335 xi cracked windshield in the cold

[hicksjay]

I went to the store today and it was snowing and crappy (15 F.) After about an hour inside we returned to the car and it was iced up pretty good. We got in and hit the defrost, waited about 2-3 minutes until we could see, and drove away. About 5 feet from the parking spot I hear a crack and watch my windshield break right in front of me.

It is a symmetrical break along the bottom that follows the path of the defrost vent.

Is this a design flaw?

This is a lease, am I going to get slammed for a new windshield from BMW??

[thekurgan]

Your insurance should cover the windshield under the comprehensive coverage area.

[Bandit335]

I would first try to see if BMW covers it under warranty. If not comprehensive side of insurance route is next. That's why I always say make comprehensive deductible $0 (due to low rise in premium; about $15 more versus $500 deductible)

[Jhunter]

I went to the store today and it was snowing and crappy (15 F.) After about an hour inside we returned to the car and it was iced up pretty good. We got in and hit the defrost, waited about 2-3 minutes until we could see, and drove away. About 5 feet from the parking spot I hear a crack and watch my windshield break right in front of me.

It is a symmetrical break along the bottom that follows the path of the defrost vent.

Is this a design flaw?

This is a lease, am I going to get slammed for a new windshield from BMW??

Yes you will be charged if return the leased car with a broken windshield. Must have significant time left on the lease and you can't drive is like that anyways so the lease is not an issue. I would talk to the dealer and explain exactly how it happened, worth a try.

Could the windshield have cracked from rapid temperature change?

[sor]

It doesn't fit the definition of a design flaw. If it were a problem with the way it was designed, there would be a lot of people suffering from it.

My guess is that you already had a weak spot, maybe a tiny chip or perhaps the glass was even cracked somewhere that wasn't visible, maybe along the seam during installation. I highly doubt that it was solely the warmth of the air on the cold glass that cracked it, tempered glass should be stronger than that. If you can prove that there wasn't a rock chip prior you might be able to get it filled under warranty.

If you do go the insurance route I'd call around and get quotes first. Make sure they use OEM glass (Not that I even think aftermarket windshields exist), but the last windshield I replaced was in the $250 ballpark, not worth bothering insurance unless you do have a low deductible.

[Mad Dragon]

Stress cracks can be covered by BMW's warranty. If there's no indication of an impact, that's probably what happened. Take it to the dealership before you write that deductible check. ;)

[harryu]

I'd bet dealer will cover it.