Mini rear window replacement

What Mini rear window features mean

Tap a feature to see what it is, how to spot it on your car, and how it affects glass replacement. We confirm the exact match for your vehicle when you book.

• Green10

  2000–2026

  Green tint reduces glare and improves visual comfort by filtering certain light wavelengths.

  What it means

  Green tint is a light-filtering coating applied to the glass during manufacture. It absorbs and reduces transmission of certain wavelengths of light, primarily to cut glare from sunlight and reflections. The tint is subtle — often barely visible to the naked eye — but measurably improves visual comfort during prolonged driving, particularly in bright conditions. It's a factory specification chosen by the vehicle manufacturer to balance daylight comfort with interior visibility and aesthetic consistency across all glass in the vehicle.

  How to tell

  The easiest way to check is to roll your side window halfway down and hold a piece of white paper behind it. Look carefully for a tint cast — green tint will appear as a subtle green hue compared to clear glass. Your windscreen will have the same tint as your side windows. You can also ask your vehicle's dealership or service centre — they'll have the original specification on file.

  Replacement impact

  Green-tinted replacement glass must match the original tint specification to maintain visual consistency across all windows and preserve the vehicle's interior aesthetics. Aftermarket OE-equivalent (OEE) green-tinted glass is widely available, though some vehicles may require original equipment (OEM) dealership glass if the tint specification is proprietary. Tint does not affect calibration, cure time, or installation procedure — it's a cosmetic and functional specification only.

• Antenna9

  2000–2026

  An aerial laminated into the windscreen or rear window restores radio, DAB or TV reception without a roof-mounted mast.

  What it means

  An antenna is a conductive print laminated into the glass during manufacture, typically used for radio, DAB (digital audio broadcasting) or television reception. It replaces the traditional roof-mounted aerial mast found on older vehicles. The antenna is integrated into the glass interlayer and connected to the vehicle's receiver unit via a connector embedded in the glass edge. This design offers a cleaner aesthetic, reduces wind noise, and eliminates the vulnerability of a protruding mast to damage or theft.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's roof — if there is no visible aerial mast, your car likely has a laminated antenna. You can also ask your dealer or service centre whether your windscreen or rear window carries an antenna print. The connector may be visible on the glass edge or inside the door frame trim.

  Replacement impact

  When replacing glass with a laminated antenna, the replacement must carry the matching antenna print and connector to restore reception immediately on fitting. Aftermarket or original-equipment glass with the correct antenna specification is essential; a plain replacement will leave you without radio or DAB signal. Our fitters verify the antenna specification during booking and source the correct variant before the appointment.

• Solar Control8

  2000–2026

  Solar control glass absorbs infrared rays to reduce heat and improve cabin comfort.

  What it means

  Solar control is a coating applied to the windscreen that absorbs the sun's infrared radiation rather than allowing it to pass through into the cabin. This reduces solar heat gain, helping to keep the interior cooler and more comfortable, particularly in warm weather or direct sunlight. The coating is transparent to visible light, so it doesn't darken the windscreen or affect visibility. It's a passive thermal management feature that works continuously whenever the sun is shining on the glass.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's specification sheet or contact your dealership service centre to confirm whether solar control glass is fitted. Some manufacturers list it as 'solar control windscreen', 'heat-reflective glass', or 'thermal management glass'. It's a factory-fitted feature and won't be visibly obvious from outside the car — the coating is integral to the glass itself.

  Replacement impact

  Solar control glass is a factory-fitted specification. When replacing the windscreen, a solar control variant must be sourced to match the original. This is a standard glass type with no special fitting implications or calibration requirements. Cure and drive-away times follow normal windscreen bonding procedures. Confirm with your fitter that the replacement glass includes solar control to maintain the original thermal performance.

• Brake Light7

  2006–2026

  A brake light integrated into the rear window glass itself, requiring a matching replacement to reconnect the original lighting circuit.

  What it means

  A brake light integrated into the rear window glass is a lighting element built directly into the glass panel during manufacturing. Rather than using a separate lamp cluster mounted to the vehicle body, the light circuit is routed through conductive elements — typically a silkscreen pattern, wire network, or bracket assembly — embedded in or bonded to the glass itself. When you brake, this integrated light illuminates to warn following traffic. It combines functionality with design integration, reducing the number of separate components on the rear of the vehicle.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's rear window for a visible pattern of fine lines or wires running across the glass, usually near the top edge or spanning the upper portion. Look at your vehicle's manual or contact your dealer's service centre — they can confirm whether your rear window carries an integrated brake light. If you see a separate brake-light cluster mounted to the bodywork instead, your vehicle does not have this feature.

  Replacement impact

  The replacement rear window must carry the identical integrated brake-light pattern so the original lighting circuit reconnects without modification. The conductive elements — whether silkscreen, wiring, or bracket fittings — must align precisely with the vehicle's electrical connections. Using a standard rear window without this pattern would disable the brake light. We source the correct OE-specification glass to ensure a seamless fit and restore full functionality.

