[dylonsays]

I have put less 2500 miles on the car and I'm about to get the windshield replaced for the 3rd time. All of these cracking experiences have been while traveling up to Tahoe. Cold temps and the typical sand that cal trans drops on the roads is causing this. The windshields seem very weak to me, wondering if this is an isolated incident.

[nyalpine90]

its known that bmw windshield is fragile.

[oneeighty]

Originally Posted by dylonsays

I have put less 2500 miles on the car and I'm about to get the windshield replaced for the 3rd time. All of these cracking experiences have been while traveling up to Tahoe. Cold temps and the typical sand that cal trans drops on the roads is causing this. The windshields seem very weak to me, wondering if this is an isolated incident.

Hey Dylon -- same thing happened to me on the way home from Tahoe this weekend. Who has replaced the windshield for you? Wondering if you went to the dealership (who presumably contracts out the glass repair) or a dedicated auto glass place like Safelite? Interested in your experience, but bummed you've had so much of it!!

[MechX3M40i]

If you guys have the HUD, I recommend letting the dealer do it since the HUD require special windshield and calibration. It would be an expensive endeavor and I think I saw someone said $1600...

X3 M40i windshield replacement https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1513188

[dylonsays]

If its a known issue, BMW should be doing something about it- especially when this advertise this car as a capable vehicle off-road. FRUSTRATING.

I had the first last windshield replaced at the dealer and now I am going through the process with Safelight- which adds several other concerns (quality of installation, non-oem glass, etc).

My crack started on as a 1 inch crease near drivers side, bottom and has now grown to across the windshield to passenger side.

Has anyone replaced with non-OEM glass? What are the experiences?

[nyalpine90]

Originally Posted by dylonsays

If its a known issue, BMW should be doing something about it- especially when this advertise this car as a capable vehicle off-road. FRUSTRATING.

I had the first last windshield replaced at the dealer and now I am going through the process with Safelight- which adds several other concerns (quality of installation, non-oem glass, etc).

My crack started on as a 1 inch crease near drivers side, bottom and has now grown to across the windshield to passenger side.

Has anyone replaced with non-OEM glass? What are the experiences?

you can provide them with all proper info, you can request OEM glass as well.
Safelite will also ask you questions regarding what options your car is equip with. I have dealt with them since 04 with all of bmw cars.
Before they install windshield, double check they have correct one.

[MechX3M40i]

Originally Posted by Fenders

I called JN Phillips AutoGlass pre-emptively last week as I've been accumulating tiny chips across the windshield and wondered what I'd be in for. They said they typically perform the camera calibration as part of the insurance-covered service and in exceptions where they have issues they'll let you know and refer you to complete that at the dealer.

Time to add windshield insurance if you don't have that already...

[nogren]

There is also a Kafas camera calibration step that has to be done.

[deladude]

I got three or four chips in the first month of ownership. Owned the previous car for five years without a single windshield issue

I got mine repaired by Safelite before the chips spread and its been okay ever since. Fingers crossed. Safelite did say if the windshield does eventually need to be replaced the cost of the repairs is put toward the replacement, which is nice, I guess.

[OttoMobilia]

Recent rock chip ..have replacement glass policy but am going to have repaired by Safelite this go around and see how it turns out before replacing.

[Fenders]

Originally Posted by MechX3M40i

Time to add windshield insurance if you don't have that already...

Yep, luckily I have that and have used it at least twice on every car I've owned - I tried to delete my post but you are the fastest enter key in the west and beat me to it. I was fixated on their KAFAS calibration but I forgot to ask them about any challenges with HUD or if the special HUD OEM glass wasn't fully covered.

[weez]

My windshield is pitted all to hell at 5800 miles. Nothing significant....just bugs and fine road debris have caused it really.

[Jeepersjoey]

I was probably the one you saw replaced at 500 miles. A truck going the other way threw a rock at me.

$1600 from safelight. It was OEM bmw because it was the same year.

I paid the $50 deductible even though Geico said that we did not have windshield coverage. The agent was actually very cool. He said "you would not have windshield on your two $8k cars and not have on your $65k car" and covered it.

