Well, with the joyous weather we've been having here in Pittsburgh (snow or freezing rain for 11 of past 12 days; total of 11" so far), I decided to replace the stock wiper blades with winters. Stock blades were fine so long as were above freezing; below there, ice/snow would jam in the ribs and pull the rubber blade off the glass surface in large swatches.<p>Called the dealer; they didn't have any winter blades. Then went on a search in all local auto parts stores. Finally found a set; they're Anco model 30-20 (cost about $18 for a pair). Went on fine (more late) and seem as if they'll work great in bad weather (Armor-Alled them for added protection - I hope). Checked archives; wasn't much, but some mentioned a VW blade; part no. P/N - ZVP-167-105 apparently made by Bosch.<p>Re more later: When I pulled off the old blade on the driver's side, I let it slip out of my hand (20 Deg temp prob. helped) - arm hit windshield and cracked it. Now, have to worry about getting the windshield replaced. By coincidence, the Porsche 993 in the garage also needs a windshield (due to rock hit - a $700-$1000 bill for me due to ins. deductible).<p>Ah, the joys of winter!

Ray,<p>Don't feel bad...there have been others on the forum that have done the same thing trying to replace the wiper blades...guess there's lots of tension there, huh?<br>If you think of it later, post the replacement cost for the windshield--thinking about switching around my auto insurance, and it would be helpful in considering the level of deductible.<p>A few weeks ago, I noticed that many of the vehicles up on Mt. Rainier were left with their wipers pulled up to avoid freezing to the windshield (another possible solution).<p>Rich<br>'98 2.8Q sport

Some people have reported as low as $250 or so. You should be able to find even the factory glass for around $300 or so. Probably higher if the glass is ordered directly from an Audi dealer, or if you go through them for replacement.

Go to your VW dealer. Your Audi dealer should be able to obtain these also! The P/N I listed is on my invoice!<p><p>I had these on my '94 GTI and purchased another set during Sept. But still put the old pair on and they are working great after using them 4 winters. These are 18" blades. The passenger side dosen't touch the glas on the outer tip by about 1.5 inch. when parked. Other than that they wipe just fine. Yes they aren't curved and have areodynamics like the stock one, but work to the point that you will see where you are going during heavy snow/ice/sleet, etc. They may give bad wipping at +100 mph!!! I live in N.E. Pa an couldn't live without these! I have tried Anco's and they never wiped too well in the center of the windshield that I removed them immediately.<p>Sorry to here about the windshield. Make sure you tell the installer to look at the glass for distortion before installation or you will be going through the installation process again!