Windshield replacement

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by jbimmer24

I believe they say the whole glass has a lite tint to it,more protection from sun rays.

My car is actually at my indy mechanic getting some gaskets replaced, so I can't go out and look. I am going to call my dealer tomorrow with my vin # and see if they can tell me.

[mark scheurer]

I had a non-OEM windshield replaced in a Honda several years ago, and the glass was wavy on both sides. The installers refused to replace the windshield because they said that they couldn't see the defects. I traded the car so I didn't have to live with it for very long, but that experience along with multiple stories from other people convinced me that aftermarket glass is crap and one should NEVER allow it to be installed in their car; I know I never will again.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by mark scheurer

I had a non-OEM windshield replaced in a Honda several years ago, and the glass was wavy on both sides. The installers refused to replace the windshield because they said that they couldn't see the defects. I traded the car so I didn't have to live with it for very long, but that experience along with multiple stories from other people convinced me that aftermarket glass is crap and one should NEVER allow it to be installed in their car; I know I never will again.

What company did you go with? I guess I am just trying to find out if all aftermarket glass is created the same.

I had the windshield replaced in my e36 aftermarket and I didn't have one single issue. No waves or anything.

[blktoptrvl]

Salfelite is wavy. I had two replaced before I settled on one that I could accept. And, yes, they were happy to keep replacing it... But I think that may have had more to do with the fact that the replacements whistled above 60MPH.

If you do get their glass, be sure that the one they put in has the OEM style head gasket, or you may be hearing an unhappy tune.

BTW, I finally accepted a wavy glass because I figured it would be no more than another year or two before it needs to be replaced again and $1200 a pop for BMW glass is rediculous - even if I have a 0 deductible.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

Salfelite is wavey. I had two replaced before I settled on one that I could accept. And, yes, they were happy to keep replacing it... But I think that may have had more to do with the fact that the replacements whistled above 60MPH.

If you do get their glass, be sure that the one they put in has the OEM style head gasket, or you may be hearing an unhappy tune.

BTW, I finally accepted a wavey glass because I figured it would be no more than another year or two before it needs to be replaced again and $1200 a pop for BMW glass is rediculous - even if I have a 0 deductible.

Good to know. I never would have thought this would be a part to go OEM on. I am waiting to see what they will charge for the OEM glass.

Wonder if there is a mark up on the OEM glass through Safelite? It may work out cheaper for me to get the glass with my BMWCCA discount and have Safelite install it.

Thanks for the heads up on the gasket. I am trying to figure out all the extra little stuff like that to be sure it is done right and stays quiet.

[dzhoka]

you will avoid a lot of talking and safe yours and others time ..Trust me old shcool works 100 out 100 ...Install original OEM windshield . Leave old rain sensor ( it will works just fine ) .. AND GUES WHO WILL BE LEFT HAPPY ??!!!!!!
cheers !
sorry but yes pay the difference (it worce )

[StanF18]

Originally Posted by FSETH

My windshield cracked the other day. I think it was from snow/ice sitting on the edge near the A-pillar because I don't see any chips in the glass. Anyhow, my insurnace company (The Hartford aka The Ripoff) says I would have to pay my $500 deductible, so I am trying to do this out of pocket. I was all set to go the Safelite way until I read some of the posts insisting on only OEM glass. I have rain sensing wipers and was quoted $378 for their glass. Still waiting on the quote with OEM glass.

Safelite says their glass is inspected x amount of times and that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. I mentioned that some people have had issues with aftermarket glass being wavey and the rep told me if anything looked off, they would replace it for free. I guess I am just making sure that the OEM glass is still worth it. I don't mind buying OEM parts at all, but until I saw this thread I was thinking it is just glass, right? Has anyone gone the aftermarket glass route with Safelite and been happy with the results?

Weasel, I was planning on replacing the top windshield cover as it has cracked over time, but is there anything else I should buy to have on hand when the come to install the windshield I end up buying?

When I started this thread back in '08 I was looking for the same feedback. As luck would have it, the "replica" windshield was cracked in transit after Safelite ordered it. They called me about the shipping delay at which point I said they might as well order the BMW OEM rain-sensing windshield. I believe I had a $100 deductible on the windshield, and that was all that I got charged.

Here's a tidbit that may be useful: GEICO has an unfortunate clause saying that they will only pay for "like and kind" replacement. That means that after you cover the windshield deductible, they are only obligated to pay for "like and kind" non-OEM replacement. They are not obligated to pay for the OEM BMW one. I'm betting The Hartford has a similar clause. HOWEVER: Safe-Lite told me on the phone that they will do their best to NOT have me pay anything beyond the deductible on the OEM windshield. I never got billed anything beyond the deductible portion.

