Hi guys,
i was just wondering about the origins/advantages of clap-hand windscreen wipers. its been raining a lot here this last week, and i just got thinking..
my w114 has them, i dont think subsequent models had them when the w123 was introduced. were they fitted to across the MB line up of the 50s-70s?
do they clear more of the screen than the traditional sweep wipers?
i've noticed that they are being fitted to some new model cars here from Peugeot and SEAT, with the wiper arms fully concealed in the A-pillars, for pedestrian safety, when not in use.
on a similar note, im pretty sure some of the more recent MBs employed a single wiper with an elliptical movement.

praying for dry weather,
Tony

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'82 W123 280E

Tony,

What is a clap-hand wiper? The w201 (190e, 84-94 or so) models have a single wiper on a cam gear-it covers a very large portion of the windscreen.


cheers,
dan r.

The wipers that fold together in the center, and when activated sweep towards the outside edge of the windshield/screen.

Fold your arms in front of you, and then without moving your upper arms, point your lower arms towards the ceiling, and then back to the folded position.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Rainy season up ther in Ireland? With center folding clappers i think you get a larger overlap covered by both blades twice each stroke - but not superior performance to regular parallel blades and not quite covering the same size area. Unfortunately dumping water downward against wind resistance instead of to the side that makes more sense. I've seen em get tired on the downstroke fighting wind resistance at 70mph. Aerodynamics is the factor, and does wind resistance hitting the screen actually lift the blades off the glass?

Dan R
yea ive seen that cam gear wipe on the W201, and if im not mistaken the W124 as well - is it a unique wipe pattern? dont know of other manufacturers who use the same method

Dog
Rain? here in Ireland? ah Jaysus no, 'tis the mist that falls softly on this emerald isle. ive had my 230 upto 95 on the motorway and no lift at all on the blades. As for the drag factor on a W114, i would say they're not the most aerodynamic bus

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'82 W123 280E

The best thing about the older style wipers is that in the overlapped rest mode, both blades are on the flattest part of the glass. This means that the rubber for the right wiper does not have to try to conform to a highly curved surface the whole time it sits and waits for use. Around here you almost need to buy a new right blade for these new style wipers every time it rains. I'll take the "clap hands" any day!!!

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1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150