Ok so not sure where to post this but trying to find out some info on this problem so I can be informed when I bring this up to the dealer.

So I went to get my 2011 Clubman S windows tinted today and got a call from the tinter that said that "two lines on the rear passenger window were cut". Apparently, whoever was cleaning the car during delivery was perhaps trying to take off the window sticker had trouble cleaning the glue residue and tried using a razor blade and cut two of the six vertical lines that go up the side of the window. Not sure what function those two copper lines had but so far everything seems to be working. Haven't tried the rear defrost yet though. Tinter said the window might have to be replaced.

Quick phone call to MINI service said the warranty is very strict on what is covered or not but would need to take a look in person. I know I didn't do it.

Any thoughts on this or strategies for how to approach dealer would be appreciated...

 

This is one of those situations where you might screwed. If it looks like a razor cut it then warranty wont cover it. Then you have to prove it was done at the dealer. Those lines are usually at the edge of the window and the window sticker is usually in the center of the window so not sure if it could be done during delivery. Actually it might have been the tinter since you have to trim the edges of the tint while its on the window.

 

Well if it gets to the point of not covered, I have been searching on the web that there are some conductive paint kits for repairing defrost lines. That might work and be cheap to fix. The service guy was pretty perplexed and didn't even know there were lines there...but we will see when I bring it in next week.

Hard to say if it was the tinter. If he did do it, he probably wouldn't have called me and just tinted over it. But he said he started tinting and noticed it and called me right away--this is coming from a reputable guy who is highly recommended on these boards.

 

Odds are it was the tint place that did it. I'm pretty certain. Why? Dealers don't use razors to clean glass, but tinters do to make certain nothing gets under the film.

Even if the deal did, they would know that the side windows have defrosters, and again, the tint place would not.

So, it would be my guess that the tint place, in doing a good job, and not skimping on prep work, learned minis have defrosters on the side.

That's the way I see it.

EDIT: If you are certain, that is the window the sticker is on, odds go down it was the tint place and dealer will probably take care of it. If the window sticker was not on that window, they will not see it as possible for the prep guy to do it. The factory more likely had a faulty glass than a prep guy using a razor on a random window.

 

By the way, the wires on the side windows are FM antennas not defrosters.

 

Unibus thanks for clarifying. What is impact if a couple lines cut? Reception seems to be ok but don't listen to much FM.

I inspected it tonight very closely. I believe the tinter did not do it. There's sticker residue and it is as if someone was trying to scrap it off and ended up scrapping off part of the lines.

We will see. Going to dealer next week.

 

The lines on the side window are for the "Diversity Radio Antenna System". It is very doubtful that they will affect the reception to much unless they are missing all together.

I can not tell on my MINI but on my BMW these lines do not fully connect at the top of the window. Then only one that goes all the way is the last one (closest to the front of the car) and make a complete loop the rest (middle lines) end about 1/2" from the loop at the top end.

So it is possible that this a really not a problem.

 

I wouldn't be so quick to say that. I know plenty of dealerships that use razors and whatever else they can to get the job done and as quickly as possible. When a new car comes in from the port there are more things stuck to the windows other than just the window sticker