In a bit of news that is sure to send shockwaves through MINI service departments everywhere MINI has apparently solved the windshield cracking issue. This news is from reader Brian Moore:

While attending the MINI/Bimmer Fest in Limerock, CT, yesterday I spoke with a factory MINI rep (the ebullient Tanya), and was informed that MINI has now isolated and solved the pathological and diabolical windshield cracking problem.

According to the rep, the problem was due to flex in the A-pilars (!), which have now been reinforced. The rep couldn't provide an exact date as to the implementation of this change, but told me that it was presently in effect for cars being built currently. She also wasn't sure what would be involved in retro-active implementation of this fix to afflicted cars.

As a side note, Tanya told me that the solution was deduced through involvement with MINI race teams: despite their much more extreme use, there had apparently been no incidence of cracked windshields on cars modified for the track. It was eventually concluded that this was because these vehicles had been reinforced with cages, which eliminated the causal A-pilar flex.

Great news! Thanks for sharing Brian. I've gone through three windshields personally but have over 20,000 miles on my current one. However I think it's those owners who have gone through 5-6 windshields that will be most excited.