What kind of windshield is this?
 

I have always wondered whats the function of a windshield like this is:
http://www.autowp.ru/pictures/bmw/x5..._au-spec_1.jpg

My guess Privacy or Security?
How come i havent seen any of the Purpely hued windscreens on the E53s in the US?

I noticed some Range Rovers, Cayennes, S Classes, 5ers, newer X5s X6s have them sometimes.

Whats the real name for it?

I would definitley have it on some of my future cars for sure, i love them.

Comfort glass. They turn purple like that when you view them through a polarized lens.

Edit: I have it, and lemme say its worth every penny. They also have a slight tint to them (when viewed from the inside)...definitely an upgrade worth doing if your current windscreen is toast!

Ok so when it cracks ill keep "Comfort glass" in mind thanks )))

But why just a polarized lens? If i was able to see it with my own eyes on cars?

This is what it looks like in person...

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps2mvwgehc.jpg

I'm not sure why it turns purple under a polar lens....but it does. The ones on the S class's and Porsche trucks are much more pink, where as the range rover ones are very similar to the one on the X.

Yours isnt stock is it? Where did you have to order it from? will something like those generic windshield replacement companies carry something like this?

Nope, I had mine replaced this summer as my old one was pretty pitted. Not sure if the generic glass places would have one. The place that sourced mine does a lot of work for merc and BMW, so they knew exactly what I was after.

Best thing I could suggest would be to take down those numbers on the screen and talk to the glass places to see what's what.

As S mentioned, you need to "want" a comfort glass and specifically ask for it on replacement, as I don't believe it was a standard option on any E53 in the states. There is a part number as well for the BMW windshield in the FAQ at the top of the forum (comfort glass) if you were getting it done at the dealer.

I have full glass coverage on my insurance, so I have no deductible for glass replacement, however, I also work in the industry, so I won't put in a claim for replacement unless I get a crack or something warranting replacement. I polish the glass often enough to keep it optically clear, but after 10 years, like X5SND's, mine is getting pretty pitted. Original windshield on mine too, but I will do a comfort glass replacement when mine is due for replacement.

I also have a 5% sunvisor strip at the top of the windshield, been doing it on my cars for years as it hugely helps with the morning and evening sun glare on the ride home, so inevitably when the winshield is replaced I'll have to take a ride to my tint guy and have him redo the strip as well.


Comfort glass = awesome IMO

Ditto what the others already mentioned.

All you have to do is go to one of the online part databases (like realoem.com) and pull up the diagrams for the glass (VEHICLE TRIM {main group} & GLAZING {sub group}). Once you have the 11 digit BMW part nbr...anyone that works in the industry should be able to access the BMW glass or the equivalent aftermarket based on its BMW part nbr:

Also take note of the supplemental columns for item #1 in the part database for the other options your X5 may have:

Can you run a radar detector, etc through this? Seems like I remember that there was a small window at the bottom only for such applications.

I've never seen one in the e53...but the IR (infrared) comfort windshields in the e38 & e39 have a cut out at the top and at the bottom.

Yeah this cutoutwould be important for me as i run a Valentine up top

same part for my 2006 4.8 - 51317064863

To give you an idea of the tint in the comfort glass screen.

The PGW lettering is located on the bottom "cutout" (non-tinted) area. The tint is subtle, but definitely noticeable.

http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps2cv0avrd.jpg

How much more expensive is the Comfort glass? Just a thought, I know there are quality clear tints like FormulaOne you can get for the windshield that block out all UV rays, etc. They can even make sure to leave a spot untinted for a radar detector. Not sure how much each option would cost in total, but it may be something to consider.

IIRC, comfort glass is not a real price difference between regular windshield, if you are getting it replaced it's probably no different to request from the place doing your windshield.

S, no problem with toll transponders on that is there by chance? Don't know what you guys have up in the Great Ol' North, but we have EZ Pass here, and although mine gets used barely ever, just was wondering.

For what its worth, I used to have mine mounted beneath the 5% strip at the top of my windshield with no issues, you basically have to have the EZpass in a metalized baggie in your glovebox to not have the tolls pick up the signal.

The switch to comfort glass cost $200. My only worry about any post -production film applied to the window is A) it may cause some distortions because of the curve in the glass, B) although it's clear, it's still technically a "tint-film" and thus (around here anyway) a hefty ticket if the cops discover it.

