after hearing about all the problems with the mc's windshields, i was wondering if they are planning on changing the windshield in future mc's (hopefully the '04) or if there are any aftermarket windshields that are compatible with the mc.

thanks much.

 

I have never heard anything about it. I used to get some import magazine and they did't even have windshields in there.

 

I just got an aftermaket windshield made by PPG, and it seems to be thicker glass, which will make it more durable, and a bit heavier as well. I feel better with the aftermarket windshield. Good luck!

 

joedude, that's interesting and you're the first person who's actually stated that the replacement PPG glass is "thicker." I'd really like to know if that's true as I will ultimately get mine replaced and unless the non-OEM glass is indeed thicker (which would make it more durable) I'd go with a MINI OEM windshield.

How do you know it's thicker?

 

I also have an aftermarket windshield now, made by Pilkington. After the installation, the side moulding came off while driving on the interstate (pics here), so I could measure the thickness of it later today if anyone is interested. I just don't know what the thickness of OEM glass is. Anyone have any idea?



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[IMG SRC=http://images.snapfish.com/336%3A%3A8%3B523232%7Ffp66%3Dot%3E2327%3D%3C8%3B%3 D829%3Dxroqdf%3E232337%3B9%3B9254ot1lsi]

'03 MC: PS/B with red interior, premium and sport packages, chrome, xenons, CVT

 

VAmini, that would be great if you could measure. BTW, I think that Pilkington is actually the OEM manuf of the MINI windshield...if so, I'd be suprised if it's any different from the original.

 

i can live with the chips
i'll have to wait till it cracks, besides in NY state we have our reg and inspection stickers on the windshield......not looking forward to going to the DMV for a new one and getting the car re-inspected

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Yeah, I have seen that suggested elsewhere, but I can't find an absolute confirmation. Regardless, I will measure the thickness this evening and post it.
:smile:

 

Uh, I stand corrected. A quick walk to the parking lot confirms that my 2002 MCS's glass is made by Sekurit Saint-Gobain. Not Pilkington.

They do have an interesting, yet somewhat inscrutable, website.

The site also offers the following pearl of wisdom, which I'm thinking of making my standard email signature

 

>>i can live with the chips
>>i'll have to wait till it cracks, besides in NY state we have our reg and inspection stickers on the windshield......not looking forward to going to the DMV for a new one and getting the car re-inspected
>>

Windshield installers do an excellent job moving stickers, don't worry about that part.

I am in NYS and I am on my 3rd windshield in 1800 miles on my Taurus company car. The stickers look new. They last longer than the glass!

 

How much did you guys pay for the aftermarket winshield?

 

>>>>i can live with the chips
>>>>i'll have to wait till it cracks, besides in NY state we have our reg and inspection stickers on the windshield......not looking forward to going to the DMV for a new one and getting the car re-inspected
>>>>
>>
>>Windshield installers do an excellent job moving stickers, don't worry about that part.
>>
>>I am in NYS and I am on my 3rd windshield in 1800 miles on my Taurus company car.

 

Jsun,

I did not measure the thickness of the glass.

Usually, aftermarket glass if thicker and often better quality. The glass shop that was trying to patch my OEM windhshield melted a wavy pattern into the OEM glass, and it had to be replaced.

I think it happened because the glass is thinner and it overheated. An example of what I'm talking about is how the WRX sti has thinner glass than the WRX for weight reasons. Anyway, I doubt that I am going to have the cracking problems that I had with the OEM windshield.

Good luck!

 

Well a state dump truck destroyed my windshield..... How much did you pay for your new glass. Is the ppg really a better product?

 

Possible illegalities aside, why isn't there a product like the clearbra for windshields? It may not prevent the big damage, but it would surely prevent pitting from gravel. No?

 

Interesting thought, but my guess is that the problems arise when considering the visual clarity of any "overlay" material. From my understanding, glass itself can be difficult enough to make visually clear for windshields that are very slanted.

I suspect that using an overlay would give you that "underwater" perspective!

 

I think I paid about $215. I am sure that I will have less trouble with chips. Good luck!

 

Well unfortunately I get to join the cracked windshield club

Gotta few questions.. Since I'll be paying for the entire thing out of pocket (high deductable.. WS needs to be replaced), I would rather not get a second seemingly crappy MINI windshield, but a thicker, stronger one:
1. will dealers only install factory products? I'd rather use their knowledge of the MINI when putting on the new WS (especially after VAmini's story), but would rather use a better quality WS
2. what windshield brands are out there that are good. vendors, etc.
3. how much do these typically cost, and what's the total service and other crap fees come to?

thanks for anyone who has any info...

ryan