I was curious if MB still sells the original design type of wiper blades. The short answer is "no" ... so the new blades have arrived and I test fitted them today. They are made by SWF when sourced from MB. I'm documenting the differences between the wiper blade designs.



Observations:

1. The holders on the new wipers made by SWF (sourced from the dealer) are placed differently compared to the originals and compared to the Bosch aftermarket MicroEdge wipers. The original has one large holder, and two mini holders. Both the Bosch and SWF non-originals have two large holders and two mini holders. The mini holders on the SWF and original MB blade are larger than the mini holders in the Bosch MicroEdge blade.

MB sourced SWF new wiper on top, Bosch MicroEdge in the middle and original MB (made by Bosch) at the bottom. Notice the two top wipers have thin blades, and the bottom has a significantly thicker rubber blade. Note observations mentioned above:



2. Bosch MicroEdge aftermarket (apparently 20" but is actually 19.5") is the shortest, SWF and original MB have nearly identical lengths. Bosch MicroEdge and original MB have a wide frame when seen on top, while SWF has a narrow profile.



Note differences in wiper blade clip:


3. Original MB blade is thick and "tall" compared to others. Blade has two narrow strips of metal on each side that is flexible. The Bosch MicroEdge, in contrast, has a thick metal inserted into the wiper blade, which is "shorter" than the original MB blade. The SWF, on the other hand, has the same size blade as the Bosch MicroEdge but has the thin metal strips on each side. The Bosch MicroEdge is the hardest to compress, next is SWF and easiest is original MB (probably due to age, and usage of thinner metal strips).

Original MB:


Bosch MicroEdge:


SWF from MB:


4. Original MB curves best on front passenger side of the windshield. The mini holder is placed away from section of blade that bends, giving better grip. SWF and Bosch MicroEdge both lift up from the glass on the last 1/2 to 1 inch. SWF being longer, it provides better swipe. Bosch MicroEdge seems to be the blade that stays straight the most out of the three.

Original MB:


Bosch MicroEdge:


SWF:


Original MB:


Bosch MicroEdge:


SWF:


Both the Bosch MicroEdge and SWF have a little section of the blade lift up from the glass:


But the original MB grabs pretty well:

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