It was fun! And there is no way anyone can learn to do that job without breaking a few first! Very specialized job. But I was fascinated with the spray can of glass cleaner he used with the Safelite brand on it. Streak free and fast! But he would not sell me a can of it and told me it was not for sale. I wish I could find out who makes that stuff and buy it!

Ken

 

Search around the site here for "windshield" Lots of horror stories out there by installers who didn't know what they were doing. i.e. cracked cowls, didn't know how to take off wipers, bad glue, wind noise at high speed, rain sensor operation not good

 

the installer indicated they sent him to the "high end" cars. I could tell right off he was on top of his game. He did not mind in the least my questions or me watching him. He made very little mess and cleaned up every bit of mess he made. He also showed me where some guys make a mistake that causes leaks, etc. I lucked out. You can not tell it is not the factory original glass. All trim went right back into place. He was a big strong guy too. And he needed to be to be able to lift the glass by himself and place it carefully. I was impressed. I hope I don't need another windshield for a long time!

Ken

 

True enough but I did confirm with my dealer and Safelite that they use the same Safelite folks to do the install at the dealer. The dealer pads the bill with higher labor costs and the cost of the OEM windshield. At the end of the day the dealer job could get screwed up or Safelite could screw it up at my house. Either way they will be fixing it until it is right!

 

Hey Ken - would you mind iterating the steps he went thru. i.e., take off wipers, what trim was removed and elaborate on where the mistakes are made?

 

I had a bad experience with a Safelite Auto Glass installation. They spilled glue on the wood on the dash of a Lexus that ruined the finish. The replacement wood cost $800 and I had to threaten a lawsuit to get them to replace it. They denied it was their fault even though I was standing right there and watched the installer splatter the glue or sealer or whatever it was. I would NEVER us them to replace a windshield again.

 

Well this was on a MB ML350 and it was last fall. I don't remember much detail. I just recall that he knew the truck, knew what and how to remove trim, the rear view mirror, etc. He worked quickly and knew exactly how to disassemble the mirror and trim before he began to remove the glass. I can not give specifics other than I could tell he was very confident he could make it look factory fresh with no marks and no messes. And that is exactly what he did. I would make sure that you were present for the installation if at all possible. I would check the new windshield before he starts to pull your trim off and make sure you think the glass looks right. And make sure he has done a few of these BMW's before. If not, call them and ask for someone else with BMW experience to do the job. Its your car and if they mess it up it is not going to ever be right again. I think it is a critical job.

Ken

 

I used the mor my 550i and it is perfect. no issues. Gave the guy $20 up front and said, PLEASE DO A GREAT JOB. He blew me and it was done.