[schultz]

I just had the unpleasant experience of having my windshield broken by a flying rock. I saw it coming, saw it hit and saw the 10 inch crack appear before my eyes, right in my line of sight.

Unfortunately the car has only 4,300 kms on it, but it's clear that the windshield will have to be replaced. I have to check with my insurance but because of my high deductible I'll probably have to eat the cost (but I'll check with them next Monday). I called a well-known auto glass company and was quoted $1200.00 on non-OEM glass. They don't have it in stock but claim they will get it from the dealership. I doubt that will happen - I suspect they'll order non-OEM from their supplier.

The car has HUD and rain-sensing wipers so I'm a little reluctant to go with non-OEM glass. If I'm going to eat the cost anyway, I'm tempted to go with getting it repaired by the dealer and insisting on OEM BMW glass because I bought the car and intend to keep it for at least 6 years.

Has anyone been through this? What are your thoughts on using non-OEM glass? Any idea on what the dealer will want to do the job (although I suspect they'll sub-out the job but will supply the OEM BMW glass)? Any idea what the warranty implications are here if non-OEM glass is used? Any other information (or things to consider) you can provide on this topic would be appreciated.

[rmastale]

Haven't had to replace but have read numerous posts on here saying to go OEM with HUD since it's special glass.

[bobblehead]

special coating used on the HUD windshield.

I commented your same question on the bimmerfest.

[schultz]

Thanks bobblehead...trying to get input from both forums

[gatoman39]

don't do anything other than OEM. The installer is also,just as critical.
Remember:
"The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by gatoman39

don't do anything other than OEM. The installer is also,just as critical.
Remember:
"The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."

Agree. Go OEM.

[E90Fleet]

Correct windshield is critical for HUD

[Mr. Magic]

I had same experience as you and had to eat cost. I went to a reputable body shop that specialized in BMW's - they got the OEM glass from dealer and they even sub'd out the work. The adhesive for the rain sensor also is a dealer part and not cheap. Make sure when you take delivery, check the mirror/rain sensor housing to make sure they got it put back together properly.

I drove an E46 over 200,000 miles on the same roads, tons of rock hits on the glass. Glass never cracked.

[Ribo]

With HUD the glass is also a little curved in one of the layers. At least it appears to be that way if you look closely. So I would make sure to order the right one.