Windshield replacement

[digdesign]

Has anyone had an independent company like Safelite Glass replace their windshield? If so, did they do a decent job? Is there anything special about the E70 windscreen?

The reason I asked is that I need mine replaced. I wanted to have the dealer do it but my insurance will only cover me for OEM equivalent, which is $480, and the dealer wants $1500.

[JCL]

All BMW models use similar windshield technology.

I had an X3 windshield done by a reputable glass supplier. They used a name brand glass that supplies BMW. The rain sensor came attached, as it should. The rain sensor didn't function properly first time it rained. They did it again. They called and said it still didn't work properly, don't pick it up, and they were going to try another brand. Whe I picked it up the next day they had installed an OE windshield with the roundel. Worked great.

A reputable aftermarket glass should be fine. But they aren't always.

[ard]

Safelite is the lowest, cheapest nationwide vendor. I would never use them. They hack out the old glass, they do NOT use BMW materials or methods, and just glue the new one in place.

Find an indy glass installer- see what they can do. Dont pay a dealer 1500, they will just call the local indy and have them do it anyway using a BMW OE glass.

Make sure they get the proper glass for your options- plus a good indy can 'manage' your insurance as well. ("Oh, yours has the special XYZ glass and there is no aftermarket glass for that- so insurance will cover OE")

[digdesign]

Sounds like good advice. Thanks.

[blue dragon]

OEM is not the same as OE.

[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.

[ard]

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.

This is odd...how can you say Safelite did a great job?!?!

They screwed up the install, didnt get the proper glass, and becuase THEY are the only ones talking to you they convinced you they- like you- are victims of 'bad products'. (Remember, they blamed the rain sensor, forced you to chase after a new one, didnt fix the problem and went back to the original (perfectly fine?) rain sensor)

The trick is to use a knowledgeable vendor who takes the steps necessary IN ADVANCE so the job is done right the first time!

And Im leaving out my critique of how the "safelite system" just hacks out the old glass and glues the new glass into place without following the BMW procedures....

IMHO

[bawareca]

^^^Unfortunately sometimes that is the case with insurance "sponsored" repairs.Insurance company refuses to pay for a OEM window,glass company installs OE.It doesnt work,insurance company says go with the more expensive glass.It doesnt work too,finally OEM glass is installed and insurance company pays more than if they did it right the first time.
Good,experienced installer will do a great and clean job without following BMW or Mercedes procedures.The problem with any company is to get lucky with your installer.

[cravin]

About three years ago, I had a rock come at me on the highway that chipped the glass 4 inches or so from the top. Since it wasn't in my line of sight, I just went to safelite and had them epoxy the chip. Couple months ago, the chip started to cause spider cracks, so I called Geico for a replacement.

Same deal, can't use dealership as they have their own vendors. They don't have to replace with OE, just "like quality", etc. It was a short conversation as soon as I told them my options. Only glass available was OE, only place that had it in stock was BMW do Manhattan. I called the dealership and asked them which shop they use to replace glass, and it was one of the ones Geico approves. They were at my house 2 days later and everything works like a charm.

You step foot into a safelite shop, and you can tell how cheap the quality of the work is. Dirty, new glass just leaning against a wall, etc. I wouldn't use them.

[Quicksilver]

Lot of truth here. That's why when talking to the insurance company i always
advise why don't we do it right the first time it will cost you less. In the end they don't seem to care
and proceed head long spending more than they should and screwing up the job. Happened to me 4 times already.

Originally Posted by bawareca

^^^Unfortunately sometimes that is the case with insurance "sponsored" repairs.Insurance company refuses to pay for a OEM window,glass company installs OE.It doesnt work,insurance company says go with the more expensive glass.It doesnt work too,finally OEM glass is installed and insurance company pays more than if they did it right the first time.
Good,experienced installer will do a great and clean job without following BMW or Mercedes procedures.The problem with any company is to get lucky with your installer.