Windshield Issues
 

I searched other posts and couldn't find this info in there.

I had my windshield replaced by insurance because it broke recently. I never noticed the following probles before, but I want to make sure I am not just paranoid becasue they didn't use "BMW" glass.

1.) When looking out from the driver seat toward the passenger seat I see distortion where the side of the windshield meets the support pillar. At speed it is more noticeable becasue any stright line(guardrail) seems to bend down immediately next to the support pillar. Do your windshields do this? Did I just never notice it before?

2.) There seems to be a slight wind whistle from the windshield above 80 mph or so. It isn't the standard wind sound, it seems to be higher pitched. It is pretty quiet, but I do not think it was there bofore. Up to what speeds are your windshields silent?


Thanks for all of your help on the light questions! I am ordering new brights bulbs. I went to the dealer and got my DRL's turned off and my silent arm/disarm enabled. I like to be able to sneak around at night without lights and without a beep when I arm/disarm.

Thanks in advance for help on this one!

Adam

1. I have never noticed distortion through my OEM windshield.

2. Did you allow the X5 to remain stationary for at least 24 hours to let the adhesive cure? If you don't and drive with the freshly installed windshield it will flex and move and result in an imperfect seal, hence your whistling noise. There shouldn't be any whistling coming from your windshield.

I told someone else i was warned about this 24 hour Clamp and adhesive thing and folks were saying it's not necessary. ;) I had it done anyway.

My windshield was replaced as part of my purchase deal. The also did not use an OEM windshield. I know exactly what you are talking about in #1. I have the same problem...it drives me nuts. I'm not sure if the same thing occurs with the OEMs.

I also noticed the wind whistle at speeds over 60mph, but it wasn't too bad.

:iagree:

Thanksou
 

So I understand that;

1.) BMW glass does not distort like the replacement is doing

2.) There should not be a whistling from the windshield. the installer told me let it set for 2 hours, then I went on a road trip. I had no idea 24 was necesary.


Thanks Again!

results
 

Hello,

After almost a month, dozens of calls, and 3 non OEM windshields that distorted; the glass company has finally gotten approval from my insurance to install OEM glass. It goes in tomorrow, I guess you just have to be persistent with the companies to get the correct product that doesnt distort.

Good to know it worked out good for you.:thumbup:

I had two broken windshields and the first was replaced by the wrong non-OEM screen with totally different shaped auto-lights/wiper sensor. I rang the insurers and said I was not happy that their contractors had not discovered their mistake until after the new glass was in place and the old glass broken. They told me to go to BMW and they would pay the bill, which they duly did.

When I got another broken screen a year later I first contacted BMW who told me that as the vehicle was still under it's original warranty (2 years old), if a non-OEM screen was fitted as a replacement then BMW UK would no longer provide any warranty cover for paint or trim or electronics which were around or near the windscreen, including the auto-lights/wipers sensor, curtain airbags or dashboard, sunroof controls, headlining & components, wiring near the windscreen etc. I rang the insurers who immediately said get an OEM screen and we'll pay - which again they did, but only after I had paid to have the job done - £760UKP.

The car was held overnight by the dealer to ensure that the glue had set properly for at least 24 hours, and I was told to shut the doors with a window slightly open when I picked it up, and when closing and locking to push the door gently shut so as to not cause a pressure jump which might move the screen.


A salient point to remember for all.

My OEM BMW glass has the slight distortion at the edge. It bothered me for the first few weeks now I never notice it.

My OEM windshield was fine, but my OEM side window always had distortion from day one, on the front of the driver's side glass. OEM glass is subject to the same chance of getting distortion as non-OEM glass, IMO.