Comments on: Failed rear window on MINI Convertible http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:55:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: marc http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-114134 marc Tue, 24 Apr 2007 22:52:43 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-114134 <p>hey i have a mini and love it i have a blue roof with blue paintwork but i have noticed on the roof the colour on the roof seams be rubbing as in patiches it has lost its colour a bit and in the middle of the sides of the roof two small holes have formed ??? has any one else had this probblem?? its a 04 and a bit worried to enjoy the sun now as dont want too make it worse HELP PLEASE</p> hey i have a mini and love it i have a blue roof with blue paintwork but i have noticed on the roof the colour on the roof seams be rubbing as in patiches it has lost its colour a bit and in the middle of the sides of the roof two small holes have formed ??? has any one else had this probblem?? its a 04 and a bit worried to enjoy the sun now as dont want too make it worse HELP PLEASE

]]> By: Paul Ellison http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-95856 Paul Ellison Sat, 10 Feb 2007 20:29:14 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-95856 <p>My wife was driving her 15-month-old, 05 hard-top Mini Cooper down the interstate last night with a couple of passengers. There was a sudden "boom" and the rear window shattered. It was fairly cold (20 degrees F - February in Michigan) and the car was washed earlier in the day. The dealer, of course, claims that it couldn't possibly have happened on its own and since there were no other cars around and no overpass in the vicinity, he insists someone must have shot at her rear window with something like a pellet gun from the woods. The two teenage passengers were unhurt and saw no hole in the window - until the glass started to fall apart as my wife exited the interstate to get to a gas station. Aside from the problem with the rear windows in convertible Minis, I have seen posts for the same incident involving two hard-tops with virtually the identical circumstances. Fortunately I am an attorney. Although I prefer to try to reason with them, I will not hesitate to make the dealer's world a living hell if they don't change their tune quickly.</p> <p>However, I hope other people don't have to deal with a similar "smart mouth" service manager who is doing his ultimate to avoid having to incur the cost of a warranty repair</p> My wife was driving her 15-month-old, 05 hard-top Mini Cooper down the interstate last night with a couple of passengers. There was a sudden “boom” and the rear window shattered. It was fairly cold (20 degrees F – February in Michigan) and the car was washed earlier in the day. The dealer, of course, claims that it couldn’t possibly have happened on its own and since there were no other cars around and no overpass in the vicinity, he insists someone must have shot at her rear window with something like a pellet gun from the woods. The two teenage passengers were unhurt and saw no hole in the window – until the glass started to fall apart as my wife exited the interstate to get to a gas station. Aside from the problem with the rear windows in convertible Minis, I have seen posts for the same incident involving two hard-tops with virtually the identical circumstances. Fortunately I am an attorney. Although I prefer to try to reason with them, I will not hesitate to make the dealer’s world a living hell if they don’t change their tune quickly.

However, I hope other people don’t have to deal with a similar “smart mouth” service manager who is doing his ultimate to avoid having to incur the cost of a warranty repair

]]> By: Heather http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-40709 Heather Tue, 13 Jun 2006 14:16:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-40709 <p>Mini Cooper owner still in warranty luckily. Driving along happily in a heavy downpour after a very hot day and the rear window of my Mini Cooper exploded. Extremly shocked as the noise was undescribable. Luckily BMW Derby has picked up the cost under warrantly and a curtesy car. They have go to replace the whole roof. I couldn't believe it either. Luckily for me sites like these made me equipt with the info to fire at them. It seems were only too aware, didn't have to put up a fight to my amazement. My insurance has taken off the policy rear windows, now I know why. 6 hours labour plus the cost of the roof. Who said Mini's are a nice car.</p> Mini Cooper owner still in warranty luckily. Driving along happily in a heavy downpour after a very hot day and the rear window of my Mini Cooper exploded. Extremly shocked as the noise was undescribable. Luckily BMW Derby has picked up the cost under warrantly and a curtesy car. They have go to replace the whole roof. I couldn’t believe it either. Luckily for me sites like these made me equipt with the info to fire at them. It seems were only too aware, didn’t have to put up a fight to my amazement. My insurance has taken off the policy rear windows, now I know why. 6 hours labour plus the cost of the roof. Who said Mini’s are a nice car.

