Winter Wipers
 

This has been asked before for prior years but what is the best, or best option, for a winter wiper in the snow belt, especially noting possible technological advances for 2014? I don't think model makes a difference but if it does then I need to get more specific.
Thanks.

I've never sought out a winter wiper, just bought good wipers from the jump. I have been buying them from the dealer, reasonably priced, always fit, and perform great.

X2
 

Yep get them (it) from the dealer.

Until recently
 

I have always sought out booted winter blades. Since the open frame is covered they do not clog with snow and ice and work very well. In recent years however the "beam" type blades have become widely available in all sizes and also offer the non-clog feature since they do not have an open frame.

There is nothing special about MB wiper blades or their attachment mechanism. I source mine from any auto parts store (or WALMART) and suggest you do the same. If it is important, any auto store stocks Bosch blades.

I've always used the Trico Neoform "beam" type blades. I change mine every 6-12 months or something. No issues in the winter. You could pop the blade up and away from the windshield when you park to prevent it from getting frozen/snowed on during the day. I noticed a lot of people do that up here at work (Cleveland)

On some models there is enough of a difference that universal blades won't work.

I got an Anco for my 97 SL320 that had the following problems:

The attaching point wasn't in the correct place causing the outer edge of the blade to contact the a pillars.

The attaching clip was designed for a "Shepard's Crook" with a hole in the end for locking, the OE MB arm didn't have this hole. Had it been used it would have flown off. The correct blade from the dealer with a nifty locking clip was ~ $ 28 , universal was ~ $ 25.

On the 97 C280 , Aftermarket was $ 25 , dealer was $ 18.