Got my MCS about a week ago and just got the Alta AccessPort in the mail today and this happens:




Did a quick turn around but too late, already run over into a million pieces by another car.

Got to over 100Mph pretty quick before it flew off. Now I'm wondering if the other will fly off and if Mini will replace this at no cost. Makes me think of how cars where constructed in the mid 80's

My 03 GTI 1.8T was a tank at 145Mph

 

jmo, but not common. Not unheard of, but not common.

 

Maybe it had it's windshield replaced just before you bought it?

 

I guess good know that it can happen.
I'm pretty sure the windshield is original; it's a 09 MCS and the dust at the edge of the windshield allowed air/wind to catch the column cover and tear it off looks like.


I'll have to make sure the seal is clean and flush on the other side, and with the replacement

 

Look real closely in one of the corners of the windscreen for the MINI logo. If memory serves, it is in the lower driver's side. If it isn't there, what you have is a replacement which would also translate to a fly away A pillar trim.

A resource for replacement and a quote from:
http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NMX1110/InvDetail.cfm
"If your windshield has been replaced, you need these new A pillar covers. From our experience, we found these parts are not re-usable once removed. If you re-use your old ones, there is a very good chance they will depart from your car somewhere down the road when you least expect it..."

 

So...you think this was caused by the Alta AccessPort

 

As a result of getting the pricey little bugger and wanting to test it out, yes.
High speed + a gust of wind = buhbye column cover (at least in my case this time)

 

Mine got hit by a large chunk of metal and stayed put so perhaps it was just loose before your 100MPG stint.

 

I think almost half the people in our local MINI club have had this happen. Usually when the whole A-pillar cover is not replaced after getting a windshield replaced.

 

Those break every time a new windshield is installed. I sell about twenty of them a week to glass companies.

 

Surprisingly, my boyfriend's S had the windshield replaced about two years ago - they managed to salvage the A-pillars and put them back on. They're still on to this day with no signs of weakness!

But yeah, I've seen the A-pillars fall off several times. I have a friend that lost his on the highway after a windshield replacement. Both of them.

 

So when you have your windshield replaced under your Comprehensive policy (I think it's a $100 deductible) what are the chances that the insurance company will replace the covers at the same time? Slim, infinitesimal, or none?

Larry

 

Excellent question. Probably not very good but for the meaning of 'comprehensive'. I am going to ask my agent this very question tomorrow and post his answer. I had mine replaced last summer under the same deductable and the oem covers are still holding on tight. I had the li'l guy up to 132 since then and they failed to break free.

 

Too Much Boost...

But honestly, that happened here at a local rally, it was funny, but he managed to salvage the part, it landed face up!

 

I have had my windshield replaced 4 times. Ok, it caught a rock twice. Replaced with a different manufacturer's glass the first time. Cuaght another rock. This time the glass guy put in 3 different windows. The first two had defects. A tiny crack in one, and a major dimple in the other (looked like a special effect in a scifi movie). The owner furthered his lose by installing a Mini windshield the last time. A concession for my inconvenience.
I will use him for any future glass needs, and refer him to everybody.
The point is he has taken my a pillars off four times and they are still solid and solidly attached. I am not street bragging, but they are speed tested.
I think my glass guy passes muster.

 

When Safelite replaced my windshield they included the A-pillar covers and my insurance paid. Probably from so many people complaining about them flying off after windshield replacement.

 

Hi folks. Quick reply; going to go get my new rotors/brakes installed and wheels mounted. Coilovers & exhaust will come in the next couple days.

Yap, sure enough, the windshield had been replaced with a 2nd hand windshield that doesn't match an original mini windshield perfectly .. making the A-Pillars a not-so-exact fit. I bought a replacement A-Pillar and can't get it to snap into place. Mini wants almost $600 to replace the windshield.

I'll have to see what I'm going to do.

 

Yeah, but at 133 mph the covers and the windshield fly off like that new advert for the Mazda CX-5 where the SUV disintegrates. I'll remember to keep my R57S to under 132 in the city.

Good answers on the windshield. I've learned:

1-Get an OEM windshield, especially if you have the rain sensor.
2-Try and get the frame covers and clips replaced.

Larry

 

I have had my windshield replaced 2 times by Safelite with OEM BMW/MINI glass. I still have the original A pillar covers on. No issues. Must be a hit or miss thing with the skill level of the installer.

 

This is good to know. Next time I get a new windshield I will ask for these to be replaced as well.

 

Funny you should mention OEM glass. They put China-man glass on mine the first time and within a day the glass cracked along the ENTIRE perimeter the next day and allowed rain water to leak fry my radio. Quite an expensive lesson for them to use OEM glass