2012 M3 Window Scratches

[KalR]

Hello All,

I recently noticed vertical scratches along the edge of the windows on my 2012 M3 coupe. I think its worth mentioning that I noticed this when I went to pick up my car after getting the windows tinted.

I was thinking the tinting company caused the problem but the scratches are on the outside of the windows. I can feel the rugged surface with my hand. No scratches on the tint whatsoever.

I am not sure why I didnt notice this before. May be I wasnt looking closely or may be the dark window tint is now providing a back ground making the scratches highly visible.

Does this sound like something that should be fixed by dealer under warranty?

[LTJohn]

I am not sure what the tint could have done there...but it never hurts to show it to a tint guy and ask what could have done it.

Usually the scratches occur when dirt or sand gets on a metal instrument or a cloth. Ice scrapers can do this if the dirt gets into the plastic.
When we used to do tint back in the day, we would squeegee the outside windows, so it looked good for the customer...but we always checked the rubber blade for debris.

The bad thing is that it is very hard to polish glass. I tried with an eastwood kit and ceramic abrasives, and the windshield nearly caught on fire from the friction, yet the scratch remained!!!

[KalR]

Originally Posted by DocJohn

I am not sure what the tint could have done there...but it never hurts to show it to a tint guy and ask what could have done it.

Usually the scratches occur when dirt or sand gets on a metal instrument or a cloth. Ice scrapers can do this if the dirt gets into the plastic.
When we used to do tint back in the day, we would squeegee the outside windows, so it looked good for the customer...but we always checked the rubber blade for debris.

The bad thing is that it is very hard to polish glass. I tried with an eastwood kit and ceramic abrasives, and the windshield nearly caught on fire from the friction, yet the scratch remained!!!

Thanks DocJohn! I have only had this car for four weeks. Bought it brand new. It hasnt seen winter yet. I noticed these when I was at the tint shop. The guy said those scratches were there before and they are now showing prominently because of the dark background.

[hpc3]

Originally Posted by KalR

Hello All,

I recently noticed vertical scratches along the edge of the windows on my 2012 M3 coupe. I think its worth mentioning that I noticed this when I went to pick up my car after getting the windows tinted.

I was thinking the tinting company caused the problem but the scratches are on the outside of the windows. I can feel the rugged surface with my hand. No scratches on the tint whatsoever.

I am not sure why I didnt notice this before. May be I wasnt looking closely or may be the dark window tint is now providing a back ground making the scratches highly visible.

Does this sound like something that should be fixed by dealer under warranty?

I have a good one here and he still makes errors, gets in a hurry sometimes. Tinting companies often cut the film to match while its taped or stuck to the outside of the window they are working on ie little scratches or cuts in the trim/rubber are tell-tale signs where an exacto knife/razor blade scarred the surface when the installer cut the film.

I can't really tell from your pic what all is going on there but if there are multiples of lines against the edges the installer likely had a dull blade and made a couple of passes to cut the various layers of film/adhesive/protectant at that place.

I still offer to tape up my cars/trucks' trim before dropping them off for tint for that very reason. If anything else it lets the installer/shop know I'm going to be looking for damage caused by them.

[KalR]

Originally Posted by hpc3

I have a good one here and he still makes errors, gets in a hurry sometimes. Tinting companies often cut the film to match while its taped or stuck to the outside of the window they are working on ie little scratches or cuts in the trim/rubber are tell-tale signs where an exacto knife/razor blade scarred the surface when the installer cut the film.

I can't really tell from your pic what all is going on there but if there are multiples of lines against the edges the installer likely had a dull blade and made a couple of passes to cut the various layers of film/adhesive/protectant at that place.

I still offer to tape up my cars/trucks' trim before dropping them off for tint for that very reason. If anything else it lets the installer/shop know I'm going to be looking for damage caused by them.

Thanks hpc3! This is the first time I have gotten any car tinted and only because its Jerez Black Metallic.

Anyway...I will find out this Friday. Taking it to a dealer. It will be interesting to see what they will say.

[Templar]

I know exactly what the dealer will say. "Sorry, but it's not under warranty since the tint is aftermarket and the installer damaged the window."

