Windscreen Problem....

[Paul Billington]

I encountered a problem with my windscreen and am curious to know if anyone has had a similar problem.

Having only had my car since last Wednesday, I thought I'd take it on the motorway (whilst observing the necessary for the "braking in procedure" !) and give it a good spin!

As I was about halfway though my journey with my sis on the M25, I heard this massive knocking noise on the roof. I pulled over to the hard shoulder and found that the rubber, which is on the top of the windscreen, had completely come away. I have taken a picture of it without the rubber, but I cant find my digital camera cable to download it to the site.

Seeing as this is a new car, I certainly did not expect this to happen. I telephoned the Mini Emergency Service, who logged the call and advised me to telephone Auto Windscreens.

However, Auto Windscreens couldn't help, as they have to order the part from BMW. None of Auto Windscreens garage's in the area of Bluewater, Kent had the spare part. So now I have to wait until tomorrow morning and take it to the local dealer for them to 'ave a butchers.

Fearing that the windscreen could come completely loose, I have been told that this should not happen, as it is a "cosmetic part" - Auto Windscreens quote - hence, why they have to order the part from BMW. I just hope this is a one off !

[Dom]

Not heard of that one before... guess it's just loose trim.

I'd agree though, don't worry about the screen even remotely coming loose. It's bonded in with some incredibly strong glue... the same stuff my 6x9's are sealed in with

Dom

[PigLick]

Several people have reported having that piece be loose or come out partially, though i don't think anyone else has completely lost theirs like you have.

However, also keep an eye on the windshield itself, as many people have developed cracks in their windshield for no apparent reason. I think the general consensus is that in those cases, the windshield was not quite mounted correctly, and the extra stress caused the cracks. It could be that your window was placed too "low," which is why that rubber trim was not tight. If that's the case, you may be a prime candidate for the stress fracture in your windshield.

Just giving you a heads up, because a few of the people who had this happen had difficulty getting it covered under warranty, as the dealers tried to claim it was caused by impact/road hazards, and was not a warranty issue. Hope it doesn't aply to you though, good luck!

PigLick

[Paul Billington]

Cheers Dom and PigLick for your comments. I drove it to my local dealer (Milcars in Stanmore) and they completed the job this evening. However, they are keeping it in overnight to make sure it's well secured to the windscreen.

They couldn't say why the part had failed, without actually seeing the part (so if anyone happens to see it between junctions 28 & 30/31 of the M25 - clockwise direction - let me know.... ). However, they were just as surprised as the people at Mini Emergency Service.

As far as I know, this will be covered under warranty, but I will ensure it is when I collect it tomorrow. Cheers again !

Paul