First Service Lesson Learned

[still-one]

Earlier this week I took my '11 LR4 in for the 15k or 1 year service. The dealer I purchased from provides the first service as a complimentary benefit. The write-up advisor asked if there was anything else I wanted done, I thought since I was there I I would have them replace a three wiper blades. I was shocked to find out they charged me $168 for the blades.

That will be the last time they perform that task. Is there anyone who has a suggestion for proper replacement blades that work well in a snowy climate that are reasonably priced.

Jim

 

[Finlayforprez]

Earlier this week I took my '11 LR4 in for the 15k or 1 year service. The dealer I purchased from provides the first service as a complimentary benefit. The write-up advisor asked if there was anything else I wanted done, I thought since I was there I I would have them replace a three wiper blades. I was shocked to find out they charged me $173 for the blades.

That will be the last time they perform that task. Is there anyone who has a suggestion for proper replacement blades that work well in a snowy climate that are reasonably priced.

Jim

I installed the Bosch ones and they work really well. I think I bought the ICON blades and they were reasonable. Here is a link:

http://www.boschautoparts.com/WiperBlades/Pages/WiperBlades.aspx

However, here in Northern California we only get rain for part of the year, so I am not sure how they would be for snow. Maybe others have some suggestions.

That's a rip off for wiper blades! They are easy to change yourself. I would definitely avoid the dealership for that stuff if you can.

Good luck!

 

[baobay]

I have tried BOSCH on my other cars and was very happy.

 

[still-one]

I will keep the Bosch in mind. Thanks!!

 

[crewcabrob]

I would also vote for Bosch. I have been using them since the late 80s and have never been dissapointed with thier performance.

That seems like about $100 too much for the blade replacement. The best Bosch blades will set you back less than $60 for all three.

Rob

 

[CMGRover]

Michelin ones are nice too. Mine are over a year old and still work great! Proline from pep boys are good too....

 

[rainmn]

PIAA wiper blades are also some of the best you can buy.

 

[EIGHTLUG]

The Bosch blades are great. Also in a snowy climate I also treated the windshield and back glass with RainX to help the snow/sleet slip off easier.

 

[Count Laszlo]

Was it the entire wiper assembly or just the rubber blade inserts? Although I think the price is high, if it was the entire blade replaced, the OE ones are pretty massive and well constructed, I could see all three retailing for about $75 bucks or so. I know full blade replacement at BMW, just the front without install were over $60 bucks, and that was on a 2005. I would say labor is 20 min, if taking a careful approach, and I think LR, as well as other dealers, charge in 15 minute increments. Gotta add sales tax too, here in SF it's 9.5%, so it just adds up. I personally think Bosche is crap, made in China now, not Germany like they used to be. They just don't last.

 

[goblue95]

I agree w/ Eightlug, actually just ordered Bosch Icon wipers for my new '11 LR4 (wasn't thrilled with the performance of the OEM blades, they seemed to be a little streaky), I've been putting the Bosch blades on all of my cars for the past few years, and have been very satisfied with their performance. I paid under $40 on Amazon for the two front wipers. Didn't touch the rear wiper, although I find the rear wipers usually last 2-3 years on SUVs since they aren't used as much. I also treat all the windows with Rain-X every month or two.