MINI2

dav · Mar 7th, 2004, 03:01 PM

Please respond if you have been contacted by Mini about a stronger replacement windshield that is available. Here is a quote from a member of NAM, a Mini enthusiast website.

" For all of you who have had to put up with my non stop whining about my FIVE broken windshields, I have news.Not only has Mini USA aknowledged that there is indeed a problem ,and not only that they have actually made a design change to replacement windshields starting NOW, but I have the honor of having the FIRST of the new style installed (last thurs) .I will continue to post results of this new product .Kudos to Phil Kahler at BMWNA for addressing my problem personally.For anyone interested ,I can provide both phone and email for this person, who truley seems to care that we all get a fair shake.More as it happens(good and bad) Jock

OLD PART # AS LISTED ON PREVIOUS INVOICES WAS:1 51-31-1-483-874 WINDSHIELD

NEW PART# AS LISTED ON MY MOST RECENT INVOICE:1 51-31-7 146-544 WINDSCREEN GREEN. "

"If I see one more Mini Cooper come to our shop, I think I'm gonna puke!"

tomorthway · Mar 7th, 2004, 11:31 PM

thanks ihave an feb 03 build how can i find out about the numbers ?

dav · Mar 8th, 2004, 12:27 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by tomorthway

thanks ihave an feb 03 build how can i find out about the numbers ?

I do not know. You may try calling the toll-free MiniUSA phone #. Good luck.

Meg · Mar 8th, 2004, 02:22 AM

By making a stronger windshield isn't MINI admitting there is something wrong with the old one? If that's the case I would think that a lot of people would be getting refunds on the replacement windshields they paid for.

David Lough · Mar 8th, 2004, 05:51 PM

I'm happy to hear of the 'fix'...but really ticked off too. I took delivery of a '04 MCS on Jan 15..the windshield cracked on day 4 or so of ownership. Warranty claim denied (a long story). The relevant point here is that I raised an issue with BMW around Feb 1...they knew I was going to get my windshield replaced using insurance BUT NEVER said one word about a possible fix being in the works. They could have even in code told me to hold off for awhile. I have the auto sensing wiper feature so a PPG windshield was not an option so I had to go with the factory windshield which was installed about two weeks ago. Now to find out that not only did (in my opinion) they wrongly rejected a waranty claim due to a 1/32" pit on the 15" crack line I now find out an improved windshield is available! MiniUSA, how could you do this to a new owner (and this is my second Mini, the first was an '02 MC).

stryder · Mar 8th, 2004, 10:33 PM

MINI USA just posted admitting there were some issues - but in a carefully worded statement, didn't actually say much: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52965

Not surprising at all they'd post right before they implemented an upgrade/solution/whatever, they did it several times before if you look at MINI Division's other posts.

Having broken one windshield myself - I just hope 20% stronger is enough, doesn't really seem like a huge upgrade.

Roberto · Mar 9th, 2004, 04:43 AM

Honda is having similar problems with the windshields on their Element minivan too. It looks like the folks doing the CAD computer modeling software that manufacturers use didn't do their homework regarding the stresses on near-vertical windshield angles.

BTW, are MINIs with 16 and 17 inch runflat tires more prone to windshield cracks than the MINIs with 15 inch rubber?

Roberto

stryder · Mar 9th, 2004, 11:29 AM

I don't know about the 16/17 vs. 15 debate, mostly because it seems very few people have 15" wheels (in the US at least), except for the occasional snow tires. Its probably only 10-20%, and no one's actually checked to see if there's any relation.

Why do you think the wheels would matter as far as windshield cracking/strength?

csmith319 · Mar 9th, 2004, 11:46 AM

The smaller wheels tend to have a deeper sidewall to the tyre which absorbs more vibrations and shocks from the road (and hence why the larger wheels tend to have a harsher ride) - this would be a reason.

