[Nickies]

I was scheduled for a windshield replacement today and had to travel mostly 100 miles to Tacoma to get there. This was supposed to be an OEM and I realized back home they installed a generic brand. It seems thin and the tint is not the same from the OEM I was accustomed. Furthermore, the BMW dealer is just a few blocks away.

Anybody else had a similar experience? I will not accept this and call my insurance and the shop next Monday.

[S230i]

That's really unfortunate. I had Safelite replace mine about a year ago. When setting up the appointment I specified that a genuine bmw windshield be used, and they did. There can sometimes be confusion over genuine bmw, oe, oem, and aftermarket; but this sounds like an error on their part.

[grocerylist]

that's no fun. what does an OEM windshield cost?

[surge98]

I had to replace the windshield twice on my last car. Each time, I spent the extra money to have it done at the dealership body shop so I could be sure something like this wouldn't happen. Did they give you an estimate that specified which parts would be used before they did the work? If you can clearly prove that they used the wrong windshield, they should be forced to redo the work at their expense.

[Nickies]

Originally Posted by surge98

I had to replace the windshield twice on my last car. Each time, I spent the extra money to have it done at the dealership body shop so I could be sure something like this wouldn't happen. Did they give you an estimate that specified which parts would be used before they did the work? If you can clearly prove that they used the wrong windshield, they should be forced to redo the work at their expense.

No. I never received an estimate.

[bthomas518]

Originally Posted by grocerylist

that's no fun. what does an OEM windshield cost?

I paid about $850 for genuine BMW from Safelite.

[dradernh]

For the wife's Mazda 3, I asked Safelite to install a Pilkington, PPG, or Sekurit windshield (the last one is what the car came with). They honored the request and put a Pilkington in. IIRC, it was $240 installed; of course, the MZ3 has a basic windshield.

[Nickies]

Talk to my agent today and it seems there was a communication problem to follow properly on my request for an OEM replacement. The generic glass installed is not even the same tint and this is mostly my concern. This is moving in the right direction to be fixed.

[Lucky13]

In South Carolina windshield replacement is free, thats the law. When I had mine replaced I asked Safelite for a OEM BMW windshield which they had to order from BMW which took about a week.

[jv92red]

I went through all this a few months back. I broke my windshield myself being stupid and it happened SO fast i didn't realize what happened until I heard it crack. I was using a car duster and the duster got caught on the wiper blade and I lifted the duster off the windshield to release the wiper blade and that unhooked the wiper blade while the wiper arm was some 3 or 4 inches off the glass and then the arm snapped back onto the windshield without the blade attached - cracking it. Word of warning to everyone: be VERY careful lifting the blades on these cars.

So to add to this thread - I too went through the whole game talking to several glass dealers/installers and found out that BMW has used several different manufacturers as OEM for their glass over the years. BMW doesn't make their own glass they have it supplied by an approved OEM, the OEM slaps on the BMW label so then BMW gets to mark it up from there. Often times BMW dealers won't even install the glass on the car, they will have an approved installer bring in the glass and install it. So when you think you're getting some off-brand glass because it's not from BMW, you are probably getting it from an OEM. And maybe they were OEM for BMW in the past but not anymore. Just depends on the year and the contracts BMW has with their OEM's.

I said "probably" as there are some companies that do make copies and do not OEM for any major automakers so to be safe make sure the brand you get is from a legitimate known automaker glass OEM like: Fuyao, Pilkington, PGW/PPG, Sisecam, Saint Gobain Sekurit

And just incase someone thinks Fuyao is some cheap Chinese knockoff brand, they are an approved BMW OEM and they are made in the USA as they have several manufacturing facilities here in the U.S.
https://fuyaousa.com/oem-glass/

Just look under the BMW Roundel and you'll see which OEM that made your "BMW" glass. The below is just an example, could be any of the ones listed above:

[MarcoZandrini]

Something every owner needs to worry about: how the old windshield is removed from the car.

