowiper that parks on the passenger side. And on high the W126 wiper is faster and effectively clears more water off the window than a monowiper can, I've driven both through torrential rains, and I vote for the W126 wiper.

MBeige · #19 08-25-2010, 12:51 AM

Mercedes has always had variations when it comes to wiper designs. The old ones that rest in the center are classic, and are used in today's Civics (among other cars). The W116/W126/W107 wipers are what probably inspired the monowiper as somebody mentioned. The W123 combined with the W124/W201/W202/W210 monowiper designs inspired the later wiper design that rotates as it wipes to gain more surface area cleared (can't think of the correct word now). Yet in this design there are two wipers too.

The monowiper failed on the 300TE and it just stopped extending/retracting. It basically wipes left and right so we installed a smaller blade so the wiper clears the windscreen.

How does the early W201 monowiper look like?

compu_85 · #20 08-25-2010, 01:29 AM

The early 190 is like an early VW Scirocco, a single blade that makes an even swipe across the glass, there is no fancy extension / retraction mechanism.

After driving my W126 in some heavy downpours I really appreciate the attention to detail with the water management. Like how the passenger side wiper doesn't splash in my field of view. Like how the drip moldings around the windshield keep the rain water off the side windows. Like how the drip moldings around the side mirrors keeps water off of the mirrors. How the arc of both wiper blades is exactly correct so there isn't a blob of water left at the top to drip back down once the wipers park.

My only misgiving is that you have to take your hand off the steering wheel to turn on the wipers.

-Jason

mplafleur · #21 08-25-2010, 04:20 AM

I loved the monowiper on my 190's. I had to work on them a few times before, but not much trouble.

Lubricate them with AFT and you'll never have a problem.

cirrusman · #22 08-25-2010, 09:56 AM

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised when I bought my W126 and switched the wipers for the first time. I thought "huh, that's pretty cool!" Which is what my friends say when they ride in the rain with me

I like it a lot...

jcyuhn · #23 08-25-2010, 09:59 AM

You used to see plenty of complaints that the monowiper couldn't keep up in heavy rain - it didn't clear the windshield nearly as well as a conventional setup. Also, the monowiper does not do as good a job of clearing the windshield in front of the driver - it leaves the upper corner unswept. But it does a better job clearing way over on the passenger side. I don't think this is a good tradeoff. So maybe it was a customer satisfaction issue? Possibly even regulatory in some markets?

Or maybe the stylists dictated that it go away. The monowiper didn't hide when parked, unlike conventional wipers. For that matter, maybe the aerodynamics are so finely tuned that hidden wipers are now a necessity.

I liked the monowiper - but mostly because it was unique, not because it seemed to work any better. As I've postulated before, I think it was mostly a cost cutting measure by Benz. The monowiper permits the same setup to be used on both LHD and RHD cars - just set which side the blade parks on. A conventional setup is completely different between LHD and RHD cars - more different parts, more expense.

babymog · #24 08-25-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

And on high the W126 wiper is faster and effectively clears more water off the window than a monowiper can, I've driven both through torrential rains, and I vote for the W126 wiper.

You need to service your monowiper, it is amazing when it is running at the original speed.

Yes, the '75 Scirocco had a simple monowiper, back in the '70s they used to park them in the center for racing. Currently lots of VW guys like to buy a monowiper kit for late-model cars, just for looks.

I'll take the mono over any other design I've had, except for the fact that it wasn't hidden under the cowl. Aerodynamically it must not have hurt the car much, IIRC the Cd on the W124 is .31?

Also, it does NOT miss the driver's corner, if you install an original blade, but with the Rain-X, Bosch ICON, and some other not-very-flexible wipers it doesn't flex enough to hit that corner both directions, BTDT.

LUVMBDiesels · #25 08-25-2010, 11:41 AM

Here I always thought it was the shape of the windshield that determined which wiper system they used.
Wide low screen double wipers
narrower taller screen mono

I love the wipers in the 300SDL. They are the best ones I have ever had.

I do love the really old school park in the center wipers though.
I had them on my '57 and they were only one speed - s l o w!

Pretty useless in the rain but fun to watch.

shertex · #26 08-25-2010, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Also, it does NOT miss the driver's corner, if you install an original blade, but with the Rain-X, Bosch ICON, and some other not-very-flexible wipers it doesn't flex enough to hit that corner both directions, BTDT.

Definitely. Very important to use exact OEM blade (not simply one that the parts guy says "fits"). Only then can you experience the sheer joy of the mono wiper.

Oldwolf · #27 08-25-2010, 11:59 AM

I like my Monowiper too. But do you guys think they wear out the blade faster? Seems like I need two blades a year on mine. I use the Bosch Microedge III.

shertex · #28 08-25-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldwolf

I like my Monowiper too. But do you guys think they wear out the blade faster? Seems like I need two blades a year on mine. I use the Bosch Microedge III.

I get much more than that. The Bosch part number for the OEM blade is 3 397 012 091. Maybe try that one instead.

babymog · #29 08-25-2010, 12:17 PM

Mine last around 2 years in the rain-snow capitol of the world (E. shore of Lake Michigan). I replace them when they start to get stiff and chatter.

bobodaclown · #30 08-25-2010, 01:21 PM

Funny you mention replacement. Here in Fl I replace about every 6 -9 months. But the price for one 24 inch (i think that's the size) is the same price as 18 and 14 inch ones. I consider it saving since I only have to buy 1. I didn't notice the difference between the $10 wiper blade and $20 wiper blade. I'll pocket the extra $10.