[Zoo54924]

On the highway earlier and I just got kissed with a small rock on my 2 week old X3's windshield. Needless to say, that small crack (2-3 cm) is right on my view so when im driving, I can see that hideous crack.

Question, would our warranty cover that if I bring it back to dealer? Second - crack is so minimal, to get it fixed, it wouldnt be too hard right? hopefully, no window replacement....

[Want the thrill]

Warranty won't cover it but your insurance should. Some insurances have little or no deductible on windshields so check with them first

[Zoo54924]

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

Warranty won't cover it but your insurance should. Some insurances have little or no deductible on windshields so check with them first

Thanks! just called GEICO and its covered with no deductible.

This is my 4th car and I've driven on these NYC highways all my life. Never had a cracked windshield before. Rocks or pebbles would just bounce off. Cant believe they're that sensitive. or is it really just my luck. If so, c'est la vie.

[Evlengr]

Originally Posted by Zoo54924

Thanks! just called GEICO and its covered with no deductible.

This is my 4th car and I've driven on these NYC highways all my life. Never had a cracked windshield before. Rocks or pebbles would just bounce off. Cant believe they're that sensitive. or is it really just my luck. If so, c'est la vie.

Your luck. I had the same thing happen to me 3 months in with my 08. The filled it so it wouldn't spider. I have not had it happen since.

[Zoo54924]

but how does it look? will it still be noticeable?

[NYC_340i]

I live in New York City too. Had 6 cars and never got windshield damage. I hope I don't get one on my X3 though. I have the HUD and the windshield is way more expensive then the regular one.

[Cupcake]

I know how you feel! I had a rock hit my windshield driving home from the dealer on I-20. I heard it hit but didnt realize it chipped it until it spread and cracked 6 inches the next day. Luckily my crack was on the very top of the windshield on the passenger side. I had someone drill the crack and fill the chip with resin and it's held up okay, I can see a very small crack but it's much better than it was. I will probably have to replace the windshield whenever it gets cold out. I was thinking of just replacing the entire windshield after it happened but I called my dealer they told me it could be a 1-2 month wait on a windshield, I believe there were 20+ something on backorder. If you decide to replace and want the original BMW windshield I would call to see if they are still backordered, etc. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[skier219]

Zoo54924, if the crack is small, you may want to try getting it filled with resin first. This would avoid the hassle and potential issues of replacing the whole windshield. In most cases, the cracks can be rendered nearly optically invisible, which is the main annoyance with small cracks. They will evaluate stability of the crack before recommending a repair.

[Zoo54924]

thank you guys.

Safelight (GEICO's recommended service provider for windshield) will probably fill it with RESIN first since the chip is really, really minor. Only annoying this is that its right in my driving view.

[BTT 335i]

that people use the best system for fix your windshield, others companies tray to make a small hold in your windshield and latter put the liquid product and that is not good for your windshield, good luck.

[02420X3]

Zoo,

Best case, the resin-filled crack is invisible. Worst case, if the resin-filled crack is unacceptable, then bitch to your insurance company. The resin will at least buy you time to get an OEM windshield ordered and delivered without the crack spreading.

[Dechy]

At 2600KMs on the odometer we got hit really REALLY hard by a rock on the hwy... looked everywhere while driving and didn't find a chip/crack anywhere so just continued on my merry way to my destination (another 200KMs worth of hwy).

Totally forgot about the incident and it was dark anyways, so didn't double check.

Day after? 1 foot long crack, humidity / pressure changes during the night probably made it crack... forgot to check the huge area under the rearview mirror, that's where the chip was. During the day the crack reached over 2 feet long so called up insurance.

This was my very first windshield change in 17 years of driving, and I've never really shopped for that specific item when looking at insurances... I really, REALLY should have; 500$ deductible. Poor lady at the phone, I gave her an earful... I could get hit by a car and have 15000$ damage and pay 500$ deductible but the windshield is 500$ on its own?!?!

Top it off with the insane price from the dealer (glass + seal + sensor + time = ~1300$)

Flat tire on the friggin RFTs that same week when I've NEVER had a flat... thankfully they were able to patch it.

