[Sarella]

Has anyone else heard that if you ever need to replace the mini windscreen original mini/BMW glass should be used rather than the replacement company's own brand?

I was told this by a guy who repaired a chip in my screen previously, as according to him it can effect resale value, and not also seal properly.

This morning I was gutted to find a rather sizable crack in the screen of my Cooper S. After speaking to my insurance company, I've been told that if I want a OE ( original equipment) screen, I will have to pay extra on top of my standard excess.

Has anyone else heard about this? Was that chap correct, and am I about to fork out for the real McCoy when there's no real difference?

Thanks.....:O)

[Mister]

I've gone through half a dozen wind screens in my MINI owning years. I always go for the cheapest after market glass I can find because I know it will just be a matter of a few months before it will need replacing again.

BTW, I've traded in 2 MINIs, both with cheapie glass, with no effect on their resale value.

[< FORZA WEST]

The resale bit is abosolute rubbish...
If you have a standard set up,ie no rain light sensor(auto wipe)then it should be ok.
If you do have rain light then go for genuine..we see lots of problems with the wiping system due to the bonding of the element on the non gen screens

[baskers]

What do people do for heated windscreens? I've got that on my MCS, and this crossed my mind the other day...

Jay

[baskers]

Ah damn... not only is mine heated, but it's also got the rain sensor...

[indi77]

Last year I needed my screen replacing ASAP and had it done by RAC/Auto windscreens. The screen itself is fine, have had no probs with the rain sensor/heating (and I actually prefer the thinner heater element it has as its less noticeable) but the windscreen pillar cover wasn’t fitted properly and subsequently snapped off the 1st time I used the motorway. Scared the crap out of me at the time as I heard a loud crack and then lots of thumping, it was a dark stretch of road and it wasn’t till I stopped that I realised what happened and it was the foam padding whacking the side window!

Cost about £70 to be fixed by MINI and I now know that im not the 1st to have this happen so if you can, go for a MINI screen ….fitted by MINI! (or at least dont use auto windscreens lol)

[jlove]

As one whose motoring seems to consume many screens , I have discovered that my Mini dealership actually use a local mobile specialist for new glass. It's the same company for the Peugeot dealer and the local Ford dealer!

For my previous Peugeot, my son's Saxo and my Ford van, the local guy charged only a few Pounds more than my excess (and less than half the price of a national chain). The last Mini one was an accident repair, so Mini did it, but my Cooper has a great crack and chip, so it will need one soon... I'll go to my local specialist (A&B Windscreens of Andover) who will offer me a choice of glas, I'm sure.

[Joogle]

Im with MINI insurance, as they guarantee to use only Genuine parts I got a genuine screen last time around, no problems at all - excellent service.

Had problems with the previous insurers on my last Car when that needed a screen, I wanted OEM parts because I had heard about the sealing problems & the A panel covers used were tending to not look quite right and in a few cases come off. My Insurer was insisting on a non-OEM screen unless I paid the difference. (Around another £75) So I looked into what it would cost doing it myself, I spoke direct with Autoglass (Who were booked to do the job) and they gave me all the options/prices, turns out it was actually cheaper, easier and quicker for them to source/use a Genuine screen than to try and get a non OEM one. Phoned back the insurers explaining this, they spoke to Autoglass & authorised a Genuine screen & fittings on the spot. Everything came from the local MINI dealers, all with receipts to Autoglass for them to fit. (Who fit the dealers screens etc) But it was down to me doing the chasing not the insurers.....