I took a serious hit this morning on the freeway that caused enough damage that I will need to replace the windshield. I know that Minis are notorious for damage to the windshield since they are so upright, so I am wondering if any of you have a recommendation concerning who to contact for replacement. Thanks...

 

I've had good luck with Guardian Glass in the past on some other vehicles that I've had.

 

+1 on Guardian Glass. Andy, if you have rain sensing wipers make sure you let them know because they take a different glass.

 

I'm on my second windshield. The first was replaced by MINI... it's now cracked. My next will not be an OE windshield.

 

I feel that the aftermarket windshields are every bit as good as the factory glass & probably better. I know they cost less that what the dealer charges.

 

I had advanced auto glass do mine they got an original mini windscreen

 

Doggonit! I just went through a major hassle with my insurance company (Nationwide) to have them replace my windshield with OE instead of their standard aftermarket replacement. I even got their third party glass company, Safelite, into the fight and they finally agreed to the OE because they could buy it from Midwest MINI cheaper than the aftermarket glass.

Rob Mcclure
Upper Sandusky
2006 MC CR/B 6spd.

 

What was the issue with Nationwide? I have had them as my only auto carrier since first driving.

When I added the MINI to my policy they asked if I wanted OEM, original equipment coverage. I had never heard of that before. But for about $36 a year I can require that original equipment/manufacturer parts be installed, and not after-market.

Is that what the issue was? Did you not have that coverage?

My windshield has some very small rock chips, not noticeable unless one is cleaning the window and some spots won't rub out, turns out they are chips in the glass.

They seem superficial, on the surface, so I don't see cracks developing. But something I have to keep an eye on.

 

It seems to me that all windshields seem to be getting a bit weaker. I don't know if somehow the recipe for glass has changed, but I'm seeing more chips & pits in all my cars windshields. For me there would be no reason to have an oem windshield. Now the other parts on my car oem please.

 

Up to this point I've been pleased with Nationwide, too, (other than their motorcycle insurance, which is totally non-competitive with Progressive and Geico, but I digress). I don't have the OEM coverage which seemed pricey at a quoted $60/year extra for 2 cars. My gripe was that the OEM windshield actually costs less than aftermarket units and they were insisting on installing the more expensive aftermarket one. Seemed wasteful and wasn't quite sure of the quality of the AM shields. Also, I lease the MINI and my experience with BMW Credit is they are **** about end of lease inspections. Apparently all the new shields suck based on comments on the forum, so guess it doesn't matter. BTW, problem with our shield was a crack from a rock kicked up by a truck.

Rob

 

I have three motorcycles with them, all superbikes. Rates seem OK compared to others out there, but as you, I digress.

Sounds about right $60 for two cars to have OEM parts coverage.

One tip: Did you get the plate number or company name of the truck that spit up the rock?

When that happened to me once, I called the 18-wheeler's company [name was on the truck] and made a claim for a broken window. The company did not even contest it, they had me send them a bill showing the work done, they sent me a check.

That was before I was schooled in the way of the law. Apparently, they were liable and it was simply a matter of proof. For the money that was at stake I guess they didn't feel like dealing with a small claims action if I chose to push the claim. Plus, I suspect that not too many people make claims, not thinking that going after the wrongdoer is a viable claim.

Nowadays with cell phone cameras it would be real easy to snap a pic of the truck that flung the rock. That might help in proving a case. So snap away.

 

There is a quarry close to where I work & a lot of the trucks have large signs on the back saying in big bold letters, NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR BROKEN WINDSHIELDS. I asked one of the truck drivers about it. At first he said no he wasn't responsible. Then after I asked him how that was so, because he didn't have a tarped load as required by law he said, a lot of people believe my sign.

