Windshield failure? Separation?

[toyotahachiroku]

The car is a 01 740i and it lives in mild weather and is almost always garaged when not in use. The front windshield is original bmw and I don't think it has ever been removed or replaced. On the lower right corner of the windshield, it looks like water has got in causing a lava lamp like effect. I initially thought someone must have spilled a drink on the inside of the car and I tried to clean it. That wasn't it. It seems that the glass itself is separating into layers and air pockets are formed between the layers. Water is not getting in the car or anything. There are no cracks, pitting or big rock chips in the glass that would explain this either. I have never encountered this problem before in any other car i've owned whether if it was a bmw or not.. Was there ever a tsb or recall for this? if it keeps separating and it gets worse enough that i have to replace the windshield, is there an updated or alternative part I could use? Perhaps aftermarket would be a better choice?

[Xephius]

Hmm, I would call you insurance company. If you have good coverage, they will take care of it. I have never seen a windshield separate, that is weird. It probably wouldn't hurt to swing by a dealership and ask them about it.

As for the replacement windshield, use a company that will stand behind the work. I would also suggest OEM glass. Get the exact PN you have in your car as a replacement. The rain sensing wipers and IR shield are factors that need to be considered.

John

[Tameral]

Mine is doing the exact same thing, even in the same spot.

I do have a huge crack in my windshield, though, so was thinking this was the cause. I've only had the car for 4 months, so I'm not sure if the crack and this problem happened independently of each other or not.

Due to the crack, I need to replace the windshield anyway, though, so wasn't worrying too much about it.

[mysubaruimp]

I have the same issue in the same spot. I don't have much to add beyond that. I will likely leave it until it becomes much worse, or the windshield cracks from something else.

[Xephius]

None of you are allowed to touch my car.. What ever windshield disease you have I don't want..

I would suggest all of you take photos, document and call BMW. Maybe if you can show a pattern they will help you out.

John

[Tameral]

None of you are allowed to touch my car.. What ever windshield disease you have I don't want..

I would suggest all of you take photos, document and call BMW. Maybe if you can show a pattern they will help you out.

John

There's probably no hope for me since mine is cracked and I'm sure BMW would say that's the cause. But I'll take a picture tonight and post it up to confirm that it's the same thing happening to toyotahachiroku and mysubaruimp.

[darkstarmedia]

It's called delaminiation... it happens... but mostly on cheaper glass...

[Oboyco]

OK, so where do you find the pn for the windshield?

[darkstarmedia]

realoem.com

[Oboyco]

Dark, but does that mean, that is actually the windshield that came with my car? Aren't there upgrades?

Where can I find the list of options my car came with by my VIN?

[mysubaruimp]

Good luck getting a 10 year old windshield covered as a manufacturing defect. The best you can do is get glass coverage on insurance.

[Tameral]

Good luck getting a 10 year old windshield covered as a manufacturing defect. The best you can do is get glass coverage on insurance.

Yup, that's just what mine looks like, though my spot is closer to the corner of the windshield.

[toyotahachiroku]

Good luck getting a 10 year old windshield covered as a manufacturing defect. The best you can do is get glass coverage on insurance.


thats what mine looks like.

[Edwin NL]

It happens, replace with OEM window.

[hpinfo]

I've got a 1984 Lotus and a 1986 Ferrari that both have the same issue in the lower corners of the glass. Mechanic said problem is due to flexing of the body transferring to the corners of the glass and breaking the bond between the layers. Age and heat are also factors. Lotus was a Texas car and Ferrari was a Southern California car before being brought to the NW.

Fortunately it hasn't got any worse since I bought the cars (Lotus - 6 years, Ferrari - 4 years.) Good because windshields are $ 1K and $ 2K respectively. :eek: