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

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:

Yup, you've nailed it. My 87 535iS did this to me with the rear defroster on. It wasn't exceptionally cold either. Being out of warranty, my insurance company glass coverage paid without any issue or question. If I recall correctly (about 15 years ago), they suspected it was a defect in the glass that was brought out by a peculair confluence of conditions and tempeartures.

It is frightening: mine was on a local street, can't imagine the shock/concussion at high-speed travel.

Cheers,
Ray Hull

Wow, what did you eat last night! :wow:

Do you have any picture, I want to see how it looks like.

I think you bought the car Bin Ladin backed-out :P

I hope things turn out OK to you!

Regards.

Note to self -- use ice scraper on back window.

Good luck getting it fix, that is one crazy story!!!!!!


Post some pics if you can. :thumbsup:

Could be :wow:

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. :think:

Hopefully your friendly local dealer will fix it as good as new. :)

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!