Last, but not least, check your Hartford policy. MAKE SURE your Hartford windshield deductible is indeed $500, as they are claiming. They may be trying to pull a fast one on you by applying the COLLISION deductible instead of the WINDSHIELD deductible. These are usually 2 separate deductibles, with the winshield portion being lower. I would be surprised if your WINDSHIELD deductible is really that high. Kind of defeats the purpose of having separate windshield coverage.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by StanF18

When I started this thread back in '08 I was looking for the same feedback. As luck would have it, the "replica" windshield was cracked in transit after Safelite ordered it. They called me about the shipping delay at which point I said they might as well order the BMW OEM rain-sensing windshield. I believe I had a $100 deductible on the windshield, and that was all that I got charged.

Here's a tidbit that may be useful: GEICO has an unfortunate clause saying that they will only pay for "like and kind" replacement. That means that after you cover the windshield deductible, they are only obligated to pay for "like and kind" non-OEM replacement. They are not obligated to pay for the OEM BMW one. I'm betting The Hartford has a similar clause. HOWEVER: Safe-Lite told me on the phone that they will do their best to NOT have me pay anything beyond the deductible on the OEM windshield. I never got billed anything beyond the deductible portion.

Last, but not least, check your Hartford policy. MAKE SURE your Hartford windshield deductible is indeed $500, as they are claiming. They may be trying to pull a fast one on you by applying the COLLISION deductible instead of the WINDSHIELD deductible. These are usually 2 separate deductibles, with the winshield portion being lower. I would be surprised if your WINDSHIELD deductible is really that high. Kind of defeats the purpose of having separate windshield coverage.

Thanks for the advice. I am going to dig through my insurance papers later today and see if there is anything in there regarding a seperate windshield deductible.

I am still waiting on the quote for OEM glass from Safelite.

[FSETH]

I ended up being able to have the crack repaired by Safelite for $90 instead of replacing the whole windshield. Ultimately, I went this route because I just spent over $800 on the X this week for new valve cover gaskets, timing cover gaskets, vanos solenoid seals, a brake fluid flush and a new battery. I never heard back from Safelite on how much more the OEM glass was going to cost over their glass, which was $380 installed. I just couldn't spend another $500+ on the X this week. I will say that I am happy with the crack repair. It almost just looks like there is a hair on the windshield and it is not really noticeable unless you know where to look. They said if I wasn't happy with the way it turned out or it didn't work that I could apply the amount I paid to the replacement windshield so I figured what the heck. If I do end up replacing the windshield in the future I will be sure to go with OEM glass and seals. Thanks again for your opinions.

[X5 Meister]

Regarding your Geico info, which is quite interesting, please note that they have an option for glass coverage. Per their info:

"If you have comprehensive coverage you may elect to have no deductible for damage to your vehicle's safety glass. This will allow for either repair or replacement of damaged safety glass without applying a deductible. Safety glass includes the safety glass used in the windshield, doors, and windows, as well as the glass, plastic, or other material used in the lights of the motor vehicle."

My understanding is that if you have the "Full Glass" option (also called Comprehensive [Non-Deductible (Glass)]) then you contact them after the damage is done to discuss what was broken and then proceed to get it fixed at a BMW dealer or whatever and they pay for it, but to what degree I don't know.

Originally Posted by StanF18

When I started this thread back in '08 I was looking for the same feedback. As luck would have it, the "replica" windshield was cracked in transit after Safelite ordered it. They called me about the shipping delay at which point I said they might as well order the BMW OEM rain-sensing windshield. I believe I had a $100 deductible on the windshield, and that was all that I got charged.

Here's a tidbit that may be useful: GEICO has an unfortunate clause saying that they will only pay for "like and kind" replacement. That means that after you cover the windshield deductible, they are only obligated to pay for "like and kind" non-OEM replacement. They are not obligated to pay for the OEM BMW one. I'm betting The Hartford has a similar clause. HOWEVER: Safe-Lite told me on the phone that they will do their best to NOT have me pay anything beyond the deductible on the OEM windshield. I never got billed anything beyond the deductible portion.

Last, but not least, check your Hartford policy. MAKE SURE your Hartford windshield deductible is indeed $500, as they are claiming. They may be trying to pull a fast one on you by applying the COLLISION deductible instead of the WINDSHIELD deductible. These are usually 2 separate deductibles, with the winshield portion being lower. I would be surprised if your WINDSHIELD deductible is really that high. Kind of defeats the purpose of having separate windshield coverage.