]]> By: Liam http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-30723 Liam Mon, 23 Jan 2006 11:37:54 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-30723 <p>A similar thing has happened to my boss' car about 8-10 weeks ago. It is a May 04 build Cooper, hardtop. Her car was parked in work's car park on a mild day (ie, no sudden changes in temperature), she went to go home, opened the passenger's door to place her bag on the floor, closed the door to go around to the driver's side, and on impact of closing the passenger's door the rear window shattered. Similarly, there were no apparent faults with the rear glass, it just seemed to shatter for no reason.</p> <p>The local dealer was bot much help, in the end they paid for the labour and my boss had to pay for the glass (the car is still under warranty). I'm not sure of the exact details, but I think she ended up being out of pocket around AU$500.</p> <p>The day after this happened, I parked my Cooper S in the same spot and with some trepidation closed my door! Thankfully, my car is okay (fingers crossed).</p> A similar thing has happened to my boss’ car about 8-10 weeks ago. It is a May 04 build Cooper, hardtop. Her car was parked in work’s car park on a mild day (ie, no sudden changes in temperature), she went to go home, opened the passenger’s door to place her bag on the floor, closed the door to go around to the driver’s side, and on impact of closing the passenger’s door the rear window shattered. Similarly, there were no apparent faults with the rear glass, it just seemed to shatter for no reason.

The local dealer was bot much help, in the end they paid for the labour and my boss had to pay for the glass (the car is still under warranty). I’m not sure of the exact details, but I think she ended up being out of pocket around AU$500.

The day after this happened, I parked my Cooper S in the same spot and with some trepidation closed my door! Thankfully, my car is okay (fingers crossed).

]]> By: John Gittus http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14947 John Gittus Tue, 30 Aug 2005 22:05:39 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14947 <p>The rear window of my Mini Convertible failed today 30/08/05,as it was being driven, with the roof up, along the A30. Autoglass cannot replace it: the whole roof has to be replaced by BMW. Zurich insurance won't cover it out of the Windshield insurance and if I claim on the insurance therefore they say that it will be a "general claim" and I shall lose my no-claim bonus. The car is less than 12 months old and has done less than 5,000 miles. The BMW agent is going to submit digital photos and an account of what happened to BMW to see if they will pay for it.</p> The rear window of my Mini Convertible failed today 30/08/05,as it was being driven, with the roof up, along the A30. Autoglass cannot replace it: the whole roof has to be replaced by BMW. Zurich insurance won’t cover it out of the Windshield insurance and if I claim on the insurance therefore they say that it will be a “general claim” and I shall lose my no-claim bonus. The car is less than 12 months old and has done less than 5,000 miles. The BMW agent is going to submit digital photos and an account of what happened to BMW to see if they will pay for it.

]]> By: Tina Johnston http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14946 Tina Johnston Wed, 23 Mar 2005 02:39:58 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14946 <p>My roof has been replaced under warranty. Dealership was very helpful, although claimed they were not aware of this problem until I brought this website to their attention. I did have the car picked up by roadside assistance program and it took approximately 7 days to fix. Not too bad considering I'm in Georgia,USA, and part had to be shipped. </p> <p>I'm in 60-65* weather, so who knows what's going on with these windows. I was also told BMW handling these claims on case by case. Keeping my fingers crossed that this doesn't continue to happen.</p> My roof has been replaced under warranty. Dealership was very helpful, although claimed they were not aware of this problem until I brought this website to their attention. I did have the car picked up by roadside assistance program and it took approximately 7 days to fix. Not too bad considering I’m in Georgia,USA, and part had to be shipped.

I’m in 60-65* weather, so who knows what’s going on with these windows. I was also told BMW handling these claims on case by case. Keeping my fingers crossed that this doesn’t continue to happen.