Ricky, that's one positive of this cowtown...no tolls!! Lol. Although everything else is pay sucker pay. :p

In posts #8 & #12...there's a "clickable" direct link to the part database (right above the illustrated diagram) that has each of the windshield's prices listed. Granted...the price listed is probably closer to wholesale prices...but at least you can get an idea of how much more the comfort windshield costs. :)

OK, so $200 more for Comfort per X5SND or $260+/- more per the Real OEM link.

I would be curious to know which actually blocks more heat/UV rays. The BMW comfort glass or regular glass with a good film?

Hey look what i found!
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...tallation.html

Not quite. The total cost for me was $200. The standard windscreen would have been the same.

As X5SND did, and i'm sure many of us would do if we needed a new windscreen, it's probably just the deductible for a comp claim under your insurance.

I'm assuming if any of us are replacing windscreens we are not paying retail cost and installation from the dealer, so a comfort glass replacement should not be any more money under an insurance claim, if you have a good company doing the job they should be able to source you comfort laminated glass pretty much as easily as the standard "green screen".

S, that subtle tint really looks nice on your CC windshield, look how it just cuts enough of the white of the snow to make it easier on the eyes! I find in winter days my visibility is the worst, as the brightness of the white snow really messes with my eyes, even on cloudy days (I have very sensitive eyes and wear sunglasses all the time, i have a medical exemption for my tint too bc in the sun i get even more sensitive). However, seeing the snow through your CC glass, really makes me look forward to getting myself one, one of these days!

The thing I find most compelling is the price is almost 1/2 in 2006 than now.

Ricky, the tint is subtle, yet has a pretty big impact on the eyes....its like having a very minimal pair of Serengeti driving shades. The color contrast is miles better than the standard screen, and glare seems to be reduced at night as well (although it may be because there aren't any pits in the glass anymore). If you have sensitivity with your eyes, this is definitely the glass for you...you'll see what I mean when you sit behind one!

I remember when I picked the X up after the comfort glass was in....the overcast sky with a sunrise coloring the clouds all sorts of funky colors; I found myself staring everywhere but the road LOL.

I have one now. Replaced my stock windshield with a Comfort 2 years ago, there is a cutout on the bottom that will fit a V1, that's where mine is mounted

Id have to have the cutout on top. better to mount it high

The X5 is high enough it shouldn't make a huge difference. When I owned a V1 it was placed level with the rearview mirror in my 2008 VW GLI, which was dropped 2.5" from stock. I would imagine that the base of the windshield on CC glass in the X5, is roughly similar to where the top of the windshield of my GLI was, maybe higher. Yes, it was pretty damn low. I never had issues with signal getting picked up.

I love to hear about how everyone on Xoutpost "needs" a K40 or V1, like we are all living our lives a quarter mile at a time like Paul Walker, in 3 ton SAV's instead of 10 second R34 skylines. RIP.

It's plenty high. I've never had an issue with reads from the front or rear on the highway

Here in Az. PDs are supplementing income via "safety" by ticketing aggressively. I am usually within 6 mph of the limit (as I was in my heavily modded 350Z) but like to know they are around. I love my V1.

Just got one installed OE BMW
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps3419806d.jpg

love the idea of these windscreens. I have to grab one soon. may have to go to US to grab on as I bet BMW Canada will not sell them here, OR I'd haev to go aftermarket, and sometimes I worry about aftermarket glass...

X5SND, since there is a subtle polariztion tint to the windscreen, do you wear polarized sunglasses while driving and have issues looking out of the polarized windshield? (in theory if windshield is polarized, your polarized sun glasses will have color issues/black patches with the polarized windshield

I always wear polarized glasses and never had a problem.

perfect, exactly what I was hoping for.
all my sunnies are polarized and I'd hate to buy an expensive windscreen then find out I can't see out of it with my glasses.

So these comfort glass sheets are becoming quite elusive... Even when I went to PGW for the part they just sent over the Saint Gobain non-tinted part. So maybe PGW no longer makes the IR film glass... I am hoping I can track down a supplier soon tho in Canada. I may even have to look in the US but shipping it would be a nasty cost...

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