markt540i

I will be getting my 4th windshield next week (not counting the one the installer had to replace that was wrong) since I got the car in December 2005. This last one lasted about a month before a huge stone came flying through the air on I-20 and busted the window. I thought it was going to come all the way through. It looks like someone hit it with a hammer.

I only get my windshield from BMW but have a glass installer put it in. I have HUD and the first time the installer ordered a non BMW windshield that left a double image with HUD as Rudy pointed out. It was a battle convincing the installer he put in the wrong windshield. Also, it seemed that the rain sensor did not function as well...like it was less sensitive or something. I don't think it was my imagination, but I think maybe the replica windshield did not allow the sensor to work as well.

I recommend only the OEM windshield.

olli_535d

Had mine replace by Autoglass twice. Firstly I had a free upgrade to a climate comfort windscreen, due to lucky circumstances, both screens carry the original BMW logo and, although I have advanced aircon, I have not needed a new mist sensor, either.

Couldn't fault autoglass at all.

By the way, do you really believe all BMW dealers fit them themselves ? I don't.

gIzzE

I had to take my car to the BMW bodyshop to have mine done. It was a real pain as Autoglass had actually got me the windscreen and were coming out the next day to do it, however my dealer said that it was a stress fracture and would be covered under warranty, so I cancelled Autoglass.
Then found out that the only HUD windscreen in the area was now with Autoglass, so BMW had to get it back off them (they had sent it the day before) and send it to my dealers bodyshop.
That was all fine until I tried to book in with the bodyshop, they didn't have a loan car and they didn't have the BMW fitting seals, and if it was not fitted with these seals it would no longer be under BMW warranty!
I ended up waiting a week to get the screen fitted, and I had to leave with with them from the Thursday morning through to the Friday evening which was a real pain with no loan car.

I sort of wish I had just left autoglass to fit the screen in the first place, can't see what good warranty is on a screen anyway?

k44ent

Due to get mine replaced at AutoGlass next week, going to take it to the Coventry branch and leave the car with them (not sure if thats a good idea now to be honest)?, how long do I have to leave the car once the screen is fitted before I can drive it? Thanks

gIzzE

Autoglass tend to let you drive off straight away.

dlevi67

I had two replacements (on an E39 - so far the E61 has still its original glass), both from Autoglass, and they were pretty clear in both cases that the sealant should be left to cure for at least 5-6 hours, and preferably 24. Perhaps it's very technician-dependent? (i.e. some follow the instructions, others don't)