BMW Wiper Blade Set - Genuine BMW 61612458347

I purchased these BMW Original Equipment wiper blades in 2020 for my 2001 BMW 325Ci (E46). Although they are sold under a BMW part number and described as OEM replacements, they are frameless/beam-style blades, not the conventional framed design the E46 originally came with. Notably, BMW’s own parts explosion diagrams for the E46 show the original conventional metal-frame blades with a separate driver-side spoiler, not a frameless design. The blades supplied today under this part number do not match that original architecture. With the original framed blades, replacing just the rubber insert is relatively easy and inexpensive. With these frameless BMW blades, that option is gone, and the blades had to be fully replaced in under two years. Performance issues: • Noticeable chatter and noise during wiping, particularly in light rain. These blades have a pre-curved beam profile, whereas the original factory blades used a metal frame with a separate driver-side spoiler. • Uneven wiping, especially noticeable in light rain. • Poor conformity to the windshield curvature. The original E46 windshield (factory glass) is relatively flat, and this modified frameless structure does not maintain even pressure. It will wipe the windshield, but with significantly more noise and less consistent cleaning. • Inferior performance compared to the original factory-style conventional framed blades with a spoiler. The E46 was engineered for conventional metal-frame wiper blades with a separate driver-side spoiler and a replaceable rubber insert. These BMW-branded frameless blades appear to be a modern substitution, not a true like-for-like replacement for the original design. I recently purchased Valeo conventional framed replacement blades from FCP Euro, which visually match the original factory setup. Valeo is a major European OEM manufacturer, and these blades have the correct architecture. The blades currently on my car appear to be of this style as well (branding is not visible). The rubber inserts on these framed blades can be removed and replaced; however, they use a ~6.5 mm spline, while most aftermarket refills are 6.0 mm, making proper replacements difficult to source. Bottom line: Despite being sold as BMW OEM parts, these frameless blades are a downgrade for the E46. Owners seeking quiet, consistent wiping should look for conventional framed blades, not beam-style substitutes.

Wipers should all perform like these OEM blades. The fit well, look good and are super quiet.

Those windshield wipers cost every penny paid, smooth and quiet.

Excellent Product

Came in BMW Sealed Boxes - Perfect Fit.

I can see clearly now the rain has gone

Installing the blades were a breeze and operates perfectly. Can't beat the quality and value

Nothing better than a new set of wiper blades, these work great, and the lifetime warranty makes it worth it

Just like new. Perfect fit for 2003 330xi

I had never switched out windshield wipers on a car before so I looked up YouTube. They ended up confusing me a bit so I turned to the photographic depiction on the back of the wiper box. Much easier to understand and it was smooth sailing to get them on after that. I have a 2000 328i and these fit perfectly.