I didn't notice this when purchased but there are thousands of these little specks on my windshield which I can feel with my fingernail. No problem during normal driving but during the sunset it is blinding. I tried course steel wool (seems that fine is supposed to be the thing) in an inconspicuous area but to no avail.

A little bit reluctant to just swap out the windshield ***** nilly....especially around here. Last time I did that locally on another vehicle it made a new whistling noise that never went away no matter how many times I brought it back. AFAIK in Virginia it is not $0 replacement for a windshield and while windshield replacement might not be considered a claim I have been advised that it can reduce your discount which has the same net effect.

I doubt that Cerium Oxide will help either.

Anyone else with this problem? Dreading paying cash on hand for stuff like this. What have you all paid for a replacement windshield?

Thanks.

 

That's definitely normal. The steep angle of the windshield makes it inevitable that you end up with tiny chips across the whole windshield.

I had the windshield replaced in my Countryman a year or two ago at Safelite and they did a really good job. I requested OEM glass, which they sourced no problem and worked it all through my insurance. I had a crack about a foot long running through it. Not sure if your insurance will cover it if there isn't an obvious reason to replace it.

 

Where in Virginia are you? I am having the windshield in my 2004 MCS replaced for about $275; my has the rain sensors. I am going to Windshield City in Chantilly; they do great work.

 

I am just South of Fredericksburg so the only time I go to Chantilly is when I need to go to get a JDM engine for other vehicles. Familiar with the area, but too far for me.

Thanks.

 

What the OP is describing is super normal. Pitted windshields are über common on older model MINIs. I cracked min this fall. So I get to get it replaced in the spring after it comes out of storage.

 

Safelite has a no questions 100% satisfaction gar'tee .... good thing espcly if you are paying out of pocket.

Had 'em do my car once and had some wind noise the next day. Called and they came back out and did the entire job over (new glass again) with nothing but "sorry about that" ever said ....

Over the years I've had a good dozen new windshields put in by Safelite. I'm so confident in their performance that this weekend when a big rock hit my front glass I just thought ... no problem, Safelite will fix (and it won't cost me anything cuz I have coverage on the glass and live in FL where insurance proscribes insurance charging ANYTHING despite your deductible on a front glass issue (provided you HAVE front glass coverage)

********

wanna see some pitted front glass? come take a look at my 79!

 

Cool everyone....well sort of...lol.

Thanks.

 

Mine is the same way. The windshield on these cars is pretty flat......and the way the air flows over the hood and into the windshield seems to really want to throw sand/rocks/debris into the windshield....much more than any other car I've had.

It's just part of the "mini experience"

 

Here are some interesting articles about windshield pitting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattl...tting_epidemic

https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-his...ystery-of-1954

 

I had the same thing happen on my truck. I got the windshield insurance and since get the windshield replaced once a year. Might do the same for the MINI

 

MINIs take a beating on the windshield because its upright. Mine was pitted, then finally cracked and i got a new one from safelite.

 

The specks you’re describing sound like sandblasting or pitting, which happens over time due to debris hitting the windshield at high speeds. Since you can feel them with your fingernail, polishing likely won’t help much. Cerium oxide is usually effective for light scratches but not deep pitting. Unfortunately, replacement is often the only real fix. If you're hesitant due to past issues with installation, try finding a reputable glass shop with good reviews or check if a dealer offers OEM replacement. Costs vary, but expect $300–$800 depending on OEM vs. aftermarket glass and features like rain sensors or HUD.

 

2005 with 175k. Done 3 replacements - once for a break due to a large rock. New glass makes a huge difference

 

My R53 is on it's 3th windshield now. The 2nd one wasn't fitted correctly and started a rust spot at the where it meets the roof. Has some small bubbling going on there unfortunately.

The hard part is getting it out without breaking into a million small pieces as the windshield is very curved. Also to remove the trim on your bonnet, dont pull up but slide them to the sides. This way the trim clips won't break.

Learned all this from my indie "on location windshield" guy. He really knew what he was doing. He even refused to install the windshield he brought with him as he found a scratch on it while prepping it. He insisted to get me a new one.
It cost me €350 about 2 years ago.

 

Although your windshield isn't cracked, many insurance companies will replace pitted glass if you tell them it's hazardous under low sun angle conditions.

 

Hmmmm, nothing better than New Glass. That reminds me, I need to replace the windshield in my R52.

 

My 2004 R53 has the same problem. It's especially aggravating leaving my neighborhood early in the morning because I drive West right into the sun. The glare is so great that it's almost as if the glass is no longer transparent.

 

Yep - Proud owner of a 21 y/o R53, bought brand new in 2003. Traveled everywhere between the SE and SW for years with nary a scratch. I've just moved out here to the SW desert region. Within 2 months my windshield is completely sandblasted and has now suffered it's first crack (10" long and growing)...

Time to call Safelite.