I was doing a tad bit of spirited driving and my windshield right in front of the driver cracked, and not a small one either its about 10" long. Do these cars have problems with this and about how much should I expect to pay to have it raplaced?

 

From what I have heard this is a common problem with the Windows. I had to replace my passenger side window after it had cracked. I bought the window myself for $90 from the dealer and did it myself. Id image a front window would cost more and probably require professional installation. Just dont get it done at the dealer and the cost shouldnt be too horrible.

 

Mine hasnt cracked yet I do have alot of chips,the BMW 325I loaner they gave me also had alot,might be a BMW thing.

 

Wet toilet paper is probably stronger than a MINI windshield - do a search on the forums for windshield and you will find many threads on the subject. Mine cracked over night in the garage and of course my dealer blamed a stone hit (there was a miniscule chip in the crack, and I do mean miniscule).

 

It's true original windshield glass for MINI's is poor quality. Dealer will do a "pen" test to prove that the glass was hit by a stone. If you go to Triumph Auto glass you can request a ppg replacement. If you have comprehensive on your insurance it should be covered.

 

I just got my winshield replaced today from Safelite autoglass. They came out to my place and did it for me in less than an hour. They charged me $232.99 for the glass, $60 labor, and $20 in tax making the grand total $312.76. Safelite offers a lifetime warranty on their glass, but that doesn't include rock chips; however they can come out to your house anytime and fix a cracked winshield for $60.

Safelite is the nation's largest glass repair company; they fixed over 2 million windshields in 2006. Anyway on www.safelite.com you can get an instant quote and they will come to your house or work to fix it, probably the same day you call. I highly recommend them.

I have USAA insurance and my policy has a $100 deductible for glass accidents under comprehensive coverage. Unfortunately I had a few big pieces of metal shrapnel bounce onto my car while driving down the interstate Saturday night, causing a busted xenon, dented hood, and busted winshield, so I still have to pay the $500 deductible.

 

I think it's more the fit and body flex than the glass. The OEM and the PPG replacement both went within 12-15months on my car. On the 2nd replacement I went back to the OEM since the PPG gradient and shade did not match the side and rear glass. This windshield has now lasted a full 30 months. I'm wondering if the strut brace has something to do with this.

 

WOW, I never realized this is a problem. But with that said, you should check your insurance companies for any sort of window replacement policy. I have just signed up for Farmers Insurance and they have an offer to pay an additional 2-4 dollars a month (can't remember exactly) and if anything happens to our window they fix/repair it for free, no deductible.

My mom also said AAA does this, without paying extra, can't confirm as I don't use them, but she has had her windows replace at no cost before.

 

Just personal opinion but I now try to stay away from Safelite. They did 2 windshields for me. 2 different shops 1st one broke both inside plastic pillar covers put them back up with tape. Went back and they said they were already broken. 2nd tore up paint on roof was 6 month fight to get it repaired.

 

When I drove Audi A4s and Prius, in those forums there were reports of windshields and rear windows cracking .. Same phenomenon. It was, in both cases, surmised that during manufacture on certain cars there's just too much pressure from the frame against the edge of the windows.

 

I had a stress crack on my 04 MC which was replaced under warranty. My 06 MCS has had two replaced because of rocks and they were on me. MINI
windshields attracks rocks like others cars attracks bugs

 

Probably because the side profile of a MINI approximates that of a moving billboard.

 

Time for me know to chime in on the windshield problems. I say about 3 weeks ago driving home from work I heard a loud "tink" you know, it's the sound of a rock hitting the winshield, but I could not see anything from inside the car. By the time I got home I forgot to look, but after washing the MINI a few days later, there is was in the bottom passenger side a post, a nice blast, but it was in the black area of the glass so from inside I didn't see it. It has been ok for the past three weeks but today, I noticed the crack starting to make it's way up the windshield. I have to check my insurance on Monday, but I called safe-lite and got a Quote of 286 installed plus tax. If the insurance will pay it all, I think I might put the OEM back in. Any thoughts over than those previous?

Thanks in advance.

 

Was the $286 for the OEM or the house brand? When I had my OEM installed by them they were charging $286 for the house brand and $301 for the OEM. Given the color match, I think you'll be a lot happier with the OEM. All of the speculation regarding which one will last longer is of little value, as it really depends on when it gets hit by a rock. One thing is for certain, if you get a rock chip, get it repaired the same day. Waiting longer will result in a crack. My mistake was jacking up the car a day after the chip occurred. The resulting crack was quite audible. Body flex under normal driving conditions will, in time, cause any chip in a MINI windshield (OEM or Safelite) to denerate into a crack.

 

FYI: The Safelite franchises actually get the OEM windshields from the local MINI dealer. Since their prices for the OEM glass are so much cheaper than at the dealer, it is obvious that they are getting a deep wholesale discount. Just shows how much of a markup the Dealer is probably getting on all of the parts sold at the parts counter.

 

Thanks for the input. It was for the house brand, I never asked if they could get the OEM MINI glass. If that is the case I would definality go with the OEM. The dealer techs most likly do not do the install anyway, they must have someone come in and do it. I'm gonna call them back and see if they can do the OEM.
Thanks again.
Mr. Jim

 

I contacted safe-lite to and the OEM windshield is 487 from them installed. And then I find out that my insurance agent set me up with a 750 deductable for glass! WTF! I changed it to 250 starting today but that doesn't help me know, bummer. I'm still considering the OEM for the color and if it should crack on it own then I can get it under warranty. That Sucks