Just had my windshield replaced by the dealer. My previous rock-solid MINI now has a loud annoying rattle. While attempting to pinpoint the cause, noticed that the trim piece along the bottom of the windshield doesn't appear to fit correctly. The rubber seal isn't flush against the glass and I can stick two nickles stacked on top of one another in the gap. You can clearly see the white plastic clips under the strip that I assume should be holding it down snugly. I tried to push the chrome strip down onto these clips, but it pops right back out. I know there are a number of you out there that has had their windshields replaced - can you tell me if they were supposed to apply any type of sealant under that rubber strip? I know that rattle is wrong, but I fear that it will leak and crack again from the vibration.

 

Hmmmmm. Sounds as though the strip may have become warped or twisted, and that is almost impossible to correct. Take your car back to the installer asap. Hopefully the ugly weather will be kind to you.

 

Sounds like your installer either missed installed a few of the clips, or broke them.

The clips are a 2 piece clip, one part fits in a "track" on the body and the other piece mounts in the chrome strip, they then fit into each other. The clip is designed to allow for varying amounts of tension by having a one-way mechanism, much like a tie wrap or zip tie has, you know teeth on one side and a catch that lets you tighten but not loosen.

Take it back to him, although it shouldn't leak, it's a trim strip designed to dress-out the glass not seal it, it still should be done correctly.

 

I'm with MINI USA. Please contact your service advisor about this problem. If you'd like our assistance, please phone us at 866 ASK.MINI and mention Reference # 200406400139 so that we can help you more efficiently.