Is this a US only problem? Haven't heard of this in the UK...

minisoopercooper · Mar 9th, 2004, 12:09 PM

Theres loads of reports of cracking windscreens in the UK. Lots of thread on here too on the subject. Like this one for instance:http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fixes/21475-windscreens-still-cracking.html

Paul

Paul · Mar 9th, 2004, 03:29 PM

Our's cracked on a MINI One with 15" wheels.

snid · Mar 9th, 2004, 03:40 PM

I've gotten 3 stress cracked windshields... at least one of them was on 15" snow tires. I don't remember about the other two. In the summer, I run 16" runflats. The tires don't seem, to me, to make a difference in the windshield stress.

The new glass may take a while to show up. When I called to get the msot recent replacement, I was told to wait a week becuase new glass was coming. I waited a week, but no new glass. Since I had other scheduled maintenance to get done, I went with the old glass one more time. Running around with a cracked windshield (windscreen) is a bad idea because the crack robs the glass of a lot of its strength, should something else hit the windshield.

This happened with a non-stress-cracked windshield. I hit a moose (very large animal) at 70mph. I don't want to think about what might have happened had the windshield been weaker (due to an existing crack).

tomorthway · Mar 9th, 2004, 09:50 PM

wow!! tell us the rest of the story!

stryder · Mar 9th, 2004, 10:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by tomorthway

wow!! tell us the rest of the story!

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...ighlight=moose

GTmini · Mar 11th, 2004, 05:53 AM

at least it's good to hear that there's a stronger glass available now...I just "joined the club" this morning. My dealer couldn't schedule me in until April 1st, which makes me fear it might spread well before then. Although hopefully that means I'll be getting the newer glass. I really want to like this car, but it sure isn't easy...

gabe · Mar 11th, 2004, 12:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by GTmini

at least it's good to hear that there's a stronger glass available now...I just "joined the club" this morning. My dealer couldn't schedule me in until April 1st, which makes me fear it might spread well before then. Although hopefully that means I'll be getting the newer glass. I really want to like this car, but it sure isn't easy...

BTW this was posted on the North American Motoring thread about this issue:

I forwarded this thread and the part number to my service advisor, and here is what he had to say:

Quote:

Thanks for the thread. You might want to let people know, thats not a new w/s. Its an old w/s but with a tint on it. Its an old part number. They dont install them for cars here in the U.S.A. from the factory, its a w/s they install overseas from the factory. So its not going to be any better except for the fact that it will have a slight tint and possibly a darker tint strip on top.

Hope this helps.

Steve

GTmini · Mar 11th, 2004, 04:48 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by gabe

BTW this was posted on the North American Motoring thread about this issue:

I forwarded this thread and the part number to my service advisor, and here is what he had to say:

Quote:

Thanks for the thread. You might want to let people know, thats not a new w/s. Its an old w/s but with a tint on it. Its an old part number. They dont install them for cars here in the U.S.A. from the factory, its a w/s they install overseas from the factory. So its not going to be any better except for the fact that it will have a slight tint and possibly a darker tint strip on top.

Hope this helps.

Steve

fudge...

Mar 7th, 2004, 03:01 PM	#1
dav MINI2 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: USA; So. CA Local Time: 05:04 PM Posts: 256 Offline	20% Stronger Mini Windshields? Has MINI/BMW solved the cracking/pitting problems.... Please respond if you have been contacted by Mini about a stronger replacement windshield that is available. Here is a quote from a member of NAM, a Mini enthusiast website. " For all of you who have had to put up with my non stop whining about my FIVE broken windshields, I have news.Not only has Mini USA aknowledged that there is indeed a problem ,and not only that they have actually made a design change to replacement windshields starting NOW, but I have the honor of having the FIRST of the new style installed (last thurs) .I will continue to post results of this new product .Kudos to Phil Kahler at BMWNA for addressing my problem personally.For anyone interested ,I can provide both phone and email for this person, who truley seems to care that we all get a fair shake.More as it happens(good and bad) Jock OLD PART # AS LISTED ON PREVIOUS INVOICES WAS:1 51-31-1-483-874 WINDSHIELD NEW PART# AS LISTED ON MY MOST RECENT INVOICE:1 51-31-7 146-544 WINDSCREEN GREEN. " "If I see one more Mini Cooper come to our shop, I think I'm gonna puke!" 2004 MCS BORN 9-'03 http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A4%3B...C7823535wp1lsi http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A4%3B...74853%3Bwp1lsi Last edited by dav : Mar 7th, 2004 at 03:33 PM.

