R129 headlight wipers - may have found a source!

[Lxb3]

If anyone is looking for new wiper blades for their R129, have a look at this... The early Range Rover L322 headlight wipers look identical, same mounting pin and (I think) same length. Plus the motor Land Rover used is a Bosch unit, so I think it's a common component. Have a look at Land Rover part DKC000070. I might buy one to check it fits, but it looks pretty damn close!

 

[R129mine]

I have a few spare in my garage but will run out soon. Did not know they were hard to find. May as well purchase a job lot for next 30 years and eBay if I ever sell the car.

 

[Doodle]

Not hard to find, just another casualty of MB's rapacious price gouging.

Might as well your own replacement inserts by cutting down a standard wiper blade refill. ISTR the rubber inserts from certain Saabs are also suitable.

 

[Dougcsv]

If anyone is looking for new wiper blades for their R129, have a look at this... The early Range Rover L322 headlight wipers look identical, same mounting pin and (I think) same length. Plus the motor Land Rover used is a Bosch unit, so I think it's a common component. Have a look at Land Rover part DKC000070. I might buy one to check it fits, but it looks pretty damn close!

Hi Did you try that blade ?? I need to get a couple as mine have seen better days and be handy to know - TIA

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

Hi Did you try that blade ?? I need to get a couple as mine have seen better days and be handy to know - TIA

I cut a decent blade to the correct size and fitted it to the arm.
Just remember that one end of the arm is plastic, just gently crimp the metal fixing end.

“Yours“ now in need of an arm

have heard it mentioned that Volvo parts may be the same too, though haven’t looked.

 

[Dougcsv]

I cut a decent blade to the correct size and fitted it to the arm.
Just remember that one end of the arm is plastic, just gently crimp the metal fixing end.

“Yours“ now in need of an arm

have heard it mentioned that Volvo parts may be the same too, though haven’t looked.

HaHa - Unfortunately I just did that before I posted - thought I was being so clever - got a spare blade I had in the shed carefully cut it to length popped it in and nipped up one end ....then thought I'll better nip up the other...snap - what a xxxx

If I find an alternate I'll post it up.

Cheers...

 

[optimusprime]

Is it not possible to fit new rubber blades in to the old holders . Thats what i do

 

[Dougcsv]

Is it not possible to fit new rubber blades in to the old holders . Thats what i do

Yes it is - it's just I stupidly tried to nip up both ends and so snapped the casting on the 'thick' end. Also the blade I used has two narrow strips of spring steel and I was worried one would dislodge and scratch the headlight. Maybe I needed to be more selective on the blade....

 

[Havanaman]

Hi Guys. I recently replaced the R129 headlamp blades with Bosch Rear wiper blade and arm H801 (260mm/10"), costing about £9. Ridiculous prices at the usual suspects.
(Take the opportunity of removing the wiper arms to derust, red oxide, prime and matt black paint).
When cut to size provides two blades. Remove the alternative blade from the arm. Then take off the two stainless steel stiffeners from the sides of the blade. Cut the rubber blade square to equal lengths with a sharp blade. You may have about 6mm excess if using original Mercedes blade as a pattern.
Next cut all the SS metal stiffeners midpoint to same length as the rubber wiper blade using a sharp junior hacksaw or high speed metal cutting disk. Deburr the cut ends.
Note that the SS stiffeners have a register/slot at one end and this must inserted into the rubber blade slot at the closed end of the blade.
Pre-prepare the METAL end of the wiper arm to receive the wiper blade by carefully opening the 'claw' if need be. Offer it up first to see if it's necessary to open the claw. A dab of washing up liquid on the blade will also help to insert it if tight. You don't want to risk the crimp end breaking
Insert the wiper blade from the plastic end of the arm, keeping the SS stiffeners in place with fingers the plain stiffener ends into the metal 'claw' and gently crimp using non serrated long nose pliers.
DO NOT TRY TO CRIMP THE PLASTIC END OF WIPER ARM, IT WILL SNAP OFF AS OTHER WRITERS HAVE INDICATED!!
A small dab of superglue under the blade to the plastic end of the arm and on the sides will ensure the SS stiffeners don't pop out or the blade end to flop around.
Replace the wiper arm in the correct starting position on the headlight and don't over torque the 10mm retaining nut. Swing the plastic nut cover back into position.