[backdoc]

Any input from those that have had glass replaced or know a little about it would be greatly appreciated.

I had a windshield replaced on friday. I was told that OEM was not available but a non OEM was available that was "better" than OEM. After the mobile unit left I had a chance to evaluate the job.

-Do they need to remove the wipers and cowl to instal a windshield? First thing I noticed is that the cowl at the base of the windshield is chewed up in two locations and cracked at several points. I know they did not remove the wipers and cowl and the damage was not there prior.

-Most frustrating is that the PPG glass they used is riddled with vertical distortion. If you look from the drivers seat at 2 O'clock at a fence, the vertical posts have a wavy look. There are several sections like that on the glass.

I will call on Monday but looking for input from others with some experience.

Thanks.

[daytonaviolet]

yes.. the wipers and cowl needs to be removed. also, its best to get a new BMW windshield molding. dont use that generic molding most shops try to use.

What he said on all accounts - the wipers and cowl come off (the cowl simply unsnaps off after the wipers are pulled), then the moulding gets pulled off. I bought a new OE molding when I did my CF roof (windshield needs to come off to do the roof....)

And, no excuse NOT to use the OE BMW windshield - they're cheap, and are great quality.

[oneblumcm]

Not sure what they are telling you about non-OEM windshields not being available. When I bought my car last November, as a part of the negotiation, I got a new windshield installed by the dealer because of a tear in the weatherstripping and I most definitely got and OEM replacement windshield, BMW Roundel logo and all.

Now that this one is in, you might be stuck with it - I'm sorry for your difficulties, but I would probably have to go give 'em hell about the line about OEM replacements not available.

And yes, wipers and cowl molding or trim have to be removed. I would also look over the weather stripping that goes around the entire windshield - look it over really closely. And the paint around the weather stripping too, for chip marks.

[gtb5]

I was thinking about new windshield since there are quite many scratches and tiny holes, but then I thought about what could happen due to bad installation then I gave up, just don't want to mess with things unless absolutely necessary.

[Kevingui]

I have been looking around for a new windshield for about a month because I have a 8 inch cracked. The dealers in my area want 450 to 550 for just the windshield and for the cheapo from the mobile installer they want 300 installed. I read a few posts on other forums about bmw's and the stealership using an overnight process to allow the glue to dry and then seal the windshield to avoid air leaks. The cheapo guys uses thirty minute glue and I have heard plenty of horror stories about poor installations.

I do not want to take the plunge and drop $800 on a windsiled at the stealer for install and windshield and get it done right, but I know the cheapo is the wrong way to go.

[VitaminT]

I had mine replaced when I got my M3 as it had a good bit of sand pitting and a rock finished it off. I had a local shop do it and they insisted on using BMW glass and molding. Infact on the invoice you could even see where they went down to the local dealer (instock) and purchased it at wholesale price and then their tech installed it. Turned out great and I have no distortions or anything. Looks 100% original, can't tell it was ever replaced....just the way it should be. Ran me about $515 installed.

I am sure this varries from dealer to dealer but the one here doesn't have a guy on staff to do the windshield, they just contract it out, so I just went there. I think the glass was about $245 for just standard glass with rain sensor holes.

[lkpbmw]

I had my windshield replaced through insurance. The company they used was glasslight and I asked that they used oem glass and they did. Using after market glass would be covered by the 100 deductible, but using oem glass cost $100 more. The guy, who changes windshields everyday, replaced everything, and did it in about 1/2 hour. He had the oem seal as well.
Did a beautiful job.

[daytonaviolet]

Originally Posted by Kevingui

I have been looking around for a new windshield for about a month because I have a 8 inch cracked. The dealers in my area want 450 to 550 for just the windshield and for the cheapo from the mobile installer they want 300 installed. I read a few posts on other forums about bmw's and the stealership using an overnight process to allow the glue to dry and then seal the windshield to avoid air leaks. The cheapo guys uses thirty minute glue and I have heard plenty of horror stories about poor installations.

I do not want to take the plunge and drop $800 on a windsiled at the stealer for install and windshield and get it done right, but I know the cheapo is the wrong way to go.

i got my windshield replaced twice from the same guy and charged me $400 which comes oem bmw glass and seals. PM if you want his contact info.

[backdoc]

Thanks all. The moldings were replaced, OEM or not, not sure. The cowl and wipers were not removed. This I know for a fact, I saw them trying to "fit" the new glass in from my office and the wipers were in the up position. I can replace the cowl, I'm more pissed about the distortion in the PPG glass. I will call later today to express my concerns but think it will be one of those typical "we did it right, it was like that and give me a break you freakin BMW driver's" response!

I'm wondering if there is bootleg or B stock quality PPG glass that this guy used. He told me that my insurance would not authorize OEM as the car is an '01, and that it was hard to get quickly. He also said that the OEM glass was "soft" and pitted/chipped too easy and that better glass was available. I have a $100 deductible on glass and was not concerned about money but was ok with his recommendation for a "harder glass", lesson learned. I think he bought a cheaper glass to raise his end profit. It literally took about 25 minutes start to finish.