Windshield replacement

[brian5]

Almost 10 years ago, I posted this about my experience with Safelite replacing my windshield. Looking back at it, I was definitely too kind on them.

I still have that 2008 X5 and I'm now dealing with a cracked windshield again. As Allstate insurance is supposed to provide that glass coverage, I went to BMW for a quote. Their quote was $3,619.28!! Yes, I do have HUD and rain sensor but that still sounds exorbitant! I'm trying to get confirmation if there will be a cost to me and what that would be.

Anyone have any other suggestions apart from Safelite or BMW? I'm in CT.

Thanks

Originally Posted by brian5

I've spent the last 2 months getting my windshield replaced by Safelite... Just got back home from latest visit now. I have Heads Up Display and Rain Sensor. My insurance company made it sound like I might have to pay a lot more if I went to BMW compared to no deductible if I went to Safelite (or any other windshield shop).

Short story is:
1. They installed OE "Saint-Gobain Sekurit" windshield (see pic #1). Installation was cleanly done. I had Heads Up Display and Rain Sensor issues.
2. Couple of visits and rain sensor replacement. They got another windshield (which was supposed to be from BMW but it was not. It was the same as the first one. I did not let them install).
3. They got OEM "Saint-Gobain Sekurit" windshield (see pic #2). Installation was cleanly done and looked good again. They claimed that the new rain sensor was BMW was faulty and they went back to the original. This time, Heads Up Display is working. Rain sensor is working too.

So, both times, my Safelite did a good looking installation. I actually don't know if there was any issue with the OE windshield; it could very well have been rain sensor issues only.

So your results with Safelite may vary. Would I use them again? Probably yes because their attitude was great and I think that a faulty rain sensor may have been causing the problems.

[Henn28]

I’ve had good luck with them before having my x5 windscreen replaced by safelite 2 years ago. After that the upper trim piece wouldn’t fit back in cleanly. Too much adhesive I imagine. It was close enough that I didn’t ask them to re-do it, and it took way too long for them to complete the job. I took a high speed rock last year and have a big divot in the center now, but don’t want to use them again. Not sure what my options are though.

[ard]

Welp, there are only a few (1? 2? 4?) companies that make glass in the USA for X5s.


The BMW branded OE glass is made for BMW by Pilkington, Sekurit or SG or PPG.


(Note: Not sure who is making E70 glass now.... it may actually change over the years. You may have been able to buy Pilkington 2018 to 2022, now someone else..)


any one of these also makes an OEM version. ie they make the OE, so they are the OEM for this item, and a therefore their own version is an OEM glass.


This little quibble is why when people insist "I want OEM" they get a pilkinton (or whatever), and not BMW.


(NOTE: I am not 100% sure it is Pilkington- my info is a bit stale on this)



I do not know who makes the Safelite branded glass.


Oh, and then there is the specifications and QE for these different product streams. Some say the BMW OE glass is subject to tighter qualify control.


FInally, the glass is only part of the equation.... If you do not follow the procedure that BMW has defined, from the adhesitve to the moldings to the little bits and fittings- then the resultant repair WILL INVALIDATE the car's safety ratings. Safelite makes a really big deal to say "our adhesive meets all federal standards", but thats only part of it.



You should call a small, independent glass installer and just ask them who makes a glass- they should have access to any company that makes a compatible glass. My local guy is pretty good about quality. He was doing a glass on my M5, didnt like an optical defect and strong-armed my insurance into a BMW branded glass since the car wasnt driveable. (I didnt mind, buy he spun it up... )
GL!