I've got some bad news! Need some advice.
 

Went to pick up the coupe today. Did the walk-around, checking the paint, wheels, hood, interior and everything looked good, except there is a tiny tear by the driver's headrest (which dealer has already put it on the due bill). The salesman went in to prepare the paperwork so I thought I might want to go ahead and program the Bluetooth phone while he was waiting. Everything paired up then I looked up and saw a scratch on the windshield, a little to the left of the HUD area. I brought it to the attention of the salesman and the sales manager and after a short discussion, I was offered the following choices:

1. They will knock $2,000 off the price and have the windshield replaced tomorrow
2. Order a new car and it would be ready for delivery the week of Jan 18, 2006

I'm now confused. I think $2,000 off is a good discount (on top of $1,000 I already got at time of ordering). It'll have a brand-new windshield, but something is telling me no matter how good these glass people are, it won't ever be the same as factory. When I had the windshields replaced on my X5, the same people that the dealer uses did a good job, but it wasn't perfect. The wipers were too low and created windnoises. Then there is a hiss noise at the top of the roof whenever I took the X5 to about 80+ mph. However, the windshield on the 650i is lower than the X5, and it might not be a big problem if they couldn't do a perfect job.

If I could wait another 41 days or so, I'll have another one (same color and options), but who knows what else could be wrong with it (maybe a scratch on the paint somewhere, tear in another part of the seat, etc.)

Should I take the $2,000 discount and live with the replaced windshield? Or should I wait for the new one?

Help me make a decision, guys! TIA.

I'd take the $2K and let them do the windshield. You may want to let them know that you're very apprehensive about doing this with a new car and that if it's not perfect, the deal's off and you order a new one anyhow. I believe you've legally got a certain number of days to give the car back for a full refund anyhow - 3 I think the number is... How's that sound? GL!

Oy vey. I feel your pain. I only want to offer this advice--if you walked into the dealership on Friday and that same car had a new windshield and the tears were replaced, the car is brand new and you'd never have known after you bought the car and drove it home that the windshield is a replacement. Sometimes ignorance truly is bliss. Who's to say the replacement won't have the windshield replaced or a dent removed at the prep center before it gets to the dealership?

I'd take the $2K discount and have them fix the windshield. Let them know that the deal is subject to your satisfaction upon post inspection. Then start the MOD MADNESS with the 2K you just saved. :D :D

Peter if the scratch on the windshield is small enough that you can live with it I would take the dough and leave the glass as is. I agree with you that replacing the whole windshield won't be the same as factory condition. But tell them that although you don't want a new windshield now take a rain check....you might need it (for free) down the road for some other reason. :)

OK, now where're the promised pics?

How big of discount would make the potential problem wind noise worthwhile to you to keep the one you have as opposed to waiting another month and a half for a new one that may have other problems? If they're willing to give you $2000 that quickly, obviously they don't want to keep the car in their inventory; it costs them money to do that. I would see how much of a discount you could get from them. If they're not willing to budge, then get a new one if you can wait. That's the Chinese part of me talking. On the other hand, with the amount you're paying, you shouldn't have to deal with an ongoing problem the windshield replacement may cause. Just as long as there is no other major issues, another tear or a scratch in the paint can be repaired without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

You have a tough decision to make...here are my 2 pennies. I would try to wait it out. I agree with your thought about the window not being factory sealed. If it were just a tear or another interior issue, I would say go for it. But I wouldn't be happy knowing that the window was replaced before I ever took it home...maybe that's just me. I'm sure the dealer will sell it for full pop, but the next person won't know about the window. As stated above, ignorance is bliss.....at least in this case............Phil

IMO, take the $2000 and make sure that the windshield replacement is not somehow part of the sale paperwork, ie the window change is completed and is not done after you take possession. You want the same vehicle warranty as if the windshield had not been replaced. With that, there is very little risk. A high percentage of new vehicles have repairs, etc, without the owner ever knowing. Why is the post-manufacturing glass installation so different than the installation done in the factory?

The discount seems fair to me.

New car. Don't mess around. Obviously, quality control on this vehicle has been neglected. This is not a $30000 3 series. For God's sake, the car should be pristine.

How can there be a scratch and how can there be a TEAR in the seat?

I've ordered 3 BMWs and never EVER had anything like that happen.

Make them honor the discount for waiting and take delivery in '06 or take your business to another dealer.

What's their excuse for the defects?

windshield replacement is acutally not a big deal. I've had 2 on the M5 already. I say take the 2K and run.