Modern windshields are glued in place, as we all know. That means it's also considered a part of the car's structural design. That is, it adds a bit of structural rigidity. The problem arises when the person removing the old windshield uses a sharp tool to cut the glass from the glue. What can happen, and it happened to my old 2001 330Ci, is the painted metal that surround the windshield can be scored, and left unprotected. This can lead to rust. The rust in my car was in the driver's A pillar. It cost me $1300 to have it properly fixed and painted by a top notch body shop.

[frankherman]

I had got my windshield replaced in $700 and my insurance company refused to pay

[Mike F.]

I had a similar issue with Safelite a number of years back with my E90. Wrong tint went on and they ended up coming out and replacing it at no extra charge. After that, I was careful to specify the brand name and that I wanted OEM (although once the car gets beyond a certain age, my insurance won't cover anything other than cheap generic glass).

[leftoverture]

I've never known Safelite to not stand behind their repairs. I'm sure they will resolve this for you.

[Kemps2Fast]

I had the same experience with my 230i. Not only was it the generic windshield brand, but any speed over 75 mph was also causing a whistling noise. I knew this could be solved because I have been in the glass industry for 20 years, and either the installation was incorrect or the windshield was not a perfect fit.

After speaking with my insurance, they indicated both were true, and that safelight was required to order a new windshield directly from the dealership (OEM Germany). Additionally, they sent a technician who was familiar with the installation process of BMW windshields because they are very sensitive, and the installation can be botched very easily. He noted the best way to avoid this is to go straight to the dealership. Luckily, he was able to install the new new windshield without any issues, and I learned my lesson.

[MLJR235]

Originally Posted by frankherman

I had got my windshield replaced in $700 and my insurance company refused to pay

This should most definitely be covered under your comprehensive coverage or a special "Windshield" coverage some insurances offer.

Only downside is if your deductible is at $1k , you're between a rock and a hard place at that point. I believe "repairs" are covered at no cost but you would have to read into your own policy for actual coverage.

My personal experience... I had my front windshield replaced at a local BMW dealer with BMW oem unit.. They replace rain sensors and all.. Total bill was $2,200 which my insurance covered as I have specific "Windshield/Window" coverage added on all my vehicle policies. Small $75 deductible and I was on my way.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by MLJR235

This should most definitely be covered under your comprehensive coverage or a special "Windshield" coverage some insurances offer.

Only downside is if your deductible is at $1k , you're between a rock and a hard place at that point. I believe "repairs" are covered at no cost but you would have to read into your own policy for actual coverage.

My personal experience... I had my front windshield replaced at a local BMW dealer with BMW oem unit.. They replace rain sensors and all.. Total bill was $2,200 which my insurance covered as I have specific "Windshield/Window" coverage added on all my vehicle policies. Small $75 deductible and I was on my way.

$1K deductible here. No idea what my policy covers, but I'd be pleasantly surprised if the windshield was covered.

We've replaced two windshields in 45 years. Both cost little, but the BMW windshield would cost BMW prices.

[lateapex'er]

I had quite the opposite experience. I specified OEM glass, Safelite came to me and got the job done pretty quickly. It's been 5 years since the replacement and zero issues. I'm sure they'll make it right!

[crabu2]

When having a windshield replaced, and you've got land keep or whatever it's calls, does ADAS need to be recalibrated?

[qlaval]

If your car is rented, BMW can charge you for installing a new BMW windshield like it is state in your rental contract...

[Nickies]

Originally Posted by LYNYX16

That sounds like quite a hassle. I had a similar situation once and decided to take matters into my own hands. I opted for a DIY Windshield Repair Kit https://crackeraser.com/products/bas...eld-repair-kit for a chip, and it worked surprisingly well. Maybe consider it as an option while dealing with the generic brand issue. Hope it all gets sorted out smoothly!

If your windshield is "cracked", it needs to be replaced. There is no other fix. Check your insurance policy to know what is your deductible. My insurance fully covered for a BMW OEM St Gobain.

[morphomeman]

Most insurance companies offer "full glass" coverage as an option, which is just what it says. The only caveat is that some types of damage, such as small chips, will call for a repair rather than a replacement. And yes, modern windshields are very complex, because they are hooked into the car's electronics in various ways. So you need to find a reputable repair service. Safelite is fine but if you have a good place nearby, it is always best to shop local.