windshield pitting -- any way to fix? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

borisivan · 11-17-2008, 09:16 AM

Hi,

I have a windshield that is not cracked, but pitted. I live in New England and the sand in the winter can be killer.

Long story short, when the sun hits my windshield, it's pretty difficult to see out of due to all the little dots from the pitting. Even when I clean it very well inside and out, it's still a nuisance.

I'm planning on breaking down and picking up a PC 7424 for other reasons... is there any way to use this successfully on the windshield too? Or is that a no-no?

Thanks!

Bill-SD · 11-17-2008, 09:55 PM

I have the same problem. I'm interested in hearing what people suggest for this also.

nicknaz · 11-17-2008, 10:05 PM

Hi, I wouldn't apply any coatings to the windshield. You might find yourself a LOT worse of when the rain hits (as I learned first hand when I tried anti fog on my helmet

borisivan · 11-18-2008, 09:16 AM

Using the power of the internets, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that there is no good answer for this other than windshield replacement. The techniques that work for the plastic headlight covers simply won't work for the windshield which is a much harder substance.

ScheerSpeed · 11-20-2008, 10:43 AM

you can polish the windsheild just like you would paint. i haven't personally done it, but i have heard of some people doing it.

LOW2000 · 11-20-2008, 06:29 PM

Autogeek has this glass polishing kit that you can use with either a 7424 or on a rotary, it won't remove any deep chips, but should help minimize the imperfections in the windshield:

http://www.autogeek.net/lc-pro-glass-kit.html

E92Carrera · 12-22-2010, 04:11 PM

Anyone have any suggestions on possibly applying something to reduce/prevent this?

biz77 · 12-22-2010, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOW2000

Autogeek has this glass polishing kit that you can use with either a 7424 or on a rotary, it won't remove any deep chips, but should help minimize the imperfections in the windshield:

http://www.autogeek.net/lc-pro-glass-kit.html

I've used it on a rotary. Gives your arms quite the workout and will hop around on you if not careful. Gets rid of minor scratching and windshield tracks. Not much you can do for pitting/chipping except windshield replacement.

cb1111 · 12-22-2010, 05:30 PM

Have you tried claybar'ing the windshield?

claycourter01 · 12-23-2010, 01:57 PM

claying the windshield will certainly help; claying obviously cannot cure pitting but will help remove the many minor particles that remain stuck to the windshield.

I recently applied a coat of Jet Seal 109 to my windshield and was surprised at the improvement. I had been reluctant to use a sealant on the windshield, on the theory that adding anything to the windshield would reduce optical clarity. I was surprised that JS 109 actually improved clarity, and reduced the visibility of the small scratches that are most evident when driving into the sun. I did not notice any smearing or streaking, or any effect of the sealant at all, other than improving clarity. This may not work as well for pitting, but it certainly worked on improving the effects of small scratches in this case. Naturally a sealant should be added only after a thorough washing and claying.

I would be reluctant to use a machine polisher on a windshield unless you are really confident with it. The goal of machine polishing is to remove some of the clear coat that is on top of the paint layer; I don't believe that the windshield also has this clear coat, although please correct me if I'm mistaken. It may work out fine, I would just check it out thoroughly first.

Envious Eric · 12-23-2010, 02:15 PM

the PC isnt going to do anything for you on the glass as glass is 10 times harder than paint! all you are going to do is fill in the chips and remove the hazy from it kind of like oxidizing paint. You can safely use a sealant on the glass as well, its not going to do any harm, and it will act like rain-x and repel rain/water. Claying the glass will improve clarity AND reveal more chips as it will remove the dirt that is currently "filling in" the smaller chips!

best bet is to just get it replaced. In fact, most windshields are in the $200 range, so thats just about $50-60 more than the PC, and less than the PC and all the pads and products you will need to buy. If you were going to be polishing and detailing multiple cars, then I would recommend the PC route, but if its just your car and youre not going to polish the car, then you are wasting your time/money.

Get a new windshield.

