Cracked Windshield

06graphite · 10-03-2005, 01:44 PM

So, my wife was driving the car this morning and a rock hit the windshield and cracked it.

The crack is about the size of a dime, so I'd like to have the windshield replaced. Should I have the dealer do it, or should I go with some third party company (my gut is telling me to have the dealer do it)?

Anyone in Massachusetts have any experience with how the insurance handles it?

Thanks!

stressdoc · 10-03-2005, 01:47 PM

My insurance (which is really awesome, by the way, AMICA) always covers the full cost. They may want to negotiate who fixes it for you, and what is done. If it is just a crack out of the main sightlines they may want to melt it. The only way to find out about your insurance is to call them, coverage will be individual policy specific.

btc · 10-03-2005, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06graphite

So, my wife was driving the car this morning and a rock hit the windshield and cracked it.

The crack is about the size of a dime, so I'd like to have the windshield replaced. Should I have the dealer do it, or should I go with some third party company (my gut is telling me to have the dealer do it)?

Anyone in Massachusetts have any experience with how the insurance handles it?

Thanks!

I think you should have the dealer replace it. I dont know if third party company have windshield with built-in rain sensor, they might have to get that from BMW.

stressdoc · 10-03-2005, 02:29 PM

Many dealers will not replace windshields because they are not as good at it as experienced local specialty shops. They usually are happy to provide the part at inflated prices, however.

06graphite · 10-03-2005, 02:31 PM

well, I've scheduled the dealer to replace it (next friday). i didn't think to ask about the rain sensor, but I'll call them back tomorrow (don't have time today) and see what they say.

I'm thinking that since the e90 is so new, the 3rd party companies may not have the parts/knowledge necessary to do it yet...

stressdoc · 10-03-2005, 02:34 PM

Windshield replacement is pretty much the same the world around. You need the right tools and the experience. I would not be surprised if your dealer took your car offsite to have the work done, and that is likely to be the right thing to do if they are not equipped to set it correctly.

Oz · 10-03-2005, 02:47 PM

How much would it cost or is it part of the insurance?

etherbored · 10-03-2005, 04:34 PM

i was discussing glass replacement with my service advisor and he said if i ever need any glass replaced to *never* have a third-party vendor do it. by default they use lower-grade replacement materials.
he went on to explain that if one must have a third-party vendor replace glass that they should be required to use genuine OEM BMW pilkington glass...
all i know is that there's huge differences in aftermarket glass quality.
fwiw,
-e-

06graphite · 10-20-2005, 08:27 AM

Since I started this thread, I figured it was only polite to give you guys an update.

I brought my car into the dealer last Thursday to have the windshield replaced. It was then that they told me they outsource to a third party (New England Mobile Auto Glass) to do their windshield work. I figured, no big deal, if the dealer trusts them, so can I.

Due to a minor miscommunication, the glass company wasn't scheduled correctly so they didn't have the windshield in stock so they had to order it. At that time, I was told that my insurance company (Premiere) wouldn't cover the full cost of OEM glass but the difference should only be $150. I agreed to pay the difference because I wanted BMW glass.

The glass finally came in on Monday (only a two day wait) and they came out and did it at my house yesterday.

I'm thrilled to report that everything came out perfectly! They used BMW glass (it's got the BMW logo on it on the bottom left (from the inside) corner).

They used the correct glass with the rain sensor too. So far, it looks beautiful.

If anyone wants details about the company I used or the dealer, just send me a PM and I'll be happy to share.

Broken1 · 10-20-2005, 09:41 AM

That's great! It's nice to hear of a job well done.

Just FYI the rain sensor is not part of the windscreen, it's actually just stuck on the windscreen from the inside :-)

I would also have paid for the BMW glass, you don't want to drive around knowing your car isn't upto factory spec!!

davinet78 · 10-20-2005, 09:47 AM

glad to hear now you can carry on enjoying the car

06graphite · 10-20-2005, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

That's great! It's nice to hear of a job well done.

Just FYI the rain sensor is not part of the windscreen, it's actually just stuck on the windscreen from the inside :-)

I would also have paid for the BMW glass, you don't want to drive around knowing your car isn't upto factory spec!!

Thanks, I'm quite happy with the job they did and the way all the parties involved handled things.

