Yesterday i had a perfect track day with great weather, and absolutely tons of seat time.

apparently i overdid it and today found a 12" crack on the passenger side windshield. there is no chip. it begins in the bottom corner below the windshield wiper and cowling top and arcs up toward the center at about a 20 degree angle.

my search revealed to use OEM glass (of course), be sure the installer lets it sit 24hrs (got it), etc.

absent an apparent rock chip - it was a very low traffic day - any ideas on what may have caused this? it won't really make a difference since it doesn't change anything but i am curious. i can't believe there's enough flex in the chassis to do this. btw, i have 11.8k mi on the car (2007 C2S).

any insight on Seattle area installers appreciated also...thanks,

brendan

 

Not sure about why it happened, but I just had mine replaced for an actual "something flew into it and smashed it" scenario. Watching out they do the removal and install, just be prepared to sit and watch for about 2 hours, if not longer. The have to remove so much stuff before they can even begin cutting out the old windshield. Not sure what the laws are in Seattle, in Florida, your insurance has to cover it with no deductible. If you are particular about your car, make sure to tell them not to have tools in their pockets when they get in and out of the car, or tools hanging out of their back pocket while walking around the car. Not to slam the trunk lid down and seeing as they will need to remove several interior pieces to get to the antenna and sensor connections, if you are worried about them scratching or marking your interior, that this is a concern.

The guy who did my windshield in Florida did a good job and was very understanding and patient with my concerns. I would suggest finding a place to do this on your own, rather then just going with the lowest price or the people that your insurance recommend you going to. You have the right to pick whomever you wish. Find a good, reputable company.

 

Brendan, was this at PRI? Chris German's or BMWCC? If it was PRI, the track is need of some work, I was hit with a large piece of the track last month coming into turn 9 on the track. It put a small chip in my windshield but no crack. You might have caught a piece as well, and it may not be visible.

As for replacing the Window, I would go to Barrier or another dealer, that way you are guaranteed to get a OEM window.

 

Had the glass been replaced? I have run into the exact same thing where the bead laid down in not thick enough to meet the curve in the lower center and under harsh cornering and slight chassis flex - it cracks.

 

yep, PRI - chris' german. i love/hate that track but it's like getting bad drugs. i'm addicted and i know it well. we have a fantastic day with few cars out there and most of them were pretty fast so we were spaced really well.

look me up the next time you're down there. jeff at barrier gave me the guys to do the fix, so i'm good with that. just curious how it happened. i'll have to look more closely to find an impact point.

 

I am down next week Tuesday PM and all day Wednesday with Kitch. Are you going to any of those days?

I love PRI, love the danger factor, combined with the elevation and high speed sections.