View Full Version : Windshield Problems


Paul Rose
11-03-1998, 12:03 PM
I bought a new A4 about 6 months ago. The windshield had some noticeable distortion (kind of a rippling effect) in the right side. Two weeks ago Audi of America agreed the windshield should be replaced, and a new windshield was installed. Here's the problem -- the new windshield is no better than the first one. So I went into the dealer's showroom and looked closely at the windshields on the new cars and guess what?? -- Nearly ALL of them had distortion in the glass. Anybody else notice this problem? What was done about it?<p>Paul Rose<br>San Diego

Kyle Bailey
11-03-1998, 12:18 PM
along with stress fractures. You'd think that after 3 years Audi would find another supplier.<p>My distortion is minimal - in fact I wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't read about it here.<p>Kyle

Koushik
11-03-1998, 12:58 PM
nt

MT atl
11-03-1998, 01:29 PM
.

Graham
11-03-1998, 01:41 PM
A couple of times recently I have pulled up alongside new 3 series BMW's and low and behold <br>their windshield glass was distorted too.<p>So, A4's are not alone in that regard, without wishing to start a(nother) flame war with the 3 series.<p>Graham

Dale B
11-03-1998, 04:24 PM
It's in every Audi windshield I have looked at (ripples in the glass), and I have looked at lots of them. It varies somewhat in severity. I have looked at aftermarket glass (PPG) and it has it also. Audi has used at least 3 suppliers of windshield glass, and ALL have the same problem. It also isn't unique to Audi, but I have seen some windshields without the problem, or so minor that it isn't a problem.<p>The real problem isn't the ripples, but that they can be seen, and are distracting, from the driver's seat. If they were a little less severe, they wouldn't be noticeable. I was told that the ripples have something to do with the glass tempering process, but I don't know if that's correct.

Paul Rose
11-03-1998, 05:19 PM
Thanks for the responses. While it's somewhat comforting to know that my car isn't the only one with a problem, I find it disconcerting that Audi hasn't yet found a supplier who can provide better quality.<p>Paul Rose<br>San Diego

the unabimmer
11-03-1998, 05:51 PM
this takes wishfull thinking of Audi owners to new heights!

Kirk
11-03-1998, 05:59 PM

ChuckH
11-03-1998, 06:56 PM
I have seen many cars with this distortion, and all seem to be newer cars. I was looking at an Acura recently that had severe ripples in the windshield and the side and rear windows also. I wonder if it has something to do with new safety requirements or something. It would be interesting to find out. I only have a very minor distortion at the bottom 1" or so, so it's no big deal. The wipers block that area anyway.<p>Charles<br>

Steve S.
11-04-1998, 04:59 AM
One time I came out to a six inch deep puddle inside the car. It is someone elses problem now.<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM<br>