Rx300sel Windscreen

Ifo_Seeker · December 3, 2005

Hi

I have a 2 month old 300 SEL and have just noticed that the windscreen has developed a crack coming from the driver side pillar two inches below the top - the crack starts from the heated element inwards. No visible external damage that could explain the crack.

Anyone else had something similiar to this ?

Also for replacement, would it be advisable to go to dealer or windscreen replacers for replacing and from experience how much ?

Thanks

ColinBarber · December 3, 2005

has the screen had an impact? I would get it replaced under warranty if not.

Ifo_Seeker · December 3, 2005

Colin

No visible damage in the area that could suggest a chip or sort - that would surely leave a dent or something. That is why I suspect that the use of the heaters earlier in the week when we had some frost could have triggered it.

It will be interesting to see what the dealership say - this sort of thing can easily fall into no mans land ....

Thanks. Tony.

billygarrett · December 3, 2005

Colin
No visible damage in the area that could suggest a chip or sort - that would surely leave a dent or something. That is why I suspect that the use of the heaters earlier in the week when we had some frost could have triggered it.

It will be interesting to see what the dealership say - this sort of thing can easily fall into no mans land ....

Thanks. Tony.

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Worst case scenario is that your insuarance co. pays for it with you covering the excess, usually £50.00

Ifo_Seeker · December 3, 2005

Thanks, Billy. Yes, However I would rather no use the insurance path for obvious reasons - most likely a warranty matter for reasons stated above. I was just curious as to whether anyone had had such an incident and what the level of "damages" were.

Headspun · December 14, 2005

Hi
I have a 2 month old 300 SEL and have just noticed that the windscreen has developed a crack coming from the driver side pillar two inches below the top - the crack starts from the heated element inwards. No visible external damage that could explain the crack.

Anyone else had something similiar to this ?

Also for replacement, would it be advisable to go to dealer or windscreen replacers for replacing and from experience how much ?

Thanks

←

Hi there,

I have been in the Windscreen Business for 25 years and sorry to blow your theory, but there is no heated elements in your front windscreen. Very few manufacturers actually incorporate proper heated windscreens (outside of Ford ironically enough), but in those car models that do have them, it is virtually unheard of for a heated element to cause a crack.

There are 2 possible causes-

1. An impact. Not all impacts leave a mark. Your car may have been safely parked

and an oncoming vehicle flicked up a stone causing a small indentation which

has probably grown to your attention as a result of vibration and/or

expansion/contraction from temperature change.

2. Incorrect installation. Cracks caused by this usually manifest themselves

within the first few days of ownership, and given the build quality of Lexus I

would say that you are probably looking at an "impact" being the cause of your

woes.

As regards Dealer v Specialist, its simple, use a reputable specialist. Your dealer will only subcontract the work to them anyway. Do insist on an original screen if your Insurance Company will cough up for one. Check with the specialist if a windscreen repair is possible. There are certain areas of the screen where it is not possible to repair a crack (ie directly in front of the driver). If your crack is in a suitable region and is not too large or old, then this is the best course of action in terms of cost, time and general inteference to your car.

Ifo_Seeker · December 14, 2005

Hi
I have a 2 month old 300 SEL and have just noticed that the windscreen has developed a crack coming from the driver side pillar two inches below the top - the crack starts from the heated element inwards. No visible external damage that could explain the crack.

Anyone else had something similiar to this ?

Also for replacement, would it be advisable to go to dealer or windscreen replacers for replacing and from experience how much ?

Thanks

←

Hi there,

I have been in the Windscreen Business for 25 years and sorry to blow your theory, but there is no heated elements in your front windscreen. Very few manufacturers actually incorporate proper heated windscreens (outside of Ford ironically enough), but in those car models that do have them, it is virtually unheard of for a heated element to cause a crack.

There are 2 possible causes-

1. An impact. Not all impacts leave a mark. Your car may have been safely parked

and an oncoming vehicle flicked up a stone causing a small indentation which

has probably grown to your attention as a result of vibration and/or

expansion/contraction from temperature change.

2. Incorrect installation. Cracks caused by this usually manifest themselves

within the first few days of ownership, and given the build quality of Lexus I

would say that you are probably looking at an "impact" being the cause of your

woes.

As regards Dealer v Specialist, its simple, use a reputable specialist. Your dealer will only subcontract the work to them anyway. Do insist on an original screen if your Insurance Company will cough up for one. Check with the specialist if a windscreen repair is possible. There are certain areas of the screen where it is not possible to repair a crack (ie directly in front of the driver). If your crack is in a suitable region and is not too large or old, then this is the best course of action in terms of cost, time and general inteference to your car.

←

Thanks for your narrative.

Following inspection of the subject matter, the matter has been accepted by the dealership as stated and work (replacement) carried out under warranty.

Headspun · December 15, 2005

Thanks for your narrative.

Following inspection of the subject matter, the matter has been accepted by the dealership as stated and work (replacement) carried out under warranty.

←

Nice one, well done mate!