Distortion in rear window?

doug_999 · 07-30-2011, 10:25 AM

I'm trying to figure out if a distortion issue I have when looking out my rear window is normal or I have a defective rear glass.

With my seat adjusted correctly (I'm 6' 1") when looking out the rear window (mostly via rear view mirror), I've got some distortion all the way across the glass about 2/3rds of the way up. Basically makes cars look compressed and you can't tell what kind of car they are.

If this is just one of those things with the X6, then so be it - but if nobody else has it, then I guess I need to bring it in (not loving the idea of yanking the rear window).

Samurai of 2day · 07-30-2011, 10:55 AM

I don't have the same promblem you are mentioning. The rear windo did take some getting used to for me because I came out of the MDX, which had a huge rear window, to the X6 which of course has limited view out of the back compared to most other SUV type vehicles. Pehaps the problem you are experiencing just takes some getting used to...? The view out of my rear window is not distorted, even with the tint job I had done on it. Enjoy your new toy and be safe!!

sariggs1 · 07-30-2011, 04:23 PM

I'm 6' 3" and don't have that issue either. Have the dealer check it out. This my second and neither hd this issue.

somonster · 07-30-2011, 04:42 PM

I don't have that problem with my rear window.

Have you tried sitting in another X6 on the lot at your dealer?

Glina · 07-30-2011, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug_999

I'm trying to figure out if a distortion issue I have when looking out my rear window is normal or I have a defective rear glass.

With my seat adjusted correctly (I'm 6' 1") when looking out the rear window (mostly via rear view mirror), I've got some distortion all the way across the glass about 2/3rds of the way up. Basically makes cars look compressed and you can't tell what kind of car they are.

If this is just one of those things with the X6, then so be it - but if nobody else has it, then I guess I need to bring it in (not loving the idea of yanking the rear window).

That is the first thing that I noticed right away, the distortion in my rear window; after driving for the first time in my 2012 x6. I'm 6'5".

Samurai of 2day · 07-31-2011, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by somonster

I don't have that problem with my rear window.

Have you tried sitting in another X6 on the lot at your dealer?

This is a good idea.

Mike van D · 07-31-2011, 10:00 AM

No issues with mine either. Great idea to look out another one...

doug_999 · 07-31-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glina

That is the first thing that I noticed right away, the distortion in my rear window; after driving for the first time in my 2012 x6. I'm 6'5".

Two questions
1) do you have the 3 person rear seat?
2) what month was your car produced?

Trying to figure out if it could be a reflection issue (wife and shorter friend notice it lower in the window) or possibly some production issue.

I am also going to make an appt with service manager so they can have a 2012 around to compare. I really don't want to change that window!

alistair · 08-01-2011, 10:33 AM

I have this issue too! Was considering making the dealership change the rear glass, but that could well cause other problems. My old x6 didn't have this problem...

Mike van D · 08-01-2011, 02:14 PM

Was thinking about this on my drive home today and took another hard look. There is a bit of distortion caused by the rear defogger filaments. Maybe depending on how high you sit it may appear worse due to the angle of the window.

Just food for thought...

doug_999 · 08-01-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedMoreToyz

Was thinking about this on my drive home today and took another hard look. There is a bit of distortion caused by the rear defogger filaments. Maybe depending on how high you sit it may appear worse due to the angle of the window.

Just food for thought...

Just went out and looked - thought that MAYBE it was where there are no elements (I see there is a 2" area at the top where they don't exist - but then start again). Alas, it is not there. There is a clear area where the distortion exists all the way across. I went to the back seat and looked out and could see it clearly (well not so clearly if you know what I mean).

KANdaddy · 08-01-2011, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedMoreToyz

Was thinking about this on my drive home today and took another hard look. There is a bit of distortion caused by the rear defogger filaments. Maybe depending on how high you sit it may appear worse due to the angle of the window.

Just food for thought...

I have this issue on my 2012 as well. Could not tell if it was caused by defogger filaments or not. Not sure if it really bugs me enough to go through the hassle of replacement. Did not notice it before doug_999 pointed it out.

