[LauSai]

Has there been any improvements or changes made to the windshields. I've read quite a few posts regarding the weak glass and repeated cracking. This seems like a big issue and it is kind of discouraging me from getting a MCS. Anybody know of any new developements?

[olarte]

I've had no problems with mine i'ts MINI Cooper chili red built on may 2003. and has 4000 miles.

ivan

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by LauSai

Has there been any improvements or changes made to the windshields. I've read quite a few posts regarding the weak glass and repeated cracking. This seems like a big issue and it is kind of discouraging me from getting a MCS. Anybody know of any new developements?

The ratio of members v problems with the windscreen/shield is certainly improving, reports have been on the decline and now there's not many posts at all compared to a year and a half ago.

There is still a problem, but the chances of your screen being fitted incorrectly and cracking seem to be much narrower now than ever before.

Paul

[Ratty]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

The ratio of members v problems with the windscreen/shield is certainly improving, reports have been on the decline and now there's not many posts at all compared to a year and a half ago.

There is still a problem, but the chances of your screen being fitted incorrectly and cracking seem to be much narrower now than ever before.

Paul

Yes there are still problems !!

My week old Works S has developed a stress crack on the near side top of the screen (right across the corner on the black surround part of the glass). This is definitely a manufacturing or stress related crack as it in the inner glass skin and not the outer part so the dealer cannot say it was stone chip related. To be fair the dealer saw it this afternoon and said yes a stress crack. Although I have booked it in for a new screen on Monday I am inclinded to leave it for a while, I hate the thought of having to replace a screen on a week old car. I will speak to the dealer again tomorrow to see if it can be left for a week or two while I can still enjoy whats left of the new car experience.

[stormcrow]

Suffered a stress crack on our new S just over a month ago. Was told that the problem stems from the screen very occasionally fitted either too high or too low.

Car was in and out in a day with no quibbles and they stuck my fancy tax disk holder back on nice and straight.

I certainly wouldn't let it put you off your choice on a car. Sure it was an inconvenience, but just one of lifes little tests.

[Robert Moreau]

I have driven my May build 2003 MCS over 2000 miles. So far no signs of a crack.

[ipartridge]

6500 miles and not even a stone chip. Much better than my other cars, and with the upright screen i would have expected worse

[Cat]

When the dealer admits that the crack is a stress crack, do they still charge you for the windsheild replacement?

[jimskater]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cat

When the dealer admits that the crack is a stress crack, do they still charge you for the windsheild replacement?

They better not. I've been given to understand that:

If it is a stress crack, it's a warranty item.

If it's not a stress crack, it isn't.

BEGIN RANT:

Of course, there are plenty of us who wonder how and why a pebble this big "o " can cause a chip which leads to a 9 - 12" crack in the windshield***, even if that little, tiny pebble impacted the windshield at freeway speeds. Those of us in states that don't allow "full glass" coverage on car insurance have had to fork out $$$$ for new a windshield & installation. Windshield replacement is insured under your comprehensive coverage, but it makes no sense to make a $522.00 claim against a $500.00 deductible. 6 weeks later, the windshield is full of itty-bitty chips again. I'm not looking forward to having to replace the windshield again, but this time I'm as prepared as I can get, as my insurance carrier has allowed me (for a price) to reduce my comprehensive deductible to $100.00. Can anyone say "cheaply made glass"?

***FYI, in the King's English, a windshield is most often referred to as a wind screen.

END RANT

[Ratty]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cat

When the dealer admits that the crack is a stress crack, do they still charge you for the windsheild replacement?

The dealer has agreed it is a stress type crack (on the inside section of the glass and could have been caused in manufacturing given that I have only just taken delivery of the S) and that it is fully covered by the warranty including fitting etc.