Driver's window shattered while driving

[first350]

Any one know if there's issues with our windows shattering / imploding? I've got a 2012 135i w/ 9K miles, no issues with the car or windows...I was driving to work this morning on the freeway, and my driver's side window imploded...all of the glass dropped onto my lap; I pulled off at the next off ramp and couldn't find any evidence of a rock or anything that would have caused this.

*Prior to this happening, when I rolled up the window it always sounded very tight/snug...I assumed that it was normal and designed to make a good seal and keep noise down; now I'm wondering if it was adjusted too tight and caused the window to fail???

The other thought is that either a rock from another car or someone with a BB gun hit the window...but this was at 6am, so there wasn't a lot of traffic and I wouldn't think BB gun hooligans would be up that early.

taking it to the dealer to get it replaced later today...they already said they've never heard of this happening except due to accidents/rocks.

[Bmwbreed]

Very interesting. I've heard of the sun roofs exploding due to pressure diff inside and out at high speeds but never a drivers window. This is just crazy.

[Killswitch]

For some this might have startle them into an accident. Glad to see that you are alright though. At least it wasn't raining that would have just suck even worse. Hope it gets properly fix so you don't have to go through this again.

[first350]

Originally Posted by Killswitch

For some this might have startle them into an accident. Glad to see that you are alright though. At least it wasn't raining that would have just suck even worse. Hope it gets properly fix so you don't have to go through this again.

I'm in seattle....it was raining! Had a 40 minute drive down to the BMW dealership last evening...cold and wet inside.

Dealer said they've only seen this from rocks/accidents, and they double checked their database to verify. He mentioned that if a window was adjusted too high, that almost always the owner will have issues opening the door (the window will catch on the sill)...I never had that issue, so either it was a rock or a small defect in the glass?? Either scenario seems so improbable.

it's a ~$1,000 fix...only good part is that I got a 'free' 328 coupe loaner; I love the low sleek look of the 3 series coupe...but the 328 is soooo much slower!

[Ammonia]

Originally Posted by first350

it's a ~$1,000 fix...

holy crap.

[youngdoc1]

Hmm... This sounds odd. I dont think glass should shatter like that, especially considering if it was a rock, you would have most certainly heard or felt an impact. If it was a small defect in the glass, that should be covered by the warranty...

Would you be willing to try calling BMW North America?

[Killswitch]

Originally Posted by first350

I'm in seattle....it was raining! Had a 40 minute drive down to the BMW dealership last evening...cold and wet inside.

Dealer said they've only seen this from rocks/accidents, and they double checked their database to verify. He mentioned that if a window was adjusted too high, that almost always the owner will have issues opening the door (the window will catch on the sill)...I never had that issue, so either it was a rock or a small defect in the glass?? Either scenario seems so improbable.

it's a ~$1,000 fix...only good part is that I got a 'free' 328 coupe loaner; I love the low sleek look of the 3 series coupe...but the 328 is soooo much slower!

Ouch! That's some bad luck plus 40 min drive to the dealer to be taken for another $1000! That's pricey but they use oem glass with bmw logo inside of it. Hmm if the window of that 328i goes out then there must be a morning hooligan going trigger happy on bimmers.

[Lexington]

Insurance?

[first350]

Originally Posted by Lexington

Insurance?

My deductible is $1K. sucks for this case...but the higher deductible saves me ~$500/yr, so as long as this doesn't happen more than every other yr I'm doing ok.

[Lexington]

Originally Posted by first350

My deductible is $1K. sucks for this case...but the higher deductible saves me ~$500/yr, so as long as this doesn't happen more than every other yr I'm doing ok.

Might want to check policy for specific glass coverage with a different deductible. Also, some states require insurance companies to provide no deductible coverage for glass.

[crystaweizen]

Originally Posted by first350

I'm in seattle....it was raining! Had a 40 minute drive down to the BMW dealership last evening...cold and wet inside.

Dealer said they've only seen this from rocks/accidents, and they double checked their database to verify. He mentioned that if a window was adjusted too high, that almost always the owner will have issues opening the door (the window will catch on the sill)...I never had that issue, so either it was a rock or a small defect in the glass?? Either scenario seems so improbable.

it's a ~$1,000 fix...only good part is that I got a 'free' 328 coupe loaner; I love the low sleek look of the 3 series coupe...but the 328 is soooo much slower!

fellow washington driver. i assume you took it to northwest? or the dealer in bellevue...