• Dark Grey4

  2006–2026

  Dark grey tint on rear windows provides privacy and reduces interior heat and glare.

  What it means

  Dark grey tint, formally known as privacy glass, is a factory-applied tint created through a deep-dipping process during glass manufacture. The pigment is infused into the inner surface of the glass, darkening the rear windows (and sometimes rear doors) significantly more than the front. This reduces heat transmission, minimises glare, and obscures the interior from outside view. It's standard on the rear half of many modern vehicles.

  How to tell

  Compare the rear side windows and rear window (backlight) to the front side windows — the rear glass will be noticeably darker. Check your vehicle documents or ask your dealership service centre if you're unsure whether your car left the factory with privacy glass.

  Replacement impact

  Dark grey tinted glass must be sourced from the Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) or dealership to ensure colour and transmission match your vehicle's existing rear glass. The tint is integral to the glass itself, not a surface coating, so aftermarket non-tinted glass will look visibly mismatched. Replacement does not require any calibration and follows standard bonded-glass cure times for rear windows.

• Fitting Hardware2

  2010–2017

  Pre-fitted clips and brackets that secure the glass to your vehicle, supplied ready to bond as a complete unit.

  What it means

  Fitting hardware comprises the clips, brackets, mouldings and adhesive retention components that hold the glass securely in place on your vehicle's frame. When your replacement glass is supplied with fitting hardware pre-attached, it arrives as a ready-to-install assembly rather than as bare glass requiring separate hardware attachment during the fit. This streamlines the replacement process and ensures correct positioning and fitment.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's service history or contact your dealership service department with your registration number. They can confirm whether your glass comes with pre-fitted hardware as standard. Visually, pre-fitted hardware appears as clips or brackets already bonded or attached to the glass edges before it reaches the fitting technician.

  Replacement impact

  Glass supplied with pre-fitted hardware typically requires no additional labour to attach clips or brackets during the fit, reducing technician time at the vehicle. The hardware must be in good condition and correctly positioned for the glass to seal and function properly. If hardware is damaged during removal of the old glass, replacement or repair of that hardware may be needed before the new glass can be fitted securely.

• Heated Windscreen2

  2010–2017

  Heated windscreens use embedded wires to quickly clear ice and condensation in cold weather.

  What it means

  A heated windscreen is integrated with a fine mesh of electrical wires embedded within the glass itself. When activated, these wires generate heat to warm the windscreen surface, helping to rapidly clear frost, ice, and condensation during cold or damp conditions. This feature improves visibility and safety in winter driving and reduces reliance on engine heat and demister air, which can be slower on very cold mornings.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's handbook or contact your dealership service centre — they can confirm whether your model includes this feature. Look for a dashboard symbol (usually a windscreen icon with heat waves) when you activate the function, or check your infotainment settings for a heating or climate option linked to the windscreen. Some vehicles have a dedicated button on the stalk or console.

  Replacement impact

  Heated windscreens require replacement glass to be of the correct heated specification — standard unheated glass cannot be fitted. The replacement glass must be sourced to match your vehicle's exact heated-wire configuration. Installation is straightforward, though the technician will confirm the heating element is functioning correctly after fitting. No calibration is required for this feature.

• Left2

  2007–2026

  Left side window — choose this if your car has a left-side door window that needs replacing.

  What it means

  The left side window is the glass panel in the door on the driver's side of the vehicle (or front passenger side in right-hand-drive markets where the driver sits on the right). This is an operable window — it rolls up and down using the window mechanism in the door. Unlike the windscreen or rear window, side windows are typically toughened glass, which means they shatter into small fragments if broken rather than cracking into large shards. Replacing a left side window is a straightforward job that doesn't involve adhesive bonding.

  How to tell

  Look at the driver's side of your car — the left side window is the glass panel in the front-left door that you can wind down. If this glass is cracked, chipped, or missing, you need a left side window replacement. You can also check your vehicle's documentation or ask your dealer's service centre to confirm which positions are affected if you're unsure.

  Replacement impact

  Left side window replacement is typically faster than windscreen work because there is no adhesive bonding and no calibration involved. The glass is held in place by clips, seals, and the door mechanism. However, if the window has shattered, glass fragments may lodge in hard-to-reach areas inside the door or trim. We recommend a professional interior valet afterwards to ensure all shards are thoroughly removed from seat mechanisms, seatbelts, and door channels.

• Privacy2

  2010–2026

  Privacy glass is a darker tint applied to rear and side windows for passenger comfort and security.

  What it means

  Privacy glass is a factory-applied dark tint coating on the rear window and side windows (or a selection of them) to reduce visibility into the vehicle's interior. It serves two purposes: it helps protect passengers and cargo from the sun, and it provides visual security by obscuring the view of occupants and valuables from outside. The tint is integral to the glass itself — either applied during manufacture or as a permanent coating — and is not the same as an aftermarket film.