As far as the rain sensor goes, it's my understanding that they can get windshields either with it already attached or without it attached and reuse your original window. They asked which one I wanted, so naturally I opted to get one with the sensor pre-attached...

Broken1 · 10-20-2005, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06graphite

Thanks, I'm quite happy with the job they did and the way all the parties involved handled things.

As far as the rain sensor goes, it's my understanding that they can get windshields either with it already attached or without it attached and reuse your original window. They asked which one I wanted, so naturally I opted to get one with the sensor pre-attached...

That's very interesting.
So that would mean they attach the rainsensor to the car then? (And not the rainsensor to the windsheild...)

06graphite · 10-21-2005, 07:07 AM

Broken1,

The way I understood it, they could either get a new windshield with the rainsensor on it (which they did) or re-use the rain sensor from the old windshield. Which according to other internet resources comes out like crap.

weeram · 11-04-2005, 01:24 PM

I recently had a rock crack my windshield. My insurance, Geico, covers the glass. They have agreed to let me replace the windshield with a BMW windshield, however they refuse to let me have the dealer in Manhattan do the work. BMW of Manhattan does the actually work and does not shipped out the work. Is it worth fighting with the insurance company to have a dealer do the work? If not does anybody know a good windshield place in the NY metro area?

F32Fleet · 11-04-2005, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06graphite

Since I started this thread, I figured it was only polite to give you guys an update.

I brought my car into the dealer last Thursday to have the windshield replaced. It was then that they told me they outsource to a third party (New England Mobile Auto Glass) to do their windshield work. I figured, no big deal, if the dealer trusts them, so can I.

Due to a minor miscommunication, the glass company wasn't scheduled correctly so they didn't have the windshield in stock so they had to order it. At that time, I was told that my insurance company (Premiere) wouldn't cover the full cost of OEM glass but the difference should only be $150. I agreed to pay the difference because I wanted BMW glass.

The glass finally came in on Monday (only a two day wait) and they came out and did it at my house yesterday.

I'm thrilled to report that everything came out perfectly! They used BMW glass (it's got the BMW logo on it on the bottom left (from the inside) corner).

They used the correct glass with the rain sensor too. So far, it looks beautiful.

If anyone wants details about the company I used or the dealer, just send me a PM and I'll be happy to share.

I'm curious..with a dime size crack, you couldn't get that filled with resin? Usually the max size for those types of cracks are $.25.

weeram · 11-04-2005, 01:36 PM

the crack is through the windshield and I've had the car for about 2 months now

06graphite · 11-04-2005, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socom

I'm curious..with a dime size crack, you couldn't get that filled with resin? Usually the max size for those types of cracks are $.25.

i've never had any luck (or known anyone who did) with resin fills.

that's why i had the windshield replaced.

thebigman · 11-04-2005, 02:37 PM

I don’t know how it works in other countries, but in the UK, if the dealer does not have its own in-house repair service they often send the car to a 3rd party coachworks, however the 3rd party must be BMW Approved.

I was chatting to a service agent at my dealer and apparently it can take quite a while for a 3rd party to become Approved by BMW. Besides using genuine parts I assume the work must be inspected by BMW from time to time.

My car is being repaired next week - BMW Approved naturally.

