I have a 2007 mini cooper. I got it in March of 07.

Over last winter, the windshield got hit by a rock, and cracked across the entire window. The mini people said they couldn't do anything because it was a rock, and not their fault. Which makes sense, but still stinks. $500 later, I had a new one installed and ready to go.

Two weeks later, I get hit by a smaller rock, and another crack appears. Nothing big though, only about an inch or so. It hasn't spread yet.

Last weekend, I got hit by yet another rock, and now the crack is spreading across the entirety of my windshield.

Has this happened to anyone else? Is this a common problem with the minis? I can't shell out another $500 more windshield repairs, is there any other way to get a new one?

 

Welcome to the club.
I'm also on my second windshield. The first was repaired under warranty, the crack started from the edge, no stone chip.
I'm out of warranty now, so the next one's on me.
I've read here that the aftermarket windshields are stronger.
My crack is still small, when it gets larger, I'll replace with an aftermarket part.