W210 E320 windscreen wiper questions

[Fat Freddie]

Sorry to ask another stupid question but is the windscreen wiper arm supposed to bend right back like it does on most other cars on a '96 E class?
I was trying to clean the wiper blade and felt so much resistance that I only managed to lift the arm a few inches off the screen for fear of breaking what looks like a very complicated bit of kit.
Also what's the recommendation for wiper blades on these cars? I usually go for Bosch but are the newer flat/flexi blades any good on them?

Thanks.

 

[renault12ts]

It lifts to about 30 degrees and locks in place. It makes an awful noise, especially when you push it back down...but that's normal.

 

[Fat Freddie]

Cheers, I'm glad I didn't just try to bend it all the way back.