Mar 7th, 2004, 11:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
tomorthway MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: brooklyn ny Local Time: 01:04 AM Posts: 71 Offline	thanks ihave an feb 03 build how can i find out about the numbers ? tom orthway

Mar 8th, 2004, 12:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
dav MINI2 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: USA; So. CA Local Time: 05:04 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by tomorthway thanks ihave an feb 03 build how can i find out about the numbers ? I do not know. You may try calling the toll-free MiniUSA phone #. Good luck. 2004 MCS BORN 9-'03 http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A4%3B...C7823535wp1lsi http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A4%3B...74853%3Bwp1lsi

Mar 8th, 2004, 02:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
Meg I can't spell Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Long Island NY Local Time: 09:04 PM Posts: 2,856 Offline	By making a stronger windshield isn't MINI admitting there is something wrong with the old one? If that's the case I would think that a lot of people would be getting refunds on the replacement windshields they paid for. RIP Boo

Mar 8th, 2004, 10:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 08:04 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	MINI USA just posted admitting there were some issues - but in a carefully worded statement, didn't actually say much: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52965 Not surprising at all they'd post right before they implemented an upgrade/solution/whatever, they did it several times before if you look at MINI Division's other posts. Having broken one windshield myself - I just hope 20% stronger is enough, doesn't really seem like a huge upgrade. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

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Mar 8th, 2004, 05:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
David Lough MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2004 Local Time: 06:04 PM Posts: 5 Offline	I'm happy to hear of the 'fix'...but really ticked off too. I took delivery of a '04 MCS on Jan 15..the windshield cracked on day 4 or so of ownership. Warranty claim denied (a long story). The relevant point here is that I raised an issue with BMW around Feb 1...they knew I was going to get my windshield replaced using insurance BUT NEVER said one word about a possible fix being in the works. They could have even in code told me to hold off for awhile. I have the auto sensing wiper feature so a PPG windshield was not an option so I had to go with the factory windshield which was installed about two weeks ago. Now to find out that not only did (in my opinion) they wrongly rejected a waranty claim due to a 1/32" pit on the 15" crack line I now find out an improved windshield is available! MiniUSA, how could you do this to a new owner (and this is my second Mini, the first was an '02 MC).

Mar 9th, 2004, 04:43 AM	#7 (permalink)
Roberto MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 09:04 PM Posts: 25 Offline	Honda is having similar problems with the windshields on their Element minivan too. It looks like the folks doing the CAD computer modeling software that manufacturers use didn't do their homework regarding the stresses on near-vertical windshield angles. BTW, are MINIs with 16 and 17 inch runflat tires more prone to windshield cracks than the MINIs with 15 inch rubber? Roberto

Mar 9th, 2004, 11:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 08:04 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	I don't know about the 16/17 vs. 15 debate, mostly because it seems very few people have 15" wheels (in the US at least), except for the occasional snow tires. Its probably only 10-20%, and no one's actually checked to see if there's any relation. Why do you think the wheels would matter as far as windshield cracking/strength? Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Mar 9th, 2004, 11:46 AM	#9 (permalink)
csmith319 MINI2 Newbie My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2004 Local Time: 02:04 AM Posts: 41 Offline	The smaller wheels tend to have a deeper sidewall to the tyre which absorbs more vibrations and shocks from the road (and hence why the larger wheels tend to have a harsher ride) - this would be a reason. Is this a US only problem? Haven't heard of this in the UK...

