small rock chip---what to do??

[trueX5er]

Today the X3 suffered a casualty in the form of a small rock smashing into the windshield while driving about 60 mph. The result is a less than dime sized nick (tiny "star") about an inch from the black part of the windshield, where the rearview mirror meets the glass. I assume that part of the glass is "special" and contains a different layer (or whatever) than the rest because of the rain sensor. I vaguely remember the salesman trying to sell glass insurance (I declined) and he said I should not break the factory seal. So, is it possible to have it "repaired". I searched and saw some not-so-happy stories here. Should I bring it to the dealer? Ask insurance where to go?
Thanks
TrueX5er

[JCL]

Not sure what the terms of your comprehensive insurance are, but it sounds like it would be worth repairing it as it is out of the driver's line of sight. Ask your insurance company; mine pays for repairs because it avoids replacing the windshield.

The windshield can be replaced without problem; it is worth getting OEM glass instead of aftermarket, and make sure that the installer gives it time to set without driving it, usually overnight. The glass isn't special near the mirror, it is the same all over, but some non-OEM glass causes problems with the rain sensor.

[trueX5er]

Thanks JCL. My insurance will cover glass. So is it better to repair the glass or replace it?

[JCL]

Just opinion here, as I am not a glass expert....

If it can be repaired OK, I would do that. Dont' mess with the seal if you don't have to. Whether it can be repaired depends on whether it is in the driver's line of sight, and the nature of the damage. I have seen repairs that are virtually undetectable.

If you have to replace it, I wouldn't fret too much but I would ensure that it was OEM glass, that it was a reputable glass shop (not a dealer), and that it sat overnight to set up per BMW's instructions.

Good luck.

[flip_x]

mine leaks sometimes becuase its been replaced.. so ya dont break the seal.. hahha kind of like drinkin :P

[trueX5er]

Ok, I'm confused. Do you have to take the glass out to repair it? I didn't think you had to. If you take out the glass then why not just replace it?
It needs to be fixed no matter what anyways. Left untreated, it will fill with grime and salt and whatnot and expand and make the damage worse.

[JCL]

It is repaired in place. Breaking the seal refers to replacing the glass with a new windshield.

[trueX5er]

Oh sorry, I read your post wrong. I thought you said that repairing it would break the seal...., but I understand now; thanks.

[Mustard]

If you do get it replaced make sure you leave the windows cracked a couple of inches or open for the first 24 hours, that way if someone closes a door or worse yet slams the liftgate the air pressure won't disturb the seal while it's curing.

[Fastbuck]

I had several glass repairs done on my benz. These were in field of vision and were virtually unnoticeable. I would certainly prefer repair over replacement where possible. Takes about an hour to do. In the UK, the come to your home to undertake the work.