Side window replacement concerns
 

The front passenger side window was broken out of my 2008 X5 last night while at a local restaurant. I notified the police and USAA, my insurance company. Being after hours, I was not able to get much info on how to proceed with replacement, and fortunately for me, I've had only one or two claims in the forty plus years I've been with USAA, and never a side window.

What are some of the issues I should be sensitive to concerning quality of the work and proper installation of the new window?

Is this sort of replacement a routine glass company job, or must I insist only a BMW dealer will suffice?

Any tips or guidance will be appreciated.

Ciao,
Dick

Sorry to hear about some degen doing that to you. (Had it happen 3 times in Hawaii and once when we lived in rat hole Seattle) Didn't your alarm go off?

USAA is awesome, we have had them for almost 20 years. They'll ask you to use a preferred installer vs the dealer but ultimately it's up to you.

I say go to the dealer as they will replace it with a genuine BMW part vs aftermarket glass and they should know how to get it done right rather than some guy from safelite who replaces windows in Mazdas and Chevys.

There have been issues in the past with window regulators. Go to BMW.

Issues with window regulators on E70 caused by glass replacements? Do tell.

Not much of a logical intersection between my post and yours, must be a K Street person.

So you have nothing on the subject. Got it.

Meet with "The Adjuster"
 

After calling USAA, I encountered two "paths"; if only the glass needs replacement, it's "go to the BMW dealer and get it replaced", If there is any "other" damage, it becomes "Meet the Adjuster".

I do have "other" damage. The bamboo trim below the glass at the top edge of the door panel is chipped and scratched from falling glass. One small scratch on the bamboo glove box cover, and one small but noticeable scratch on the radio grill and rubber dash cover below the rear view mirror.

The broken window had been covered with tinting film, and when the window was broken, a square of glass and window film (10x14 inches) was laying on the dash, the apparent source of the above mentioned damage to the dash and glove box trim.

Lack of experience with insurance adjusters prompts the questions. I can assume, the USAA Adjuster will question the damage to the dash and trim, and try to avoid replacement. From those who have been thru this route, what should I expect, and other digging in my heels, what is my best strategy?

Ciao,
Dick

Call the insurance and make an appointment with the adjuster. Show him the damage and see what will happen. If he or the adjuster rejects your claim[s] you can try to fight for it later.

Honestly, I have never experienced that with USAA. If there is any damage incurred by the vandals then they will pay to fix it. I would advise you to be thorough when the adjuster looks at your car. Do you have any pictures of when you first got to the car? They help. But in all honesty, USAA is fantastic....you shouldn't have a problem.

Seems like you have not started the repair. One thing that is important to me, any time, I change glass is to get it from Manufacturer. It may be a no brainer to you but I've noticed that if you go outside of oem product (not oem replacement product) quality is reduced.
From wavy glass to finally glass with markings that are not oem.

Good luck to you.

I had my driver's side rear window shattered by a weed-eater thrown rock. I had the dealer perform the repair rather than a glass company. My main concern was with the regulator as well. If the regulator needed any programming, the dealer was only one capable of doing that.

I had my rear driver side broken not long ago. As others have stated, I'd definitely push for oem bmw glass.

I'd also be sure they do a good job on cleanup inside the door. Mine had a ton of small pieces of glass in the bottom of the door. Something that could drive you crazy with rattles later on if they don't get it all.