Mar 9th, 2004, 12:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
minisoopercooper Some have THICK skins!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bristol Local Time: 01:04 AM Posts: 21,059 Offline	Theres loads of reports of cracking windscreens in the UK. Lots of thread on here too on the subject. Like this one for instance:http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fixes/21475-windscreens-still-cracking.html Paul

Mar 9th, 2004, 03:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 01:04 AM Posts: 40,356 Offline	Our's cracked on a MINI One with 15" wheels. Our trials and tribulations living in a "bleeding edge" eco house... Oxley Woods Living

Mar 9th, 2004, 03:40 PM	#12 (permalink)
snid brown is back Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Burlington, VT Local Time: 08:04 PM Posts: 4,220 Offline	I've gotten 3 stress cracked windshields... at least one of them was on 15" snow tires. I don't remember about the other two. In the summer, I run 16" runflats. The tires don't seem, to me, to make a difference in the windshield stress. The new glass may take a while to show up. When I called to get the msot recent replacement, I was told to wait a week becuase new glass was coming. I waited a week, but no new glass. Since I had other scheduled maintenance to get done, I went with the old glass one more time. Running around with a cracked windshield (windscreen) is a bad idea because the crack robs the glass of a lot of its strength, should something else hit the windshield. This happened with a non-stress-cracked windshield. I hit a moose (very large animal) at 70mph. I don't want to think about what might have happened had the windshield been weaker (due to an existing crack). jtross \| snid \| jason - bloggage (including videos)

Mar 9th, 2004, 09:50 PM	#13 (permalink)
tomorthway MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: brooklyn ny Local Time: 01:04 AM Posts: 71 Offline	wow!! tell us the rest of the story! tom orthway

Mar 9th, 2004, 10:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 08:04 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by tomorthway wow!! tell us the rest of the story! http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...ighlight=moose Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Mar 11th, 2004, 05:53 AM	#15 (permalink)
GTmini MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Local Time: 06:04 PM Posts: 455 Offline	at least it's good to hear that there's a stronger glass available now...I just "joined the club" this morning. My dealer couldn't schedule me in until April 1st, which makes me fear it might spread well before then. Although hopefully that means I'll be getting the newer glass. I really want to like this car, but it sure isn't easy...

Mar 11th, 2004, 12:50 PM	#16 (permalink)
gabe MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Chicago, USA Local Time: 07:04 PM Posts: 280 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by GTmini at least it's good to hear that there's a stronger glass available now...I just "joined the club" this morning. My dealer couldn't schedule me in until April 1st, which makes me fear it might spread well before then. Although hopefully that means I'll be getting the newer glass. I really want to like this car, but it sure isn't easy... BTW this was posted on the North American Motoring thread about this issue: I forwarded this thread and the part number to my service advisor, and here is what he had to say: Quote: Thanks for the thread. You might want to let people know, thats not a new w/s. Its an old w/s but with a tint on it. Its an old part number. They dont install them for cars here in the U.S.A. from the factory, its a w/s they install overseas from the factory. So its not going to be any better except for the fact that it will have a slight tint and possibly a darker tint strip on top. Hope this helps. Steve

Mar 11th, 2004, 04:48 PM	#17 (permalink)
GTmini MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Local Time: 06:04 PM Posts: 455 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by gabe BTW this was posted on the North American Motoring thread about this issue: I forwarded this thread and the part number to my service advisor, and here is what he had to say: Quote: Thanks for the thread. You might want to let people know, thats not a new w/s. Its an old w/s but with a tint on it. Its an old part number. They dont install them for cars here in the U.S.A. from the factory, its a w/s they install overseas from the factory. So its not going to be any better except for the fact that it will have a slight tint and possibly a darker tint strip on top. Hope this helps. Steve fudge...

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