CVT Cooper: Inital Impression: Update: Cracked Windshield: Update:

[Bill Sz.]

Let me give a brief update of the cracked windshield saga:

FIRST: It looks like it will probably be three (3) weeks before a replacement windshield is available here in California. Hmmm ... makes you wonder? You would think that when a new product like this launched that some provision is made, either on a regional or state basis, for having a stock of the most commonly used replacement parts available in a reasonable amount of time. 3 weeks is not reasonable. It is not the dealer's fault, and no one can expect the dealer to have every Mini part in stock. But, someone in Oxford or Munich, should have thought, "What do we do if a windshield or key mechanical part fails (for whatever reason)?" I guess the response is, "Just tell the customer to wait, because all the parts are presently being used at the factory." (Essentially, that is what I was told.) We didn't think that the crack would be any big deal (other than the surprise of seeing it). However, as you may expected, the crack grew to just about 6" in several days. Not good! At that rate, by the end of the week it would have been all the way up to the top of the windshield and it would have definitely impaired the driver's vision. Besides the potential safety issues, (weakened glass, air-bags, etc., etc.,) it would also be a violation of the California Vehicle Code to drive the car, in the event the crack continued. So ... something had to be done, and quick.

SECOND: Even though I was told by the assistant service manager and service writer at the dealer that the crack could not be fixed (at least on a temporary basis until the replacement windshield arrived), yesterday I went ahead and took the CVT Cooper to a local company that specializes in repairing cracked windshields. Guess what? It could be fixed, but I was just plain lucky that I brought it in when I did. If the crack had gotten any bigger, (and believe me it was growing) then the repair would not have been possible. An hour and $85.00 later, the cracked was fixed (you can still see it ... barely ... but at least it will allow the car to be driveable (and safe) until the replacement windshield clears immigration and gets its "Green Card."

THIRD: I have been exchanging e-mails (on nearly a daily basis) with Mini's customer service departement. Their first letter to me was to the effect that we haven't heard of any reports of cracked windshields .... and get a second opinion from the service manager, not the assistant service manager ... and if all else fails, turn it in to your insurance company. To make a long story short, I followed mr.bill's advice and sent the dealer and Mini Customer Service copies of all the cracked windshield complaints in the "Faults & Fixes" section, along with picture of the crack. I also informed Mini Customer Service of my intention to have the window fixed in order to avoid safety and Vehicle Code issues, while I waited for a replacement. Today, I received yet another response from Customer Service, telling me that all of the windshield complaints (from the Faults & Fixes section) had been passed on by Customer Service to some "higher-up" and suggesting that I take the car to the service manager with copies of all the Faults & Fixes complaints!! Interestingly enough, right after I was reading that e-mail, the service department at the dealer called me at my office and asked me to bring the car in so that pictures of the crack could be taken and sent to BMW/MINI. In response, I told him that I had already forwarded a picture of the crack to Customer Service; that, because of the increase in size of the crack and the safety/Vehicle Code issues, I was required to have the windshield repaired (which they said couldn't be done) while I was waiting for the replacement; and that the repair process necessitated drilling holes in the window. So, in response he said, "Never mind."

FOURTH: I have to say that the 2 salesmen at the dealer are behind me 100%. They have also contacted Mini Customer Service for me. However, (reading between the lines), it may be a matter of egoes ... if you know what I mean ... between sales and service. I'd bet that this is the first Mini that they service department has seen for a defect or warranty claim.

FIFTH: All in all, it really isn't a matter of money or whether Mini pays for the windshield under the warranty (although that would be nice). Quite simply, is there a problem with windshields or isn't there a problem? If there isn't (and we are all barking mad) so be it. The windshield will get replaced one way or the other and we continue to have fun with the car.

SIXTH: Despite all of the above: WE LOVE THE CAR - WE LOVE THE CAR - WE LOVE THE CAR! Do not let this windshield issue keep you from buying your MINI! This is ONE HELL OF A CAR!

SEVENTH: What is the real lesson: This is a fantastic automobile. Those of us who are indeed lucky enough to have our cars at this time must understand that the MINI is a limited production automobile. BMW/MINI is probably working night and day in Oxford to meet a demand that far exceeds the supply. Not every dealer (even in a major car market like Southern California) can be expected to have key replacement parts on hand. If a replacement part is needed for your car (for whatever reason) do not automatically assume it will be readily available at this time. As the factory continues to ramp up and catch up, that will undoubtedly change. But, at least for the present, the issue of readily available replacement parts must be considered. If that is the price that us "early adopters" must pay to have our cars, it is just fine with me.

EIGHT: Just to prove that I am not barking mad, below is a picture of the crack (the same one I sent to BMW/MIN) in case any one is interested.



Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands); and,
Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather due in mid June.

[tsipple]

Bill, thanks for that report. I'm glad you were able to get an interim repair done until the windshield arrives.

For what it's worth, I just clocked 1200 miles in my CVT Cooper, and the windshield is still in one piece. In fact, I haven't found any faults, except for a very minor one: the right side height adjuster for the shoulder belt won't stay latched in the top position.

I can't believe I've hit 1200 already. What's wrong with me?

[Basil]

Wow. Amazing post Bill Sz. Thanks for taking the time to tell us all about it.

I can tell you on thing for sure, your dealer may not know about the windscreen issue, but you can bet your last dollar. BMW in Oxford & Munich know all about it.

Such a shame that KNOWN issues with the MINI are not passed on to ALL dealers around the world. Would make everyone's life so much simpler.
We have e-mail these days. What could be simpler.

Keep us posted.

Cheers

[Sejanus]

Thanks again for all the info you are providing the rest of us. It is reassuring to see that you aren't put off the car as a whole by this hassle.

[MINIAC]

Speaking of windshield damage, LOOK what a wild turkey can do