]]> By: meow-woof http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14945 meow-woof Sun, 20 Mar 2005 18:04:17 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14945 <p>My roof has been replaced under warranty. If you get a say request that the whole mechanism is replaced as mine was only recovered & now has wrinkles(which I'm releived to say are shrinking & should disappear) & an irritating wind whistle through the drivers side(needless to say it will be returned for further "adjustments" to be made).Lets hope they find the cause of this problem promptly & before too many of us have to go through the stress & worry of the "repair", it seems that the MINI are assessing the claims on a case by case basis therefore go to your dealer armed with the details from this website to strengthen your claim.</p> My roof has been replaced under warranty. If you get a say request that the whole mechanism is replaced as mine was only recovered & now has wrinkles(which I’m releived to say are shrinking & should disappear) & an irritating wind whistle through the drivers side(needless to say it will be returned for further “adjustments” to be made).Lets hope they find the cause of this problem promptly & before too many of us have to go through the stress & worry of the “repair”, it seems that the MINI are assessing the claims on a case by case basis therefore go to your dealer armed with the details from this website to strengthen your claim.

]]> By: Tina Johnston http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14944 Tina Johnston Sat, 12 Mar 2005 19:33:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14944 <p>Unfortunately, I too, have experienced the breakage of my back window on my new car. For no apparent reason, other than a gust of wind, my rear window shattered into a million pieces. Luckily, the car was parked and no-one was hurt. </p> <p>I will now have to see what my dealership, and manufacturer has to say in response to this problem. As you have read before my comments, I have been told the whole convertible top will need replacing. </p> <p>I love my car and have no other complaints at this time, however I will now constantly be concerned about this being a reoccuring problem.</p> Unfortunately, I too, have experienced the breakage of my back window on my new car. For no apparent reason, other than a gust of wind, my rear window shattered into a million pieces. Luckily, the car was parked and no-one was hurt.

I will now have to see what my dealership, and manufacturer has to say in response to this problem. As you have read before my comments, I have been told the whole convertible top will need replacing.

I love my car and have no other complaints at this time, however I will now constantly be concerned about this being a reoccuring problem.

]]> By: Xan Gentile http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14943 Xan Gentile Thu, 10 Mar 2005 21:58:17 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14943 <p>MINI's covering it . . . I'll post again when this is over. Expecting parts in by Monday and will get right on the install.</p> <p>cheers Xan</p> MINI’s covering it . . . I’ll post again when this is over. Expecting parts in by Monday and will get right on the install.

cheers Xan

]]> By: Xan Gentile http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14942 Xan Gentile Wed, 09 Mar 2005 01:26:29 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14942 <p>Happened to me too. This morning. I thought it was vandalism and filed a police report, but couldn't find a motive or any other signs vandalism (including an instrument with which the glass was broken).</p> <p>I came home and googled MINI rear window because I recently read something about the whole top having to be replaced and, lo and behold, MINI has a terrible secret . . .</p> <p>I'm not very happy right now.</p> Happened to me too. This morning. I thought it was vandalism and filed a police report, but couldn’t find a motive or any other signs vandalism (including an instrument with which the glass was broken).

I came home and googled MINI rear window because I recently read something about the whole top having to be replaced and, lo and behold, MINI has a terrible secret . . .

I’m not very happy right now.

]]> By: meow-woof http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14941 meow-woof Wed, 02 Mar 2005 23:09:43 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14941 <p>Just thought I would add my twopennies worth! My rear screen shattered today too, I'll find out tomorrow what the Dealership will do for me. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has submitted to this forum as at least I know I'm not alone, thank goodness for the web!</p> Just thought I would add my twopennies worth! My rear screen shattered today too, I’ll find out tomorrow what the Dealership will do for me. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has submitted to this forum as at least I know I’m not alone, thank goodness for the web!

