So,

I have an 05 Cooper S with an ELECTRICALLY heated windshield (US ppl won't have this till the second gen, I'm in Canada)

Now, the relay is clicking when I turn it on, I'm assuming it's because the windshield is cracked. I don't think its working anymore--it's not warm to touch like the rear window is.

Would the cracking cause it to stop working?

Thanks

Justin.

 

Yup. Airplane windshields are the same way. The crack breaks some of the tiny wires embedded in the film between the layers causeing a change in resistance, or shorting it out.
Can't say I have seen a MINI with this system, but a quick call to the dealer should confirm it. Sorry to hear about the $$$$ news.
When it is working it must be awsome though!!!

 

Yeah, the crack is horizontal and I would imagine it's broken the tiny electrical wires. It's over $1000 CAD at the dealer and about $700 CAD at a glass repair shop.

I think in the US, the second gens have this option. The first gens did not. And youre right it is really nice when it works haha.

 

Yes that is exactly how the Airplane windows are, and you should not even attempt to run the heater until the Windshield is replaced

 

Too bad about you windshield. The US does not have this option. I really would like it, but that sure is an expensive repair!

 

It is one button for the front/rear defrosters. I suppose that's why the relay is there--to disable the front one. I need the back one still!