If your wiper blades are worn out on your B6 or B7 Audi A4, S4, or RS4 (2002-2008 model years), then this post has exactly what you need to replace them. The dealer will charge around $35 per blade for a replacement, but the savvy consumer can buy them much cheaper on the internet and install themselves for less than the cost of the parts from the dealer – thank you, internet!
First, you’ll need to order the parts. While only one blade may be more noticeably worn out than the other, it makes sense to replace both at the same time as the other one is probably not far behind it, although feel free to order only one at a time. You can choose either Bosch or Valeo blades, they both have connectors for the Audi blade system and will work just fine – I prefer the Bosch since they make OEM Audi parts, and just so happen to be cheaper in this case too. You can check out the links to buy below:
Bosch 22″ Set of 2:
Valeo – 22″ (L) and 23″ (R) – on some B7s they have a slightly longer 23″ blade on the drivers side and a 22″ on the passenger side, although you can just buy two 22″s like the Bosch kit above if you prefer:
I also recommend picking up a bottle of Rain-X, as this stuff is liquid gold – it will make the water roll of your windshield to the point where you might not even need windshield wipers most of the time (a lot of race cars just go for Rain-X and delete the windshield wipers entirely for aero & weight savings benefits), plus it will help your wiper blades last longer by reducing friction against the glass. A bottle is cheap and can be picked up at any auto parts store, or of course Amazon carries it too:
How to Install New Wiper Blades
Once the parts come in, it’s time to install your new wiper blades on your B6 or B7 Audi A4/S4/RS4 – fear not, this is pretty simple and can be done with no special tools. As the image above from the Owner’s Manual shows, just slide off the retaining piece by pulling back on it, then the OEM blade falls right off. If you buy the Bosch wiper blades you won’t be reusing this piece, so set it aside in case you ever need it in the future, or if you use the Valeo then hold on to it and reuse it. The new blades insert in the same fashion following the instructions on the box – in the case of the Bosch blades you just push two tabs in and the “door” shuts to lock them in – all set!
When done, feel free to give your car a good wash like I did, and enjoy your hard work.
the bosch link for amazon is also the valeo
Thanks for catching that, it is now fixed in the post 🙂
Thanks for the TIMELY post, Nick!! Just so happens that I need a new pair… Cheers.
Haha nice, glad to hear!
Hey Nick, got a question, only thos wiper blades can fit the A4 B7 model? does the conventional type work?
The connector is different, so you’d need an adapter. It’s probably just easiest to run these, but where theres a will, theres a way.
what are the links? they are missing in the blog
Hi Adam – they are showing for me, can you check again? If not, here they are in simple format:
* Bosch Set of 2: http://amzn.to/1Tb9qBN
* Valeo (L): http://amzn.to/1s6DWpu
* Valeo (R): http://amzn.to/1s6DZla
You mentioned rain-x. I’ve switched over to Aquapel. It lasts much longer. The other problem with rain-x is that if you try to get a windshield chip filled the rain-x prevents a solid bond. The windshield repair guy I recommend to my auto insurance clients says that Aquapel does not have the same bonding issue.
I am a new B7 Avant owner and really appreciate all your passion and knowledge–it has helped me to figure out what upgrades are worth it, and if so, how hard it might be for me vs professional with tools!
My pleasure, happy to help!
Gorgeous A4 Nick!
Just an FYI:
From experience; Not all B6 A4 have this type of wiper fitting. Early 2004 models have a push to release clip version that wont fit most aftermarket wipers.
Be sure to get the right ones. Otherwise you can buy new arms and this type of blade but its way more expensive the first time around. Approx $130 to convert.
Ouch! Good to know.