Windshield replacement
 

All,
My windshield needs to be replaced. Dealer wants to charge $900 in parts plus $300 in labor... insurance won't cover those labor rates. Bottom line is that I will have to use a 3rd party company to replace the windshield...anyone have experience doing so that they would like to share? Was thinking Safelite?

Would also like to know since my windshield now has a big crack in it:/

i have replaced windshield on my X5 and X3 in the past (it's a once a year ritual where I live, unfortunately)... dealer wanted astronomical price...ended up going to a 3rd party company here in town... I got the same brand windshield (minus the BMW logo) for $300 all in...Now that's stupid Canadian pricing, so you guys in the States should be able to get it even for cheaper...

If you're replacing it I would get the Comfort Climate Windshield. If you're using shop like Safelite I would just be sure to get an experienced tech to do the job, and make sure it is good PPG glass, and if possible drive to them so they can do it in their shop, as opposed to mobile install.

If you don't know what the CC windscreen is, here is the answer, basically its a lightly tinted/polarized glass which cuts glare tremendously.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...tallation.html

No experience with Safelite on the X but with other vehicles. Never had a problem with them and used them multiple times. That's who I would use if I had a windshield to replace in our area.

Do you have a rainsensor? That would affect the labor rate as the sensor needs to be recalibrated to match the new windshield prism.
+1 on the comfort glass.
Definitely make sure the glass is PPG or has the BMW logo. My parents had the glass on their E34 replaced with no-name brand and there is definitely a quality difference. Rain drops are louder and wind noise is increased. Although the wind noise would be more likely from a lower quality seal than the glass itself.

I'm definitely wanting that one.. found a shop in my area that quoted me 375 for what they call "solar coated" glass which I'm assuming is that one?

Twins have you gotten a comfort glass shield from them?

X5SND got a PPG comfort windshield and installed recently, it has the cutout in the bottom for a toll transponder/radar detector, as the laminate film I believe blocks out transmissions.

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

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


It's actually laminated glass, not sure if its solar coated as the shop says but I know it may be a little tougher to source. Give the shop the PPG part number and have them look it up.

Called the shop, said they use PPG and it is the laminated kind like you stated ricky. For what is worth on that sticker in the above picture it says PGW? Should it say PPG? Also is this the kind that will give off that awesome purplish hue from the outside looking in? If not how does it look from the outside just semi-reflective?