Wiper Blades...$$$$?!

[71Beige280SL]

I went to my local Mercedes dealer to pick up my new keys and the locking gas cap (looks great by the way). While I was there, I looked into getting new wiper blades. I know the gas cap was expensive but, with the one key for all and the aesthetic quality, I was willing to fork out the money. Having said that, the gentleman behind the counter quoted me $36 per wiper blade...$72 for both. That is pretty steep for 26 inches of rubber. Does anyone have another source?

[Raymond]

Was that just for the refill, or the whole blade? 

Nobody seems to sell just the refill rubber anymore, they make more money on the whole blade assembly. I used to be able to buy refills for $6 a pair. So, for refills I just buy the shortest Anco blades I can find remove the rubber and shorten them.  The rubber is stiffened by a metal strip on each side.  I took them out, and cut them to the length of the blade.  Then cut the rubber to be just a hair longer, and insert them in the original blade.  Next time, I just remove the rubber and re-use the metal strips.  You wind up discarding the metal blade assembly, but i toss it in with the metal for recycling.  It works out to about $16 for both. 

[71Beige280SL]

Thanks Ray. I think your correct, the price includes the whole assembly. They are also being shipped from Germany.

[badali]

Were the blades black or chrome finish?

[71Beige280SL]

Not sure to be honest. My blade assembly looks like it's aluminum. Light weight and no chrome shine.

[Benz Dr.]

Most likely to be stainless steel.