  How to tell

  Look at the rear window and rear side windows from outside the vehicle. If they appear noticeably darker than the windscreen and front side windows, the car has privacy glass. Check your vehicle documentation (handbook or service history) under 'glass specifications' or 'optional equipment', or ask your dealership service centre — they can confirm which windows have the tint applied.

  Replacement impact

  Privacy glass must be replaced with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass of the same tint specification. Aftermarket alternatives are available but may not match the original colour or darkness exactly. The replacement is a straightforward swap with no calibration implications. Availability is standard for mainstream models; lead time may be slightly longer for less common variants or older vehicles.

• Right2

  2007–2026

  Your vehicle has two rear doors, so a four-door configuration.

  What it means

  This attribute identifies whether your vehicle is a four-door or two-door model. Four-door cars have a rear door on both the driver and passenger sides; two-door cars have only front doors. This classification affects which glass panels are present in your vehicle — four-door models include rear side windows and rear doors, whilst two-door models do not. Knowing your door configuration helps us identify the correct glass type and position for your windscreen or window replacement.

  How to tell

  Count the doors on your vehicle. If you can open a door behind the front passenger and driver seats on both sides, you have a four-door (right) configuration. If only the front doors open, you have a two-door model. You can also check your vehicle's documentation or ask your dealer or service centre — they'll confirm the exact door count in seconds.

  Replacement impact

  Four-door models have rear side windows and rear doors that may require replacement. This affects the range of glass panels we can supply and fit for you. All standard glass types in four-door cars — windscreen, rear window, front and rear side windows — are within our service scope and follow the same replacement and fitting process as two-door variants. The door configuration itself does not alter calibration or cure-time procedures.

• Dark Green1

  2010–2017

  Dark green tint on rear and side windows is a factory colour choice, not a safety or performance feature.

  What it means

  Dark green is a factory tint applied to the glass during manufacture. It's purely aesthetic — a colour variant chosen by the vehicle designer to complement the body paint and interior trim. Unlike some tints that reduce solar heat or glare, dark green is decorative. Most vehicles have standard or light green glass; dark green is less common and typically found on specific trim levels or model years.

  How to tell

  Look at your rear and side windows from outside the car in daylight. If they appear noticeably darker or more saturated green than the front windscreen, you likely have dark green glass. You can also check your vehicle's specification sheet from the dealer or original documentation — tint colour is sometimes listed under 'glass' or 'exterior finishes'. If uncertain, ask your local dealership service centre.

  Replacement impact

  Dark green replacement glass must match the original tint colour exactly — a standard or light green windscreen will look visibly mismatched against dark green rear windows. Sourcing the correct variant can take slightly longer than standard glass, as it's less common. No calibration is involved with tinted glass itself. Fitting and cure time are unaffected.

• Encapsulation1

  2011–2026

  Factory-bonded rubber or polymer trim means your replacement glass arrives ready to fit as one complete unit.

  What it means

  Encapsulation is a rubber or polymer gasket moulded directly onto the glass edges during manufacturing. The trim is bonded to the glass at the factory — either by injection moulding, PU robot extrusion, or adhesive bonding. When you need a replacement, the entire panel arrives with its trim already attached, so the glass and gasket are replaced together as a single unit rather than as separate components.

  How to tell

  Check your current windscreen or rear window edges. If you see a continuous rubber or polymer seal running around the perimeter that appears moulded or permanently bonded to the glass itself — rather than a separate trim clipped or screwed to the frame — your glass is encapsulated. Ask your dealer or service centre to confirm; they can also check your vehicle specification sheet.

  Replacement impact

  Encapsulated glass simplifies replacement because there's no separate trim to remove, refit, or source. The bonded gasket is replaced as part of the glass unit, which reduces installation complexity and potential leak points. Cure time and drive-away procedures remain unchanged. No additional sourcing delays — encapsulated replacements are stocked as complete assemblies by most suppliers.

• Heated Rear Windscreen1

  2017–2026

  Heated rear windscreen with integrated wires clears mist and ice when you switch on the demister.

  What it means

  A heated rear windscreen contains fine heating wires embedded within the glass. When you activate the rear demister, an electrical current passes through these wires, warming the glass and melting ice or condensation. This feature is particularly useful in cold or damp weather, improving rear visibility quickly. The heating grid is integral to the glass and connected to your vehicle's electrical circuit via connectors at the base of the windscreen.

  How to tell

  Look at the rear windscreen from inside the vehicle — you will see a fine grid of horizontal lines across the glass, typically bronze or copper in colour. On the dashboard or steering wheel stalk, there will be a dedicated rear-demist button, usually marked with a windscreen symbol and heating lines. If in doubt, ask your vehicle's service centre or consult your handbook.

  Replacement impact

  Replacement rear windscreens with heated grids are widely available as original-equipment aftermarket or dealership parts. The new glass must include the factory heating grid and electrical connectors intact. The technician will reconnect the heating circuit to your vehicle's rear-demist switch. Heated rear windscreens are bonded glass, so adhesive cure time applies; drive-away time will be confirmed by the fitter on the day.