Going on my third rear windshield

DEXTERITY

New Member
Messages
17
Likes
0
Location
Jersey
#1
I have a 2002 325i and will be going on my 3rd windshield this year. When the rear defroster is on I get static in the radio. The first time this happened was around the Spring of the first year I purchased the car (bought it December 01). Every Spring thereafter I have had to have the windshield replaced.

Everything works fine at first (after they replace it), then after 5 or 6 months, I get a little static and then eventually all I hear is static on the radio with the rear defroster on.

It seems to be a steady problem as all will work fine for the first 5 months or so and then the probably starts again and eventually gets worst. Does this classify as a lemon law issue or is their anything else they should be replacing? They actually told me it is a problem they are aware of and I know someone else who has the same problem but just doesn't get it fixed. They even replaced the amp on the radio I think...It is really annoying to have to keep getting this fixed every year. I don't pay for it, but it seems like a really odd problem to constantly have. Would appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Thanks.
 
Messages
64
Likes
0
Location
Toronto
#2
Sounds like you have a case to force them to look further in to the issue. After 3 attempts they are only fixing a result of the problem.
 
Messages
148
Likes
0
Location
Texas
#4
Climate control system. I'm treading in an area where I have little knowledge, but I wouldn't have replaced it a third time knowing what I do about the troubleshoting process. I would have replaced the relays and climate control unit.

It sounds as if the resistance properties of the rear window change enough over time (could be VERY minimal) to a point where some control piece that sends signals to it is bleeding energy into the head unit wiring next to it.

I know it's not a very technical answer so I hope you understand what I'm saying here.
 

DEXTERITY

New Member
Messages
17
Likes
0
Location
Jersey
#5
I understand what you are saying. Thanks for the info. I will mention that to them next time around and see what they say. This can't go on forever. i hope..
 

DEXTERITY

New Member
Messages
17
Likes
0
Location
Jersey
#7
good question. In passing convo they said once something is documented, even if it was something I complained about but they couldn't find something wrong, that it would be covered. In the case of this problem, they have a "ticket" on it, or whatever they call it. I think it has been big enough of an issue where they will continue to fix it. However, its just annoying to know every year, the rear windshield will more than likely be replaced. The last time they claimed they made adjustments to the rear windshield they were using since it was a known issue and it shoudln't happen again. that wasn't the case..
 

zman

Member
Messages
202
Likes
0
Location
VA
#8
DEXTERITY said:
In passing convo they said once something is documented, even if it was something I complained about but they couldn't find something wrong, that it would be covered. In the case of this problem, they have a "ticket" on it, or whatever they call it.
I was also told the same way by the dealer regarding the sun roof shade that broke last fall. I am troubled with this statement.

I heard many people also have the same problems with sun roof shade which means that the problem would repeat. Who knows how often.

I very much doubt that they would even look at the car without seeing some $$$ even on the same problems. [boxface]

Any experience from those who have their car warranties over?
 
Messages
33
Likes
0
Location
Fort Worth, Texas
#9
You know, I have wondered about this myself. Since I purchased my car in September of 2004, I have had little to no radio reception at all. I finally got tired of it and bought an XM radio to put in the car. I took it to the dealership and they told me the problem is documented as a common problem with the e46 but that I would still have to pay to get the car in and "see what the problem is before we can determine the proper course of action." In other words... Pay us the 100+ dollars to just look at the car and say you need to replace the windshield. I know its not a significant problem to the general operation of the vehicle itself, but I fial to understand why they dont just recall the problem.
 

DEXTERITY

New Member
Messages
17
Likes
0
Location
Jersey
#10
if it is a common problem/known issue you shouldn't have to pay for them to look at it, thats wrong. I would ask another dealer or call corporate. I think their should be a recall on mine, but they won't do it because of the bad press and they will try to say it doesn't affect everyone. But it sure must affect enough if we have a problem that is documented. I guess I will find out Thursday what they do. They will probably clean the contacts, it will help for a month and then the rear windshield will need to be replaced again.
 


Top