My first actual positive experience with auto insurance. Good stuff!
Paul

[deladude]

I just got another big chip in my windshield yesterday on the highway. I knew the trailer in front of me was a hazard before it even happened. I let off and gave them plenty of room but it wasn't enough. Driving on the highway shouldn't be this stressful. I've never been so worried about road debris before.

This one probably won't be repairable. Replacing the windshield should NOT be routine maintenance and its really making me question how long I want to own this car.

Is insurance really the best solution we have here?

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by deladude

I just got another big chip in my windshield yesterday on the highway. I knew the trailer in front of me was a hazard before it even happened. I let off and gave them plenty of room but it wasn't enough. Driving on the highway shouldn't be this stressful. I've never been so worried about road debris before.

This one probably won't be repairable. Replacing the windshield should NOT be routine maintenance and its really making me question how long I want to own this car.

Is insurance really the best solution we have here?

Let me know when you find a vehicle with a windshield that won't get any stone chips or cracks.

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

Let me know when you find a vehicle with a windshield that won't get any stone chips or cracks.

:

[deladude]

Let me know when you find a vehicle with a windshield that won't get any stone chips or cracks.

The thread OP replaced his three times before the first oil change! You think that's okay? That's absurd. The thought that I might need to replace my windshield more frequently than my tires is not going to fly for a car I want to own for 5-10 years. Chips and cracks should be a rare exception, not a routine maintenance expense.

I owned a Subaru BRZ for five years, no chips or cracks. I owned a Mitsu Evo for 2 years, no chips or cracks. I owned an e36 for 6+ years, no chips or cracks. They all took plenty of hits on the highway without issue. I've owned the X3 for less than six months, five chips and one irreparable crack. Based on others experiences shared here this is not just bad luck.

Its the first issue thats making me question my ownership

[MechX3M40i]

Originally Posted by deladude

The thread OP replaced his three times before the first oil change! You think that's okay? That's absurd. The thought that I might need to replace my windshield more frequently than my tires is not going to fly for a car I want to own for 5-10 years. Chips and cracks should be a rare exception, not a routine maintenance expense.

I owned a Subaru BRZ for five years, no chips or cracks. I owned a Mitsu Evo for 2 years, no chips or cracks. I owned an e36 for 6+ years, no chips or cracks. They all took plenty of hits on the highway without issue. I've owned the X3 for less than six months, five chips and one irreparable crack. Based on others experiences shared here this is not just bad luck.

Its the first issue thats making me question my ownership

Sorry about your experience man. So is this still your original windshield with all the chips and now finally a crack that's not repairable? Maybe a stroke of bad luck,so hopefully the new windshield will take care of you better.

On the other hand, if the crack happened on a replacement windshield already, then we may need to think of some kind of aftermarket remedy...

I believe cost cutting (sometimes in the name of weight saving) in general makes all windshield thinner and weaker. SUV windshield being a bit more upright vs. more slanted angle for cars do not help either.

[XXX3]

There is protective film for windshields, or racing tear offs. I’m seriously considering ppf; a pro detail shop will apply the product.

Here’s a link to the racing tear offs. https://protintshop.com/collections/frontpage?page=1
I’m curious about possible street use with this tear off product. Definitely need something with this super fragile windshield. After 6 years, my 2013 Civic has no chips. Go figure.

[willm]

I have a new X3 (4 months) and the windshield cracked from the center - where the mirror and sensors are - on both sides. The BMW dealer said it is due to the weather.... I have never ever had cars that windshields crack like that due to weather. I am in San Jose California, and has been cold but we are not THAT cold like some parts of the USA.

Anyone else seen this?

BMW said it's not covered....

[thomaswolf]

Frustrating Windshield Problems...

I have replaced my X3 M40i Windshield now Three Times (x3!!) within the first the year!!
I am hearing that the X3 M40i frame is too "rigid", and the lower to the ground X3 frame in combo with the windshield's steep angle all contribute.

Beginning to wonder if this model is a Lemon. Querried BMW National, but ... Crickets!

Tom W.

[Rhidium]

Isn't there a after market cover you can install on the windshield. Could have sworn someone posted about this a few months ago