Well, this all depends on what you define as a structural member. Sure it carries some of the load, as do the side windows, the splash guards, the bumper covers, etc.; but I don't know if I'd call those things "structural members". Would the car collapes without a windshield? hardly. Does the windshield carry a SIGNIFICANT load? Obviously not, given its attatchment method (its glued into place). Debate me on semantics all you want, the point is the dealer was feeding this person a load of crap, saying that some special technique was required to replace the MINI's windshield, when it is in fact glued in place just like every other windshield for the last 20 years.

 

I'd say the dealer's argument is partial, rather than total, crap. All windshields are part of the structure of the car. That doesn't mean the car will fold up without OEM glass. The A-pillar covers are prone to breakage. If an installer breaks them, however, the installer replaces them (they aren't that expensive). The position of the airbags in the A-pillar DOES make them a consideration. But, that placement is harldy unique. My 2003 Benz's and my 2005 Infiniti's had air bags there, too. Yeah, there are horror stories about 3rd party installers. But, that's true of every aspect of car repair. Something to consider: Most (or many) MINI dealers don't do the install themselves, either. They use a 3rd party. Find out who it is and skip the middleman. Alternatively, do some research and use a reputable, established place.

 

ok, partial crap, you're right, but to distill it, THIS part of their argument was TOTAL crap:

"[The windshield] needed to be pressed on using a special technique that only BMW was certified to use."

An outright LIE in an attempt to justify a CLEARLY bloated install price (that quote is a full 411% higher than what I paid an independent installer for OEM glass). Its somewhat misleading to mention that the warranty is void as well, given that it will simply be warrantied by another party, not the dealer at that point. Its the truth I guess, but only the part of the truth that its convenient for them to tell you.

 

You seem to have some strong thoughts on this.
I agree with you taking glass coverage is not harming anyone else.

However, you are wrong on INVESTing the premiums. It is "dollars in, dollars out" for insurance companies.

We probably could have a very long debate on this but madated coverages do cost you money as I said. I can prove it with acturial tables.

 

I guess all those annual statements are fabricated.

 

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