[BMWNTHZST]

Originally Posted by KalR

Hello All,

I recently noticed vertical scratches along the edge of the windows on my 2012 M3 coupe. I think its worth mentioning that I noticed this when I went to pick up my car after getting the windows tinted.

I was thinking the tinting company caused the problem but the scratches are on the outside of the windows. I can feel the rugged surface with my hand. No scratches on the tint whatsoever.

I am not sure why I didnt notice this before. May be I wasnt looking closely or may be the dark window tint is now providing a back ground making the scratches highly visible.

Does this sound like something that should be fixed by dealer under warranty?

My drivers side window also has the same cratch marks on it I don`t think it was your tint gut who did this.

[KalR]

Originally Posted by BMWNTHZST

My drivers side window also has the same cratch marks on it I don`t think it was your tint gut who did this.

Did you get it fixed?

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

I now have my second M3 with tinted windows. They told me after it was done not to open or close the windows for 2 days. I followed that and never saw any evidence of damage to the window or tint film.

I have a hunch that there must be some sort of imperfection on the inside of your door that caused this. If I were in your shoes I would return to the tint place and ask there opinion then perhaps have your BMW dealership have a look at it as well.

Good luck

[BMWNTHZST]

Originally Posted by KalR

Did you get it fixed?

Not as of yet. Next time my car goes to the dealer I`m going to bring it up with them.

[KalR]

Originally Posted by BMWNTHZST

Not as of yet. Next time my car goes to the dealer I`m going to bring it up with them.

Please let me know how it goes.

[USAM3]

Most tint techs will place the tint on the exterior side of the glass to trim it first and I highly suspect he caused the scratches. Besides, if the scratches weren't there prior to the tint doesn't that make it obvious who's most likely to blame? If I were an SA and you came to me about possibly covering the scratches under warranty I'd LOL at you.

[KalR]

Originally Posted by USAM3

Most tint techs will place the tint on the exterior side of the glass to trim it first and I highly suspect he caused the scratches. Besides, if the scratches weren't there prior to the tint doesn't that make it obvious who's most likely to blame? If I were an SA and you came to me about possibly covering the scratches under warranty I'd LOL at you.

Fair point. I honestly don't know if I missed seeing the scratches before the tint or if they just weren't there.

As a simple test, I will put some tape on the scratches and open/close the window. If the tape scratches, I will know it may not be the installer. If it doesn't, it's definitely the installer.

At the end, this is a very minor problem. I was just curious if anyone else has experienced this.

[ilidon]

this happened to my previous 335i and now with my current M3. I think it's common with our cars and i bet more than half of the members here have it.

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by KalR

Hello All,

I recently noticed vertical scratches along the edge of the windows on my 2012 M3 coupe. I think its worth mentioning that I noticed this when I went to pick up my car after getting the windows tinted.

I was thinking the tinting company caused the problem but the scratches are on the outside of the windows. I can feel the rugged surface with my hand. No scratches on the tint whatsoever.

I am not sure why I didnt notice this before. May be I wasnt looking closely or may be the dark window tint is now providing a back ground making the scratches highly visible.

Does this sound like something that should be fixed by dealer under warranty?

The tint company probably did that, when they were cutting the tint on the outside of the glass with a razor blade to measure it up..I saw similar lines like this on my old 335i when they did the tints..but it was one or two straight line not multiple like what you have.. dont think the dealer warranty would cover this.

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by ilidon

this happened to my previous 335i and now with my current M3. I think it's common with our cars and i bet more than half of the members here have it.

Do you have tints? I kept my M3 with no tints and dont have any lines

[ilidon]

Originally Posted by tibra1

Do you have tints? I kept my M3 with no tints and dont have any lines

I did/do have it in both cars... probably the installation? I always thought this was common.

[SusnaWit]

I tried with an eastwood kit and ceramic abrasives

[bretster]

I have it only along the edge like yours and only on my driver side. I'm set to believe it was from using a dirty razor and it scratched the glass, but not 100% sure. Goodluck brother keep us posted

[Giggs]

This just happened to my driver side window recently in the same exact spot. It has nothing to do with the tint. The tint has been on the car for 2+ years now. It must have something to do with something in the door coming loose? Not sure exactly but it seems very common.

[KalR]

has anyone been able to fix the scratches?

[nineonenine]

common thing. happened to me as well