Canthony33 · 08-01-2011, 06:44 PM

No such issue.....

motex · 08-01-2011, 10:28 PM

I'm 6'4 and no such thing, maybe is just the glass angle, this is my second X6 and

Mr40d · 08-07-2011, 10:03 AM

Tiny distortion here, wouldn't of noticed it if I didn't look close really.

lanvin · 08-09-2011, 09:51 AM

I've got this problem too, I originally thought that it was due to the rake the rear screen and it makes the cars from the rear view mirror look compressed.

Mike van D · 08-09-2011, 03:09 PM

As a few have mentioned, I only noticed when looking hard at it...to me not worth the hassle and possible issues with a glass change. Happy as is.

Barbja · 08-10-2011, 01:55 AM

I have the same issue; I noticed it shortly after I took delivery of the car.

I'm 5'4" so I'm WAY shorter than the other reporters here. I have a 3-person rear seat.

Since I rely more heavily on the side mirrors than my center rear-view, I didn't think that it was a big enough issue to bring it up to my SA. I actually find it a little interesting sometimes. Also, I recently had the windows tinted so if I brought it up now they'd probably blame any problems on the tint.

doug_999 · 08-12-2011, 05:13 PM

As pointed out, depending on how you have your seat adjusted (I can have mine all the way UP or all the way DOWN (down requires me to move the seat forward to reach pedals) UP is actually more comfortable. Alas, the distortion changes depending on where I'm sitting. But honestly, it is ANNOYING on the highway no matter where the seat is, because the cars in my rear view window all end up being distorted. Drives me nuts. Body shop guy at the dealer told me what I already know - it is a HUGE deal to cut the window out and the replacement window could have the same issue. Still, the 2011s don't have the issue so it appears that BMW did change something.

XR_SIX · 08-12-2011, 05:25 PM

Yup i have a minor distortion as well. My car is '12. Doesnt bother me at all.

Barbja · 08-13-2011, 08:42 AM

Let's think to ourselves that they put more uv protection in it. When you see it you can think 'oh, this is making my car feel less like the surface of the sun'.

