[Jcapp3078]

I have a chip in my windshield about the size of quarter. I was told to replace the windshield. However, I was always told that changes the rigidity of the chassis. The crack happened over 3 weeks ago and has not grown worse. I just hate seeing it there. Both Geico and Safelite told me they do not like breaking the factory seal unless necessary for the reason I stated. Has anyone dealt with such a situation? I would post a pic, but I can’t figure out how. It is harder than the I drive. I went from an 07 e90–saved my life hitting someone making an illegal turn. Ran into him at 45 mph, car was totaled but I walked away with air bag burns and a sealer belt contusion. Anyway, I am adapting to the new tech—hate the electronic steerig—but the f22 is a fun car. I realize I digressed but any thoughts on the windshield would be helpful. Next question will regard suspension, so stay tuned you experts. I am lost with the f22 and still morn my e90.

[morphomeman]

Get it fixed soon! It will spread if you don't. Do you have full glass coverage? It may be fixable without replacement but not if you wait much longer.
Shit happens.

[Sportstick]

It's not a "starburst" pattern so I see no reason to delay Safelite coming to repair it. Further delay may allow it to become the origin of a much wider crack.

[Unicorn123]

+1

The latest chip repair technology should work on this damage and you should get it done directly to prevent growth. It could also mitigate your concerns regarding replacement.

On a side note, I go through windshields on a regular basis. I have never had an issue with sealing or torsional rigidity changes in the chassis after replacement, however I am naive to the ways of a mechanical engineer. I would think that replacing a windscreen would have a negligible effect on the chassis, if installed correctly...

[morphomeman]

The operant phrase here is 'installed correctly'. Windshields have gotten more and more complex and the folks doing the replacement have not.

[bimmerfile]

Is the chip in the drivers line of vision?
If so, you may need to replace the windshield as it obstructs drivers view.
If not, get it repaired asap before it does begin to spiderweb.

[AndDown]

Repair it yourself - there are YouTube videos on how to do it and what you will need to get. I repaired a chip similar to yours on my E46 and the windshield is still doing well. You can always get the windshield replaced if a crack develops, but I would certainly try repairing it first.

[XutvJet]

Windshields do not add to torsional rigidity to the chassis. Think about it, glass, even safety glass does not take well to much twisting and bending. The glass is simply held in there with a thick adhesive and some finishing covers. It's not rocket science to remove a windshield from an F22 and many on this forum have replaced many of them. I am perplexed as to why a window repair facility is making such a big deal about removing a windshield as 1) there's absolutely nothing special about an F22 and removing the windshield and 2) aren't they in the business of replacing windshields?

A window repair facility or yourself, should be able to fix most of that with a chip repair kit. They're easy and I used one on my wife's 2015 Outback with perfect results.

Lastly, the F22 is a FAR safer and better performing car than your old E90 if that helps. The M235, after all, was quicker around the Ring than the 1M in BMW's own testing (it's benchmark for the M235). So....

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Windshields do not add to torsional rigidity to the chassis. Think about it, glass, even safety glass does not take well to much twisting and bending. The glass is simply held in there with a thick adhesive and some finishing covers.

The windshield / windscreen (and any other fixed bonded glass such as rear and side windows) absolutely have a significant affect on body-in-white torsional stiffness, they act as stiffening webs between the metal that they frame. This presentation quotes 40% of the torsional rigidity of the cabin and front clip being due to the windscreen (as a windshield is known in most of the world): https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...18xj8cWUuh2sBh, I have seen quite a few automotive industry articles in the past with values around this number.

[Jcapp3078]

I called Geico and in florida it is a non fault free replacement. However based on my description, they feel it can be repaired. If not I will insist on an oem windshield. All your insight has helped steer me in the right direction.

JC

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Jcapp3078

I called Geico and in florida it is a non fault free replacement. However based on my description, they feel it can be repaired. If not I will insist on an oem windshield. All your insight has helped steer me in the right direction.

JC

Definitely attempt the repair first. However, while it is being repaired, don't do what I did years ago which turned out to be very self-defeating. While the material was applied to a similar chip to yours, and the little light machine was attached to the glass to help the material cure, I opened the door when the technicial asked for the current vehicle mileage. When I gently shut the door, just the increase in the cabin pressure of the door sealing shut caused the chip to suddenly propogate into a full width crack. We looked at each other in great surprise, and moved on to arrange a new windshield. Lesson learned for me. He should have known better.

[VasWander]

Only 4000 miles on my 2018 M240i and first cracked windshield in 20 years. $1000.00 deductible, had to pay $500.00 out of pocket. They seem to have done a good job, although noticed adhesive inconsistencies around front camera. Hopefully it clears up and will put radar detector adhesive cup on tomorrow. Never considered torsional issue will watch it thanks.

[Joe240]

Replaced the windscreen on my ‘17 m240i without torsion issues (and it was driven HARD). The key is to be gentle for the first few days while the adhesive cures. Safelite will tell you this as well. Also had a windscreen replaced in my wife’s ‘17 X1, and just last week in her new ‘19 X3. Safelite did all of the repairs and never had any issues. I even had them replaced at their facility and drove home after. They put tape on sides to help hold in place while you drive home. Just don’t drive it like you stole it for a few days