OEM Windshield vs Windshield from Dealer?

[X5Kev]

Hello,

Newbie question here.

Is there a difference between what windshield companies consider BMW OEM vs what I would get if I ordered from the dealer?

I need a new windshield for my 2006 X5 and was quoted $350 for an OEM with rain sensor.

I was under the impression that the windshield itself cost about that much if orderd from the dealer, so just wanted to doublecheck.

The dealer here don't do windshield replacements so getting it done at the dealer is not an option.

Thanks!

[X5 Meister]

What you get from a dealer is OE (original equipment), not OEM (original equipment manufacturer). If you want to buy the original windshield from the dealer they retail for much more than $350. I believe the standard windshield with rain sensor runs just over $600 while the comfort windshield runs just over $850.

[motordavid]

Search Tab has several threads on windshield replacement, including
anecdotal opins of dlr installed/oe vs other brands. $350 sounds awfully
cheap. Note that most posters remark about the need for a long "set"
for windshield mounting to cure and be done properly.
GL,mD

Xoutpost.com - Search Results

[JohnD]

If you look under the BMW logo on you winsheild you will see the name of he OE company that made it originally. Just had mine replaced a few months ago and insurance covered the entire thing - just don't have the logo

[cavx5]

whats the difference between standard and comfort winshield and what determines what is installed on the x

[jst2878]

i believe comfort windshield has a uv protectant which makes visibility great while driving into the sun. i want one!

[statdoc]

I was having a rock chip repaired the other day, and the repairman converted the chip into a crack. They replaced the windshield, and even installed "comfort glass" instead of the standard glass I had. So I don't have the BMW logo on the windshield, but it is perfect (better than before), and I am happy.

[PersonaNonGrata]

I'll chime in and say the same thing as others since I just recently had two BMW windshields replaced by the guy my dealer uses when customers go to them for glass replacement. The original windshield my X5 came with was a PPG and it was replaced with a Sekurit Saint-Gobain which is the brand of the side glass, minus the BMW logo. Cost including tax and labor was just over $300. I had the windshield on my E90 replaced on Friday with a Sekurit Saint-Gobain windshield that went in place of the original Pilkington glass. Cost for that was $360 including tax and labor. Both included rain sensor and rubber trim. Like others, I have no problem with the same brand of glass just without the BMW logo on it. It saves you quite a bit of money and there is no compromise on quality so long as it's installed well.

Interestingly, BMW uses three different glass companies: PPG, Sekurit, and Pilkington. I have read, and can confirm from my experience, that Pilkington is the "softest" glass. My E90 windshield was pitted horribly after only 3 years and 32K miles. My X5 of 7 years was only a little worse with it's original PPG glass.

[X5 Meister]

Here you go:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...tallation.html

Originally Posted by cavx5

whats the difference between standard and comfort winshield and what determines what is installed on the x

[X5 Meister]

If I was paying for the replacement then I'd get the OEM. If my insurance company was paying then I'd insist on OE.

Without Rain Sensor - Standard Windshield 51-31-8-408-528 $504.70
Without Rain Sensor - Comfort Windshield 51-31-8-408-529 $728.08

With Rain Sensor - Standard Windshield 51-31-7-064-862 $555.60
With Rain Sensor - Comfort Windshield 51-31-7-064-863 $784.62

Don't forget all the seals and clips which all total about $36.44

All prices are MSRP.

You are correct in that some glass is softer than other glass. The stuff used on the E36 must have been made of clear rubber, the pitting was horrendous.

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I'll chime in and say the same thing as others since I just recently had two BMW windshields replaced by the guy my dealer uses when customers go to them for glass replacement. The original windshield my X5 came with was a PPG and it was replaced with a Sekurit Saint-Gobain which is the brand of the side glass, minus the BMW logo. Cost including tax and labor was just over $300. I had the windshield on my E90 replaced on Friday with a Sekurit Saint-Gobain windshield that went in place of the original Pilkington glass. Cost for that was $360 including tax and labor. Both included rain sensor and rubber trim. Like others, I have no problem with the same brand of glass just without the BMW logo on it. It saves you quite a bit of money and there is no compromise on quality so long as it's installed well.

Interestingly, BMW uses three different glass companies: PPG, Sekurit, and Pilkington. I have read, and can confirm from my experience, that Pilkington is the "softest" glass. My E90 windshield was pitted horribly after only 3 years and 32K miles. My X5 of 7 years was only a little worse with it's original PPG glass.