11-17-2008, 09:16 AM	#1
borisivan craptastic Drives: 2008 335xi Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: hell in a handbasket Posts: 220 iTrader: (0)	windshield pitting -- any way to fix? Hi, I have a windshield that is not cracked, but pitted. I live in New England and the sand in the winter can be killer. Long story short, when the sun hits my windshield, it's pretty difficult to see out of due to all the little dots from the pitting. Even when I clean it very well inside and out, it's still a nuisance. I'm planning on breaking down and picking up a PC 7424 for other reasons... is there any way to use this successfully on the windshield too? Or is that a no-no? Thanks!
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11-17-2008, 09:55 PM	#2
Bill-SD Private First Class Drives: 07 335i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bay Area Posts: 177 iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem. I'm interested in hearing what people suggest for this also. __________________ Monaco Blue/Saddle 335i Coupe - Auto\|Sport\|Premium\|Nav\|CA\|Sirius\|Heated Seats\|PDC

11-18-2008, 09:16 AM	#4
borisivan craptastic Drives: 2008 335xi Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: hell in a handbasket Posts: 220 iTrader: (0)	:( Using the power of the internets, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that there is no good answer for this other than windshield replacement. The techniques that work for the plastic headlight covers simply won't work for the windshield which is a much harder substance.

12-22-2010, 04:11 PM	#7
E92Carrera Private First Class Drives: Black Sapphire E92 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: LA Posts: 186 iTrader: (1)	Anyone have any suggestions on possibly applying something to reduce/prevent this? __________________ 2011 E92 Space Gray - M-Sport - Euro Delivery 2008 E92 Black Sapphire - Black Interior - Aluminum Trim

12-22-2010, 05:30 PM	#9
cb1111 I ask the questions you're afraid to ask. Drives: 335xi Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: DC Posts: 2,494 iTrader: (2)	Have you tried claybar'ing the windshield? __________________ I give you the answers you don't want to hear but you know deep down that I am right.

11-17-2008, 10:05 PM	#3
nicknaz Colonel Drives: 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 2,122 iTrader: (0)	Hi, I wouldn't apply any coatings to the windshield. You might find yourself a LOT worse of when the rain hits (as I learned first hand when I tried anti fog on my helmet

11-20-2008, 10:43 AM	#5
ScheerSpeed Major General Drives: '13 F30 Estoril M-Sport 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 5,769 iTrader: (14)	you can polish the windsheild just like you would paint. i haven't personally done it, but i have heard of some people doing it.

11-20-2008, 06:29 PM	#6
LOW2000 Private First Class Drives: 00 Silverado 08 G35S 62 CJ5 Join Date: May 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 120 iTrader: (0)	Autogeek has this glass polishing kit that you can use with either a 7424 or on a rotary, it won't remove any deep chips, but should help minimize the imperfections in the windshield: http://www.autogeek.net/lc-pro-glass-kit.html

12-23-2010, 01:57 PM	#10
claycourter01 Private Drives: E92 335i coupe Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: southeastern US Posts: 66 iTrader: (0)	claying the windshield will certainly help; claying obviously cannot cure pitting but will help remove the many minor particles that remain stuck to the windshield. I recently applied a coat of Jet Seal 109 to my windshield and was surprised at the improvement. I had been reluctant to use a sealant on the windshield, on the theory that adding anything to the windshield would reduce optical clarity. I was surprised that JS 109 actually improved clarity, and reduced the visibility of the small scratches that are most evident when driving into the sun. I did not notice any smearing or streaking, or any effect of the sealant at all, other than improving clarity. This may not work as well for pitting, but it certainly worked on improving the effects of small scratches in this case. Naturally a sealant should be added only after a thorough washing and claying. I would be reluctant to use a machine polisher on a windshield unless you are really confident with it. The goal of machine polishing is to remove some of the clear coat that is on top of the paint layer; I don't believe that the windshield also has this clear coat, although please correct me if I'm mistaken. It may work out fine, I would just check it out thoroughly first.

12-23-2010, 02:15 PM	#11
Envious Eric Banned Drives: nissan xterra, 335 soon Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county, ca Posts: 1,171 iTrader: (1)	the PC isnt going to do anything for you on the glass as glass is 10 times harder than paint! all you are going to do is fill in the chips and remove the hazy from it kind of like oxidizing paint. You can safely use a sealant on the glass as well, its not going to do any harm, and it will act like rain-x and repel rain/water. Claying the glass will improve clarity AND reveal more chips as it will remove the dirt that is currently "filling in" the smaller chips! best bet is to just get it replaced. In fact, most windshields are in the $200 range, so thats just about $50-60 more than the PC, and less than the PC and all the pads and products you will need to buy. If you were going to be polishing and detailing multiple cars, then I would recommend the PC route, but if its just your car and youre not going to polish the car, then you are wasting your time/money. Get a new windshield.

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