I just got my FIFTH windshield in two years earlier this week. So many threads on windshields already, that's all I'll say about that.

I had decided to get PPG glass this time, after seeing it recommended here and other places (couldn't be any worse, right?). Talking with the autoglass shop people, I understood that I would lose the rain-sensing feature because PPG doesn't make a rain-sensing version for the MINI.

Or do they?

When I went to pick up my car at the windshield shop, the installer told me that my rain-sensing box cover was in the back seat. The cover snaps on over the device that's built into the stock MINI rain-sensing windshield. He then said rather casually, "You know, I have a BMW rain-sensing module that might work. We could try it if you want."

Hell, yeah!

So he opens up a box and pulls out this little black plastic device that has an adhesive square protected by a piece of plastic film. First he snaps my cover on it (perfect fit - it's made for BMW's), then he connects the rain-sensing cable to it, which he had previously tucked up above the headliner. Again, the cable connects to it perfectly (BMW). He then pulls the plastic film off of the adhesive square, aligns it as high as possible behind the rear-view mirror, and sticks it on.

It rained yesterday. I set the wipers to auto-sensing. It worked.

Did I happen to acquire the manufacturer and part number of this magical device so I could pass it on here? Of course I did!

The manufacturer is Precision Replacement Products. The part number is 800007. If your PPG dealer claims they don't know what you're talking about, direct them to PPG's very own website: www.ppgautoglass.com
Click the Catalog link on the right. On the Catalog page, scroll down and click the Precision Replacement Parts link. Look for "Download 2004 List Prices" and choose either the Excel or PDF file to download. Open either of those files and search for 800007. You'll see the description "BMW RAIN SENSOR LENSE INFARED". That's the part you want.

I have a $50 deductible on windshields, so this part didn't cost me any extra. Your mileage may vary.

Keep in mind that the stock MINI rain-sensing windshield has a tinted square where the rain-sensing guts are built into it, so you can't see any of it from the outside. There is no such tinted square on the PPG windshield, so from outside you can see the adhesive square stuck to the inside of the glass. Hopefully that won't bother you.

Hope this is useful to other rain-sensing MINI owners.

 

Now this is GREAT news!

No, I don't have the rain-sensing windshield, but I have been one of the most outspoken fans of the PPG windshield ever since Global Imports in Atlanta refused to honor my warranty for a stress fractured windshield. They tried to get me to pay $750 for another piece of crummy OEM glass!

Now EVERYONE with a MINI can benefit from the higher quality and stronger PPG glass!

Thanks scooterboy! You've made a most significant discovery!

 

Nice job Scooterboy !!

Good to know there are options when people that 'tell you no-don't know'

 

Excellent info, scooterboy! Will have to keep that in the archives.
Thanks for passing on the info!

 

This ought to be a "sticky" or incorporated into a FAQ


Rawhyde

 

Another hoo-ra for PPG.

Excellent product installed when the OEM cracked a smile when the car was 3 weeks old. How do they these babies make it across the ocean without poping?

Anyway, over a year and a half later, the PPG has two nasty rock chip repairs, normal pitting and never even thought of cracking. The rocks that made the bulls-eyes were freakin' bullets!

 

Thanks, scooterboy! I'm saving this info "just in case!" Wanda's original windshield was nailed by a rock thrown from a semi truck that cut me off just outside Houston on my first roadtrip when she was only a month old!

I replaced the windshield with OEM, but now I know I have a choice! YAY!


Clover

 

Hey MINIclo,

How much did the new OEM rain-sensing windshield run you? Does insurance cover it?

 

I think I paid Long Beach MINI's parts department about $200-225 for it and $140 for its installation. No insurance coverage for it....in Cali we have to cover such things ourselves.


Clover

 

Well it's been a few years since I started this thread and now I have an update.

My PPG glass lasted about 3.5 years, which I'm very satisfied with (compared to OEM glass).

I just had it replaced, and the good news is that PPG now has a rain sensing windshield for the MINI. So instead of getting the add-on device mentioned in the original post, it's built into the glass.

Not sure how long it's been available, but just wanted to let people know.

 

It's been available since at least 03/15/08...that's when I had my accident and I opted for the PPG equivalent of the OEM rain-sensor windshield. I'd have to dig up the insurance paperwork to find the PPG part #.....

 

I don't have rain sensor, but I wonder if PPG is lighter? JK
Scooter thanks, I gotta also let Bimmer forums know.

 

Less than 3 weeks on the new '10 MCS and I had a stress fracture appear in the top right corner ... interestingly I noticed it the morning after I'd had it the dealer for applying paint protection.

Not worried about it too much though, I'm sure they'll replace it. Just a hassle getting it up to the dealership again.

Good to know I have the option of going to PPG if/when the day comes and it's out of my pocket (I have the rain-sensors too) ...

 

I don't suppose you (or anyone) could post the part number -- I'm also looking at getting a new windshield.

Thanks in advance...