07-30-2011, 10:25 AM	#1
doug_999 Brigadier General 2543 Rep 3,968 Posts Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Distortion in rear window? I'm trying to figure out if a distortion issue I have when looking out my rear window is normal or I have a defective rear glass. With my seat adjusted correctly (I'm 6' 1") when looking out the rear window (mostly via rear view mirror), I've got some distortion all the way across the glass about 2/3rds of the way up. Basically makes cars look compressed and you can't tell what kind of car they are. If this is just one of those things with the X6, then so be it - but if nobody else has it, then I guess I need to bring it in (not loving the idea of yanking the rear window). __________________ 2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio 2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual 2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
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07-30-2011, 10:55 AM	#2
Samurai of 2day Major 2115 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: '22 X6M/'21 S1Krr Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Everywhere and Nowhere iTrader: (0)	I don't have the same promblem you are mentioning. The rear windo did take some getting used to for me because I came out of the MDX, which had a huge rear window, to the X6 which of course has limited view out of the back compared to most other SUV type vehicles. Pehaps the problem you are experiencing just takes some getting used to...? The view out of my rear window is not distorted, even with the tint job I had done on it. Enjoy your new toy and be safe!! __________________ Too smart for my own good...
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07-30-2011, 04:23 PM	#3
sariggs1 Scott R. 22 Rep 270 Posts Drives: X6 xDrive 50I Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lee's Summit, MO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 X6 50I [0.00] 2006 Volvo XC90 V8 [0.00] 2001 996 Turbo [0.00]	I'm 6' 3" and don't have that issue either. Have the dealer check it out. This my second and neither hd this issue. __________________ Scott - 2012 BMW X6 50i Twin Turbo / Porsche 996 Twin Turbo Black Sapphire Metallic with Saddle Brown Nevada Leather, Comfort Access keyless entry, Running boards, Rear-View Camera, Dark Bamboo wood trim, HUD, HD Radio, Satellite Radio, Cold Weather Package, Premium Package, Premium Sound Package, Rear Climate Package, Sport Package, Euro Black Kidney Grill, Euro Side Markers, Black Double Spoke 215 Wheels...
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07-30-2011, 04:42 PM	#4
somonster Private 1 Rep 76 Posts Drives: honda, bmw Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: home iTrader: (0)	I don't have that problem with my rear window. Have you tried sitting in another X6 on the lot at your dealer?
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07-31-2011, 10:00 AM	#7
Mike van D Major 18 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: SG X6 35i; MW e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	No issues with mine either. Great idea to look out another one... __________________ ...just enjoying life.
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08-01-2011, 10:33 AM	#9
alistair First Lieutenant 18 Rep 386 Posts Drives: 2013 X5 ///M Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: WA, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW X5///M [0.00]	I have this issue too! Was considering making the dealership change the rear glass, but that could well cause other problems. My old x6 didn't have this problem...
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08-01-2011, 02:14 PM	#10
Mike van D Major 18 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: SG X6 35i; MW e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Was thinking about this on my drive home today and took another hard look. There is a bit of distortion caused by the rear defogger filaments. Maybe depending on how high you sit it may appear worse due to the angle of the window. Just food for thought... __________________ ...just enjoying life.
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08-01-2011, 06:44 PM	#13
Canthony33 Banned 8 Rep 74 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X6 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Rye, NY iTrader: (5)	No such issue.....
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08-01-2011, 10:28 PM	#14
motex 2020 Mineral White 30d MSport 524 Rep 2,146 Posts Drives: 2020 Mineral White 30d MSport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 X5 G05 30d /// ... [0.00]	I'm 6'4 and no such thing, maybe is just the glass angle, this is my second X6 and
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08-07-2011, 10:03 AM	#15
Mr40d Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW x6 40d Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Stockholm iTrader: (0)	Tiny distortion here, wouldn't of noticed it if I didn't look close really.
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08-09-2011, 09:51 AM	#16
lanvin New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: E71 X6 xDrive40d Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Newport iTrader: (0)	I've got this problem too, I originally thought that it was due to the rake the rear screen and it makes the cars from the rear view mirror look compressed.
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08-09-2011, 03:09 PM	#17
Mike van D Major 18 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: SG X6 35i; MW e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	As a few have mentioned, I only noticed when looking hard at it...to me not worth the hassle and possible issues with a glass change. Happy as is. __________________ ...just enjoying life.
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08-10-2011, 01:55 AM	#18
Barbja Captain 149 Rep 666 Posts Drives: 2020 X4 M40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I have the same issue; I noticed it shortly after I took delivery of the car. I'm 5'4" so I'm WAY shorter than the other reporters here. I have a 3-person rear seat. Since I rely more heavily on the side mirrors than my center rear-view, I didn't think that it was a big enough issue to bring it up to my SA. I actually find it a little interesting sometimes. Also, I recently had the windows tinted so if I brought it up now they'd probably blame any problems on the tint.
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08-12-2011, 05:13 PM	#19
doug_999 Brigadier General 2543 Rep 3,968 Posts Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	As pointed out, depending on how you have your seat adjusted (I can have mine all the way UP or all the way DOWN (down requires me to move the seat forward to reach pedals) UP is actually more comfortable. Alas, the distortion changes depending on where I'm sitting. But honestly, it is ANNOYING on the highway no matter where the seat is, because the cars in my rear view window all end up being distorted. Drives me nuts. Body shop guy at the dealer told me what I already know - it is a HUGE deal to cut the window out and the replacement window could have the same issue. Still, the 2011s don't have the issue so it appears that BMW did change something. __________________ 2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio 2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual 2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
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08-12-2011, 05:25 PM	#20
XR_SIX Bading-dong! 9 Rep 279 Posts Drives: '11.5 E93 M3 AW, '09 R6 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle rock, Ca iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011.5 E93 M3 [0.00]	Yup i have a minor distortion as well. My car is '12. Doesnt bother me at all.
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08-13-2011, 08:42 AM	#21
Barbja Captain 149 Rep 666 Posts Drives: 2020 X4 M40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Let's think to ourselves that they put more uv protection in it. When you see it you can think 'oh, this is making my car feel less like the surface of the sun'.
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