[TeeG]

(Sorry for the rash of posts - had a lot of questions building up lately. Been too busy putting miles on my new 328xiT).

I've got a small exterior chip (2cm?) on my windshield. It doesn't go all the way through, doesn't functionally present any problems, is over on the passenger's side so doesn't bother any views.

The repair/replace would be entirely taken care of by my dealer, as apparently it happened when the car was being shipped back after my European Delivery, so it's their responsibility.

My question: Would you have them repair/replace it, or not? It seems like a big repair, which I'm worried could possibly lead to other issues (a repair is never as good as an original, right?) On the other hand, I remember being in my parent's car as a kid, and on a super cold day watching as a tiny chip in our windshield suddenly blossomed out into a spider web of cracks. Is it possible that could happen here? (I live in NY, and will be driving in the winter a lot.)

On a related topic -- my girlfriend's mother said she gets window chips all the time on her e90, and that's it's a known BMW thing -- that there's a joke that says BMW stands for... wait, I'm forgetting now... maybe Break My Windshield? Anyone ever heard this? Just curious.

[David 12]

Yes, that chip could very easily turn into a long crack.

Easy decision - Get it fixed now.

Dave

[JmanE55]

Originally Posted by David 12

Yes, that chip could very easily turn into a long crack.

Easy decision - Get it fixed now.

Dave

+1 DO IT.

[ejazbmw]

had a nick on the corner of my window came back from work it was a foot long.....lesson learned

[japac1]

Replace it now before it becomes an issue.

[SpdFreak]

If the chip is in an area that it distracts your driving (ie. eye level) replace it now.

On the other hand maybe you should wait till the end of fall and replace it then. This way if you get another chip, you won't kick yourself in the @ss.

[achien]

watch out for wind-noise and leakage if the workmanship is not good...

[SGxi]

Get the windsheild repaired now to prevent cracks. You don't have to replace the whole thing, just get it repaired.

[Revlis]

Originally Posted by SGxi

Get the windsheild repaired now to prevent cracks. You don't have to replace the whole thing, just get it repaired.

Yup, I went from



To this for $50. Damage was pretty severe, now I don't even notice it... Took 15 minutes about three months ago...

[SGxi]

Wow, that's a pretty good repair!

[Mikes12985]

thats not good....do it!!!Mike.

[ksfrogman]

Where are the photos?

Better to have it repaired. If it's less than the size of a credit card, repairing the window leaves the factory seals around the windshield intact.

I had a larger rock crack on the windshield that I had completely replaced. Looks okay now, but I would have had it repaired if that were an option.

Cracked windshield replaced.

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by TeeG

(Sorry for the rash of posts - had a lot of questions building up lately. Been too busy putting miles on my new 328xiT).

I've got a small exterior chip (2cm?) on my windshield. It doesn't go all the way through, doesn't functionally present any problems, is over on the passenger's side so doesn't bother any views.

The repair/replace would be entirely taken care of by my dealer, as apparently it happened when the car was being shipped back after my European Delivery, so it's their responsibility.

My question: Would you have them repair/replace it, or not? It seems like a big repair, which I'm worried could possibly lead to other issues (a repair is never as good as an original, right?) On the other hand, I remember being in my parent's car as a kid, and on a super cold day watching as a tiny chip in our windshield suddenly blossomed out into a spider web of cracks. Is it possible that could happen here? (I live in NY, and will be driving in the winter a lot.)

On a related topic -- my girlfriend's mother said she gets window chips all the time on her e90, and that's it's a known BMW thing -- that there's a joke that says BMW stands for... wait, I'm forgetting now... maybe Break My Windshield? Anyone ever heard this? Just curious.

Check your state's law, in Florida insurance companies must replace windshields free of charge to the insured for any damage caused by rocks, etc.

[ettil]

Even professionally repaired chips can later develop cracks and then you're looking at replacement. Would BMW replace the windscreen later should they repair crack? If so I'd get in writing if you/they are just going to do a repair otherwise replace. Also think about inspection laws in your area.

[Brandy]

I would definitly replace it. I had a chip on my windshield a few weeks ago and it became a crack over 12 inches long! Fix it.

[TeeG]

Great, thanks for the advice everyone...

[edgarj]

+1 for repair. Even if at your own exense. I've seen small cracks spread the width of the windshield with enoug temp contrast on a hot day to be a concern. Nothing like a pristeen windshield either, mine already has several minor scratches that bug me.

[chbrules]

Revlis, got a lot of gangs up in Canada? Looks like some hommies were bustin a cap atcha there.

(I see a lot of bullet holes in windows around here)

[nmulax]

Get it repaired. Doesn't sound like it's big enough to warrent a full replacement, but if you don't take care of it ASAP, it will grow.