The best part? Hail from hell this month, I can't remember the last time I've seen hail...

I've had 9 different cars in 17 years... guess my luck ran out... I wished it had ran out on my friggin Fit instead lol

[Zoo54924]

UPDATE - i just had the cracked filled with RESIN. Its way better than it was before but I still see it ( like small fingerprint smudge that doesnt go away ). The fact that its sort of in my line of sight bothers me. The safelite guys suggested to call my insurance and complain. They'll probably OK the windshield replacement but is it worth the hassle?

What potential issues may arise if i get a windshield replaced?

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by Zoo54924

UPDATE - i just had the cracked filled with RESIN. Its way better than it was before but I still see it ( like small fingerprint smudge that doesnt go away ). The fact that its sort of in my line of sight bothers me. The safelite guys suggested to call my insurance and complain. They'll probably OK the windshield replacement but is it worth the hassle?

What potential issues may arise if i get a windshield replaced?

I'd go for the windshield. You should not have to deal with a bothersome defect in your line of sight. I've had (2) windshields replaced within the last 15 years. A 1999 Honda Accord Wagon and a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT. In both cases the dealerships had a local mobile windshield replacement specialist company do the replacement at the dealership's garage.

Obvious things to look out for are water leaks and sealant stains on the inner "A" pillar covering, headliner and top surfaces of the dashboard. You should also check for proper functioning of the windshield wiper auto rain sensor and auto headlight dimmer if you have that option. Also carefully examine the painted areas around and especially above the windshield, as well as the rear edge of the hood for any scratches or paint chips.

Wait 48 hours to let the sealant fully cure an then really douse the edges of the windshield with a heavy stream of water from a garden hose with a nozzle attached.

In my very limited experience, the better, professional windshield replacement companies can do such a good job that you'd never know the glass was replaced.

Good Luck.

[Zoo54924]

Thanks Lotus. Made the call and Safelite is ordering the OEM windshield from BMW. and best of all, its covered by my glass comprehensive coverage with no deductible.

[Zoo54924]

Another question - just say Safelite does a horrible job and water leaks into interior and damages the electronics. Will this still be covered under BMW warranty even though the windshield was replaced by a different provider?

[scs-X3]

Just got a 20 inch horizontal crack in my windshield due to a stone. Does anyone have the part number for the HUD windshield. I want to make sure BMW replaces it with the correct windshield.

First time this has ever happened to me, 9 yrs with the X5 and no issue.

[sard]

600 miles and I got a rock chip on my front windshield...oh wells.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by Zoo54924

Another question - just say Safelite does a horrible job and water leaks into interior and damages the electronics. Will this still be covered under BMW warranty even though the windshield was replaced by a different provider?

I would say not covered by warranty, but could be covered by your insurance. I'm not an expert.

[Zoo54924]

All i have to say is I had a great experience with Safelite and my insurance company. Safelite patched the initial chip but i was not satisfied ( nothing against Safelite as they tried their best).

So made the call to Geico, told them the chip was repaired but it was still in my line of sight. Without any hassle, they conferenced in a safelite representative from my region, ordered a new windshield and specifically asked if I had HUD, Rain sensor, and auto dimming on my rear view mirror. She needed the information so she can order the correct part. Got it in 3 weeks, replaced, and till this day, no issues at all ( wind noise, water leaks ).

And did i tell you the safelite shop is right across from my BMW service center?

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Zoo54924

Another question - just say Safelite does a horrible job and water leaks into interior and damages the electronics. Will this still be covered under BMW warranty even though the windshield was replaced by a different provider?

You should ask them about their warranty or any attempt at 'disclaimers'. If future loss is directly attributed to their defect then they should be liable. BMW will not warranty anything if they sniff out that there may be a third party cause.

I had one windshield replaced in my first E90, and other than the body colored seal covers never fitting quite perfect (something that likely only I noticed) there was never any problem.

Tell the company that you really would appreciate them sending one of their more experienced installers because it is a brand new BMW. Like any trade, experience counts.

[X3Bimmer]

When the windshield is replaced, is the rain sensor replaced or do they reuse the existing one? I've been given conflicting advice from my BMW dealer and Safelite...