2012 MCS windscreen

[Speed 3]

Bought this just before xmas and have since noticed it has a heating element windscreen but doesn't have a button to operate it, what's the story?

[Glassman]

Have a look at the windscreen marking; does it have a Mini logo on it, or does it say Nordglass, Pilkington or something else?

[timbo999]

Sure its not a DAB radio aerial?

[Speed 3]

Glassman said:

Have a look at the windscreen marking; does it have a Mini logo on it, or does it say Nordglass, Pilkington or something else?

No Mini logo, its a Pilkington

timbo999 said:

Sure its not a DAB radio aerial?

Possibly but I doubt it, there's a sharkfin shape to the base of the flexi roof aerial so I assume that provides both FM and DAB. It looks very much like the element I had in a Focus ST.

Edited by Speed 3 on Monday 11th January 12:27

[Glassman]

http://www.glasstecpaul.com/wrong-windscreen-fitte...

Along these lines (only the other way around).

If the car is specced with a heated windscreen, there should be a switch.

Edited by Glassman on Monday 11th January 21:03

[Speed 3]

That scenario was one I had considered. Question now Mini experts is could I now commision this as a working screen by installing a switch ? I'm assuming the loom is standard across all cars whether they optioned heated screen or not (as long as it was connected by the screen fitter),

[timbo999]

You could use the BMW/MINI VIN decoder (Google will get you there) which should tell you if the car was spec'd with a heated screen... As far as I remember MINI manuals include all the options, so I would anticipate that the manual would tell you where the switch would be...

[Speed 3]

timbo999 said:

As far as I remember MINI manuals include all the options, so I would anticipate that the manual would tell you where the switch would be...

It is in the manual which is why I knew it wasn't fitted

[Speed 3]

timbo999 said:

You could use the BMW/MINI VIN decoder (Google will get you there) which should tell you if the car was spec'd with a heated screen

Helpful - not listed as an incorporated option

[Speed 3]

Formal response from the Mini dealer I bought it from:

"I have spoken to our service/parts team and unfortunately they have said it is not something they would be willing to retro fit as it wouldn’t be within the BMW MINI standards"

When asked if they could confirm if the standard loom had the requisite connectors and any relays:

"Although it may be physically possible, BMW do not offer a retro heated screen option therefore they have not detailed what parts or programming would be required.

They have not test fitted any product for approval.

Therefore unfortunately we have no idea whether the wiring relays control units on programming can be fitted"

I guess its down to me getting the screwdriver out then ! If I was succesful, would it invalidate my warranty given their response ?

Edited by Speed 3 on Friday 15th January 09:33