Windshield. Safe lite vs bmw
 

My windshield is cracked and possibly needs replacement. Safelite quotes me in the low 300. How much bmw would charge and is it a good idea to use safelite? Also does the windshield comes with he rear view mirror attached?

No, the rear view mirror does not come attached...but that's really not an issue because just a gentle bump toward the windshield should pop the existing mirror off the button mount that is glued to the windshield...and you can reuse it (obviously you must disconnect the electrical harness if your mirror has power going to it for compass, LED, EC options).

The question to ask is...does the replacement windshield come with the mount already installed and do you have rain sensing wipers and/or auto headlights? If you do then inquire about the sensor and mount to see if the new glass comes with.

BTW...just discussed this topic on e39 forum about mounting dismounting rear view mirror..same instructions apply...if have rain sensing or auto headlights...then the plastic trim surrounding the sensor also needs to be removed: http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...7#post29298737

Yes it's rain sending glass. Also I wonder about how the installation is with bmw vs safelite. Do bme uses factory method? I ask this because I heard about the hassle it could be if the windshield was replaced using glue/silicone and you have to replace those worn out strips.

I think PPG makes the bmw green glass. Most places call it green glass.

I would shop and see if you can get that with the rain sensor. Out here in Salt Lake City, Utah windshield places grow on trees.

I also have non bmw or ppg green glass on my 545i. I really can not tell the difference. And it has held up fine since it was installed in 5-2010. I did not know any better and I let the insurance company steer me to the shop.

I went with safelite and regret it. The glass is shitty quality. Thinner (so louder) and much easier to chip.

I have E70 but my post on my Safelite experience may be helpful.

I have since then had Safelite repair a little chip. That looks good and I would have them do that again.

My current thoughts on Safelite vs. BMW dealer repair:
1. First thing that I would do is check with BMW to see what they would charge. Having zero cost by having Safelite do it (covered by insurance) is obviously a hard deal to beat.
2. I would try to determine if the particular Safelite shop has experience with BMW X5's.
3. If I used Safelite, I would demand that they get glass with the BMW logo.

The glass with the BMW logo came with the windshield mount installed.

Fwiw, last time I took my wife's car into the Toyota dealer, I noticed a mobile windshield service van and crew working on a car behind their shop. I assume they were putting in a Toyota windshield but don't know for sure. So don't assume the work quality would be any different. I think the dealer would tell you if they do it in house or farm it out, but can't be sure. The quality of the glass is a different question.

Does anyone know what the part number is for the rain sensing winshield? I can't seem to locate it on realoem

Windshields can be found under VEHICLE TRIM/GLAZING: RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

There are 4 choices...select the one that has all of the options your X5 has. You may want to even upgrade to the "comfort glass" if you don't already have it. Sometimes it doesn't cost much more than getting the glass you already have...and if you live in a hot/sunny locale...it will help cut down on heat build-up inside the cabin.

Good luck.

I have no idea what option came on my truck. It's a 2005 4.8is. It has navigation so I'm assuming it was loaded