rear window blew-up this AM
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From: New England, USA
On parkway in the snow this morning and heard explosion in the car. Thought maybe a loud backfire or blow-out. Turned out my rear window had a hole the size of a softball and the rest was shattered. Brought to dealer. They never saw anything like it. It blew from the inside out. They could tell this because the remains of the window were shaped outward. Could the rear defroster have blown up? Had it on in the snow. Can't figure this one out and so far neither can BMW. Did this happen to anyone else, or has anyone any ideas. Pls post info and thanks.
Netjazz
Netjazz
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hell that is the craziest thing I have heard thus far on this board. Myw guess would be the rear windown defroster thats somehow imbedded in the glass itself. Maybe it short-circuited?? Scary...would not want that to happen in my car... :thumbsdown:
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Originally Posted by netjazz' post='209177' date='Dec 9 2005, 12:06 PM
On parkway in the snow this morning and heard explosion in the car. Thought maybe a loud backfire or blow-out. Turned out my rear window had a hole the size of a softball and the rest was shattered. Brought to dealer. They never saw anything like it. It blew from the inside out. They could tell this because the remains of the window were shaped outward. Could the rear defroster have blown up? Had it on in the snow. Can't figure this one out and so far neither can BMW. Did this happen to anyone else, or has anyone any ideas. Pls post info and thanks.
Netjazz
Netjazz
It is frightening: mine was on a local street, can't imagine the shock/concussion at high-speed travel.
Cheers,
Ray Hull
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From: L.A., California
My Ride: 2013 535i (White with Oyster Interior. Premium Package, Navigation, Technology Pacakge, Park Distance Control, and Rear View Camera)
Do you have any picture, I want to see how it looks like.
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Originally Posted by netjazz' post='209177' date='Dec 9 2005, 11:06 AM
On parkway in the snow this morning and heard explosion in the car. Thought maybe a loud backfire or blow-out. Turned out my rear window had a hole the size of a softball and the rest was shattered. Brought to dealer. They never saw anything like it. It blew from the inside out. They could tell this because the remains of the window were shaped outward. Could the rear defroster have blown up? Had it on in the snow. Can't figure this one out and so far neither can BMW. Did this happen to anyone else, or has anyone any ideas. Pls post info and thanks.
Netjazz
Netjazz
I hope things turn out OK to you!
Regards.
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From: Central Cal, California USA
My Ride: -SOLD- 530i Alpine White. Sport package, comfort seat package, premium sound package, power rear shade, premium package, rear red reflectors, and adaptive headlights with xenon’s
Good luck getting it fix, that is one crazy story!!!!!!
Post some pics if you can.
I think you bought the car Bin Ladin backed-out
I hope things turn out OK to you!
Regards.
Could be 
Post some pics if you can.
Originally Posted by netjazz' post='209177' date='Dec 9 2005, 11:06 AM
On parkway in the snow this morning and heard explosion in the car. Thought maybe a loud backfire or blow-out. Turned out my rear window had a hole the size of a softball and the rest was shattered. Brought to dealer. They never saw anything like it. It blew from the inside out. They could tell this because the remains of the window were shaped outward. Could the rear defroster have blown up? Had it on in the snow. Can't figure this one out and so far neither can BMW. Did this happen to anyone else, or has anyone any ideas. Pls post info and thanks.
Netjazz
Netjazz
I hope things turn out OK to you!
Regards.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Chicago, IL
Yup ... had the same thing happen to a 3 series about 12 years ago. It explodes / shatters without warning. I think this used to happen somewhat frequently to BMWs back then, but I haven't heard of it lately. 
Hopefully your friendly local dealer will fix it as good as new.
Hopefully your friendly local dealer will fix it as good as new.
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My Ride: 2004 530ia, saphire black on black dakota leather, steptronic, sports package and premium package; heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, auto bixenon headlamps, rain sensor, dynamic drive, active steering, 18" rims, Harman Kardon L7, CD Changer, poplar wood with chrome accent on steering wheel and shifter, build date 10/2003
Had a similar thing happen to me in a 2000 VW Jetta, except it was the rear passenger window. Scared the CRAP out of me cause it was SO loud. And it could have really hurt someone had there been someone sitting there. I think it had to do with body flex, which wouldnt suprise me since the car was a peice of junk. (the canadian ones were built in Mexico). I just bought new glass and dealt with it myself cause I didnt want to bother for a $130 window.
good luck!
good luck!