]]> By: Robert Herrmann http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14940 Robert Herrmann Wed, 26 Jan 2005 04:18:07 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14940 <p>Got my mini back, it took two weeks total to get it turned around (they had to order the top from Germany.) I'm very happy with the work. Wouldnt you know it 4 days later (after some snow), I get in a fender bender... more repair work.. I might be cursed. :-)</p> Got my mini back, it took two weeks total to get it turned around (they had to order the top from Germany.) I’m very happy with the work. Wouldnt you know it 4 days later (after some snow), I get in a fender bender… more repair work.. I might be cursed. :-)

]]> By: Ian http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14939 Ian Mon, 17 Jan 2005 22:00:29 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14939 <p>At <a href="http://www.minipeabody.com">MINI Peabody</a> today, they were replacing the roof due to a rear window that blew out while driving - this is the first I have seen and it looked like a major PITA to replace the roof!</p> At MINI Peabody today, they were replacing the roof due to a rear window that blew out while driving – this is the first I have seen and it looked like a major PITA to replace the roof!

]]> By: Robert Herrmann http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-2/#comment-14938 Robert Herrmann Fri, 07 Jan 2005 04:00:37 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14938 <p>Yea, I am bummed out. I had the car for only 8 days. I hope to get this resolved soon.</p> Yea, I am bummed out. I had the car for only 8 days. I hope to get this resolved soon.

]]> By: Ian http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-14937 Ian Fri, 07 Jan 2005 03:25:34 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14937 <p>Sorry to hear that Robert - but glad at least that this discussion exists, so you have a point of reference when you contact your dealership.</p> Sorry to hear that Robert – but glad at least that this discussion exists, so you have a point of reference when you contact your dealership.

]]> By: Robert Herrmann http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-14936 Robert Herrmann Fri, 07 Jan 2005 03:10:40 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14936 <p>My Mini Convertible rear window shattered as I was driving home tonight. Yikes!!!</p> My Mini Convertible rear window shattered as I was driving home tonight. Yikes!!!

]]> By: Ian Cull http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-14935 Ian Cull Thu, 06 Jan 2005 14:51:59 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14935 <p>And on a less happier note, <a href="http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?p=451814">here is another thread on NAM</a> about a failing rear window.</p> And on a less happier note, here is another thread on NAM about a failing rear window.

]]> By: Ian http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-14934 Ian Wed, 05 Jan 2005 23:19:01 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14934 <p>ISellem - you are saying that Carol, the owner of the car pictured, lied about her window? She says it shattered as she started opening the top.</p> <p>On a happier note, I had confirmation from Carol today that her rear window will be covered under warranty.</p> ISellem – you are saying that Carol, the owner of the car pictured, lied about her window? She says it shattered as she started opening the top.

On a happier note, I had confirmation from Carol today that her rear window will be covered under warranty.

]]> By: isellem http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-14933 isellem Wed, 05 Jan 2005 20:15:59 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14933 <p>I am sure that MINI will probably have a rear window retrofit that can be sewn in place like many other manufacturers tops. This should solve the 3K replacement problem. By the way... i am sure the glass didn't just shatter its self... it probably had some assitance... Some people are just jealous :)</p> I am sure that MINI will probably have a rear window retrofit that can be sewn in place like many other manufacturers tops. This should solve the 3K replacement problem. By the way… i am sure the glass didn't just shatter its self… it probably had some assitance… Some people are just jealous :)

]]> By: TJKonarski http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/29/failed_rear_window_on_mini_convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-14932 TJKonarski Wed, 05 Jan 2005 14:44:28 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/29/#comment-14932 <p>Jenny: I used to drive a Honda delSol -- I loved it. I'm sorry to hear that your window shattered. Doesn't that car have the best design?! The top removes and the rear window goes down. I had so much fun with that car. Good luck with your repair. BTW... What color is yours? Mine was black.</p> Jenny: I used to drive a Honda delSol — I loved it. I'm sorry to hear that your window shattered. Doesn't that car have the best design?! The top removes and the rear window goes down. I had so much fun with that car. Good luck with your repair. BTW… What color is yours? Mine was black.

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