was behind a construction truck which kicked up a rock and cracked my windshield. Took the car in to the dealer and they quoted me $1800 to replace the windshield. Safelite quoted me $750 to do the same job with BMW glass. Dealer countered by saying that sensors would require re-programming etc. so safelite would not be able to do the job. The rain sensor etc. may not work and so on....and that by going with safelite i could run the risk of voiding my warranty.

What has been others' experience with windshield replacements - cost? is programming really needed? going to dealer vs. safelite?

I have a 2004 545i

 

I had mine replaced by Glass Doctor and the rain sensor works just fine. Me thinks your dealer speaks with an edge of larcenous in his heart. Cost to me was my $100 deductible, so I din't know the real cost, however, your dealer's quote seems a bit high.

 

Sounds like a load of cr*p to me. I know others have used Safelite or some other third party with no issues. The only potential issue is if you have the Heads Up Display which requires a special windshield...

 

That is BS. I had my windshield replaced by safelite and the rain sensor works just fine. $1800 is astronomical and the dealer wants your business and extra padding.

 

Had mine changed in Uk recently by Autoglass. They actually picked up the glass from a BMW dealer on the way to my place of work. So genuine part used!. They gave a good guarantee . I'm sure that someone who fits glass all day, every day, will do a better job than someone who is expected to be a Nasa computer scientist/trim fitter/mechanic etc etc.

 

Autoglass did a great job on mine all sensors worked fine.

Also had a screen replaced under warranty by BMW last year, couldn't tell the difference between the two jobs.

 

I'm actually waiting to pick mine up after getting a new windshield this morning by Safelite. They picked up the glass from a local BMW dealer and it will run me $50 for my Geico deductible. Before I scheduled everything I called my BMW salesman and also called the service department and both advised that they don't do glass and that the warranty would be fine. They also said that when they do a job that requires glass work they call in Safelite to do.

My car is less than 2 months old and a truck kicked up a rock that chipped the top layer but cracked the bottom layer. My heart sunk when I saw that.

-Corey (2007 525xi)

 

Dealers don't typically do windshield replacements with their own staff, they subcontract the work to a specialist like Safelite. So go for the best price.

 

Cost to replace windwhield depends on your state.


For example..... when I lived in South Carolina, insurance was required by the state. Insurance companies in SC are required, by law, replace all broken glass on all windows.... at no charge to the customer.... regardless of cause.



So... the cost to replace a windshield can be Zero. Just depends on your state laws.

 

I like that cool