Body - Windshield Damage Evaluation

Body - Windshield Damage Evaluation

SI M51 01 09

Body Equipment

February 2009

Technical Service

SUBJECT

Cracked or Damaged Windshield

MODEL

All models

SITUATION

The windshield may become cracked or damaged for a variety of reasons. Although the windshield requires repair or replacement, it is important to

take note of the following guidelines regarding what types of damage may or may not be covered by the MINI New Vehicle Warranty.

CAUSE

Windshield damage is typically caused by one of the following:

1. Outside influence - typically stone chips in nearly all cases

2. Excessive force applied - such as levering out the A-pillar trim

2002-2006 Mini Cooper (R50) L4-1.6L (W10) Page 341

3. Stress crack - due to heavy torsional loads on the vehicle's body or an incorrectly-fitted windshield (least common cause)

PROCEDURE

When evaluating a cracked or damaged windshield to determine whether it is eligible to be claimed under warranty, it is necessary to determine the

root cause of the damage. Reviewing the following possible causes will help to determine the root cause.

Outside Influence

^ An outside influence is responsible for the damage if:

1. One or more chips are present on the outside of the glass along the crack;

2. A crack started from anywhere other than an outside edge.

^ Run a non-permanent felt tip pen or small marker over the length of the damaged area. Even very minor surface damage will be felt.

^ Often when a small stone chip occurs, the subsequent crack takes time to develop, as the vehicle is subject to normal torsional loads or

temperature fluctuations. Any damage due to an outside influence will not be covered under warranty.

Excessive force

^ A windshield may become damaged due to excessive force being applied while performing other repairs, such as levering out the A-pillar trim or

removing a rear view mirror.

^ If the windshield is damaged as a result of excessive force being applied, warranty consideration will not be given.

Stress crack

^ Under very isolated circumstances, a stress crack may form due to a combination of glass position and heavy torsional loads on the body of the

vehicle.

^ These cracks always start from an outside edge of the glass.

^ Most often the cracks begin at one of the corners of the windshield.

^ Stress cracks typically occur within the first year or 10,000 miles of the vehicle's service life.

Additional Notes:

Only OEM MINI windshields may be considered for a warranty claim where a stress crack is the root cause. If a non MINI windshield was installed

in the vehicle, any resulting damage (i.e., cracks, water leaks, etc.) will not be covered. MINI windshields can be identified by a MINI logo stamped

on the glass in one of the lower corners.

If the damage to the glass is due to an outside influence, very often the glass can be repaired as opposed to being replaced. For additional

information on this repair and recommended repair kits, refer to Parts bulletin 51 09 06.