10-03-2005, 01:44 PM	#1
06graphite Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 226 Posts Drives: '07 328xi Coupe Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Plainville, MA iTrader: (0)	Cracked Windshield So, my wife was driving the car this morning and a rock hit the windshield and cracked it. The crack is about the size of a dime, so I'd like to have the windshield replaced. Should I have the dealer do it, or should I go with some third party company (my gut is telling me to have the dealer do it)? Anyone in Massachusetts have any experience with how the insurance handles it? Thanks!
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10-03-2005, 01:47 PM	#2
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	My insurance (which is really awesome, by the way, AMICA) always covers the full cost. They may want to negotiate who fixes it for you, and what is done. If it is just a crack out of the main sightlines they may want to melt it. The only way to find out about your insurance is to call them, coverage will be individual policy specific.
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10-03-2005, 02:29 PM	#4
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Many dealers will not replace windshields because they are not as good at it as experienced local specialty shops. They usually are happy to provide the part at inflated prices, however.
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10-03-2005, 02:31 PM	#5
06graphite Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 226 Posts Drives: '07 328xi Coupe Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Plainville, MA iTrader: (0)	well, I've scheduled the dealer to replace it (next friday). i didn't think to ask about the rain sensor, but I'll call them back tomorrow (don't have time today) and see what they say. I'm thinking that since the e90 is so new, the 3rd party companies may not have the parts/knowledge necessary to do it yet...
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10-03-2005, 02:34 PM	#6
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Windshield replacement is pretty much the same the world around. You need the right tools and the experience. I would not be surprised if your dealer took your car offsite to have the work done, and that is likely to be the right thing to do if they are not equipped to set it correctly.
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10-03-2005, 02:47 PM	#7
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	How much would it cost or is it part of the insurance? __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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10-03-2005, 04:34 PM	#8
etherbored klactoveesedstene 2 Rep 98 Posts Drives: das gut Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: here iTrader: (0)	i was discussing glass replacement with my service advisor and he said if i ever need any glass replaced to never have a third-party vendor do it. by default they use lower-grade replacement materials. he went on to explain that if one must have a third-party vendor replace glass that they should be required to use genuine OEM BMW pilkington glass... all i know is that there's huge differences in aftermarket glass quality. fwiw, -e-
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10-20-2005, 08:27 AM	#9
06graphite Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 226 Posts Drives: '07 328xi Coupe Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Plainville, MA iTrader: (0)	Since I started this thread, I figured it was only polite to give you guys an update. I brought my car into the dealer last Thursday to have the windshield replaced. It was then that they told me they outsource to a third party (New England Mobile Auto Glass) to do their windshield work. I figured, no big deal, if the dealer trusts them, so can I. Due to a minor miscommunication, the glass company wasn't scheduled correctly so they didn't have the windshield in stock so they had to order it. At that time, I was told that my insurance company (Premiere) wouldn't cover the full cost of OEM glass but the difference should only be $150. I agreed to pay the difference because I wanted BMW glass. The glass finally came in on Monday (only a two day wait) and they came out and did it at my house yesterday. I'm thrilled to report that everything came out perfectly! They used BMW glass (it's got the BMW logo on it on the bottom left (from the inside) corner). They used the correct glass with the rain sensor too. So far, it looks beautiful. If anyone wants details about the company I used or the dealer, just send me a PM and I'll be happy to share.
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10-20-2005, 09:41 AM	#10
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	That's great! It's nice to hear of a job well done. Just FYI the rain sensor is not part of the windscreen, it's actually just stuck on the windscreen from the inside :-) I would also have paid for the BMW glass, you don't want to drive around knowing your car isn't upto factory spec!!
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10-20-2005, 09:47 AM	#11
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	glad to hear now you can carry on enjoying the car __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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10-21-2005, 07:07 AM	#14
06graphite Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 226 Posts Drives: '07 328xi Coupe Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Plainville, MA iTrader: (0)	Broken1, The way I understood it, they could either get a new windshield with the rainsensor on it (which they did) or re-use the rain sensor from the old windshield. Which according to other internet resources comes out like crap.
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11-04-2005, 01:24 PM	#15
weeram Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: e90 325i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I recently had a rock crack my windshield. My insurance, Geico, covers the glass. They have agreed to let me replace the windshield with a BMW windshield, however they refuse to let me have the dealer in Manhattan do the work. BMW of Manhattan does the actually work and does not shipped out the work. Is it worth fighting with the insurance company to have a dealer do the work? If not does anybody know a good windshield place in the NY metro area?
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11-04-2005, 01:36 PM	#17
weeram Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: e90 325i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	the crack is through the windshield and I've had the car for about 2 months now
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11-04-2005, 02:37 PM	#19
thebigman Private First Class 5 Rep 126 Posts Drives: E90 320d SE Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	I don’t know how it works in other countries, but in the UK, if the dealer does not have its own in-house repair service they often send the car to a 3rd party coachworks, however the 3rd party must be BMW Approved. I was chatting to a service agent at my dealer and apparently it can take quite a while for a 3rd party to become Approved by BMW. Besides using genuine parts I assume the work must be inspected by BMW from time to time. My car is being repaired next week - BMW Approved naturally.
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