 

Well, Safelite's mobile unit replaced my windshield in our driveway at 7:30 a.m. this morning. The tech said this is the 6th MINI he has done -- they seem to catch rocks. He also said the new style MINI's are much easier to change out. Pre-07 models had tiny clips and require lots more disassembly of trim. Apparently the factory redesigned this as part of the new model. And I did get the OEM screen... The culprit which kicked up the rock was going the opposite direction on a 4-lane highway so had no chance of getting a license number. I carry zero deductible comprehensive coverage so repair cost me nothing out of pocket.

Rob

 

I had a lawsuit against Safelite one time [business vs. business.] From snooping around their operation I concluded they are a very good company. If I need to get glass that is who I would go with.

Just sayin.

 

my jeep tj was the worst the glass was flat and up right. it was a rock magnet. i will tell you i had a friend get her glass replaced it was not oem and it was not flat like mine it bubbled out. when mine was done i go oem and it was flat like my old one.

so i would look at the new glass very closely before they put it in

 

I just had a rock launched at my windshield this morning. It sounded so loud I thought it had hit my roof and dented it in. I'm actually a bit relieved, it hit the top of the windshield, less than half an inch from the roof. Hooray for no body work!!!

Stupid dump trucks...

 

You don't have to be at highway speed either...........I was on the on-ramp behind a big pickemup truck and his tire shot something into my windshield so hard I thought sure it was coming thru. It didn't but it took out a chunk of the outer glass about 1 1/2" diameter.

I took the advice I read on this forum about aftermarket installers having trouble with the trim and such and about using either PPG or OEM glass, to heart and made an appointment with my dealer to have a new OEM glass installed. I'm still fussing with them about it - first I took it back and they installed new A piller trim, now I have a third appt to replace the rest of the trim. My problem is wind noise that wasn't there before they changed the windshield.

We also had the glass in my wife's Audi replaced the same week - by Safelite. The guy did it in our driveway and took maybe 45 min - the job came out perfect, the glass is distortion free and made me rethink my decision. Who is more qualified to do this job, the MINI tech who does one every month or two, or the guy who does 4 or 5 of them everyday before lunch?

If there is a next time, I'll use Safelite - if for no other reason than that they come to me instead of having to make an appointment several weeks out......

 

I've had two windshields replaced by Safelite and they did a good job on both with no problems. Both were from flying rocks. Just keep in mind that any business is only as good as the people working for them.

 

Safelite here as well. Fast. Cheap. Love it!

I had them use a PPG replacement, not the OEM MINI glass, as I've heard they're harder. So far all is well, and the PPG has been hit twice by rocks/mud.. My last MINI went through three windsheilds in a year, no joke. Two had cracks in the coating which was annoying visually but OK structually, but the third just cracked. None were hit.

 

Not all Safelite stories end up happy...check out what happened to a local MINI mate (esp. pics on Post #19) -

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=119668

Maybe they see more MINIs in Mid-Ohio...or they've finally figured out the Gen II idiosyncrasies...

 

Ick...

 

When I was shopping for a Mini I found a used one I liked at a car lot but on closer inspection the front panels near the windsheild both looked OFF ...
With a small tug , they both came right off ... The windsheild "non OEM" was obviously replaced , unfortunately the tech damaged both panels and used butyl rubber caulk to hold them on

 

-I had the windshield on the MQNSTER MINI replaced today. (Due to an accumulation of stone chips, rock hits, and a nasty crack halfway across the windshield) After evaluating comments on this post, I had Safelite do the job. They have a warehouse in Valley View (Ohio) and I was able to schedule the job in the afternoon after a morning phone call. $199.00 plus tax. Quick courteous service at what I feel is a pretty good price. I preferrred to have it done at the main warehouse where it was nice and warm and dry instead of on-site installation. Your choice may vary. Anywayz, I can actually SEE WHERE I'M GOING!

 

Mike, that's a great price. Mine was >$300 (but then insurance was paying for it so you know how that works.)

Rob

 

My windshield developed a crack from the base of the windshield on Tuesday. The crack is slowly growing and I need to replace it. Sam Meyers told me that MAG uses Paul Mears Auto Glass for repairs. Does anybody know anything about them? I want the job done right.