[Mr. Magic]

Cracked mine too - rock hit and growing all around.

Dealer had stock on OEM glass, but I am having an independent body shop (a very good one) do the work for around $920. Insurance (sub-contracted out to Safelight) indicated they only will pay $720 (a "competitive" rate) even with my OEM glass rider. With a $500 deducible, ouch! Trying to think how to appeal to insurance. No HUD, but have rain sensor.

Drove a 3-series for 11 years, 200k miles, and hit all kinds of flying rocks, but no cracks. Wondering if the glass is thinner on the F10 to save weight.

Edit: update - the adhesive to attach the rain sensor mirror is a BMW special item ($$) and is required for the rain sensor to work properly. Total cost came to around $1150.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by RH512

I was told it is a different part for HUD.
Checking realoem.com shows various combinations, each requiring a different screen.

I see what you mean - just checked 'realoem' and it looks like there's 7 or 8 different screen part numbers!!!

[schneeky]

Cars with HUD do have different windscreens. All windscreens are laminated glass (i.e. made up of different layers) and the trick is to get a decent reflection of the HUD projection in a single clear image. So with HUD there is a specially reflective layer in the lamination sandwich to achieve this,

"At the center of the HUD technology is a precisely engineered "interlayer"
of DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB that acts as the screen onto which the HUD
information is projected. This interlayer is called the DuPont(TM) Wedge(TM)
because of its angular cross-section.

"Laminated between two layers of glass, the Wedge(TM) is transparent to
allow distortion-free forward vision, but also is able to reflect the HUD
projection for viewing by the driver. The virtual image appears to float in
the driver's line of sight near the front of the car, minimizing refocus time.
Virtual image location and brightness can be adjusted to the driver's
preference. Together, these features help to reduce driver distraction,
enhancing safety."

Source "Ozzie Osmond"

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by schneeky

Cars with HUD do have different windscreens.

"At the center of the HUD technology is a precisely engineered "interlayer"
of DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB.....enhancing safety."

Source "Ozzie Osmond"

Never having heard of "Ozzie Osmond", with a degree of scepticism, I'll take your word for it that he's an authority on BMW windscreens. However, what you quote makes sense and it leads me to wondering about potential problems with your insurance company in the event of a breakage - I've read elsewhere on the forum of problems with the rain sensor malfunctioning with non-OEM glass.

[snj1013]

I'm having my base model 528i windshield replaced in the morning. $460 total, including replacing the glass at my home. More than some windshields I've had replaced, but cheaper than a lot of you are paying.

[schneeky]

Ozzie is a font of all Knowledge :-)

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by schneeky

Ozzie is a font of all Knowledge :-)

What - life, the universe and......... everything?

[schneeky]

yep and he knows the significance of 42

Source: Marvin TPA

[snj1013]

I had my windshield replaced. The replacement as well as my original windshield are both Pilkington. My new one in labeled "Solar" in the bottom corner. I don't remember if my original had the same label. Is this the Comfort Glass some are referring to? My 528i is a base model with only heated seats as any sort of option.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by schneeky

yep and he knows the significance of 42

Source: Marvin TPA

Marvin! Well, why on Santraginus V didn't you say so in the first place? I needn't have wasted all that time looking for a Babel Fish.

[schneeky]

Hi snj1013 - Yes the "comfort" glass has a "solar" reflective layer. It's an option here on our sunny island.

JohnD :-)

[schneeky]

Nearly 10 weeks on I have new glass - Hallelujah - Shame on you BMW.

PS I have sealed the glass with G1 ClearVision Smart Glass. Anyone have any experience of this?