The windshield on my Mini cracked a few weeks ago in the typical stress fracture pattern at the top of the screen. No evidence of any hits from objects. Mini of Mountain View (California) is going to be picking up half the cost as a good will gesture as my Mini is no longer under warranty. (Yea, Mini of Mountain View.) I'll be getting the Mini replacement and I'm wondering a few things:

1. Is it a good idea, or is it recommended that the A pillar trim pieces be replaced? Why?

2. Is it a good idea to replace the rubber seal along the top of the windscreen? What about the rest of the rubber seals?

3. Is there anything else to be replaced while they're at it?

Mini is doing it themselves, rather than farming the job out to someone else. And they've done good work in the past, so I'm hoping for a good job.

Something I've been wondering, though, is how does the intermittent wiping feature work on my Mini? The service rep said I do not have the rain sensing wipers (no big black section in the middle of the screen just in front of the rear view mirror). But regardless, they seem to work like they sense rain. When in intermittent mode, they'll wipe and then stop and then only start up again when enough rain has stuck to the windshield. Speed doesn't seem to matter. Maybe it's just my imagination, but it sure seems like it does have the sensing functionality. Is there a different kind of sensor on my Mini, perphaps?

FYI, my Mini is a fully loaded '06 JCW cabriolet. It has Harmon Kardon, the high end climate control, headlight washers, heated seats, etc.

Thanks for any light you can shed on my questions.