Has anyone had to have a windshield replaced in the area? Is it better to get it done at the dealer (Sterling) or to go somewhere else aftermarket. MOS of course says that I should get it done there because of how they install it but I'm just curious what the difference is on how they would install it compared to someone like SAFELITE. The first difference that I now of is $300+ compared to $800+. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

Most dealers use a glass shop for work like that anyways, same with radio repairs and various items. MOS may do that also. Not on the MINI, but I've used shops like that, and they will come to your home or office. There is a shop not far from MOS, K.C. Auto Glass in Sterling that does fine work. Also, another idea is to call your insurance company and simply ask them who they use, and how much it would cost them. You'd be surprised how much less it can be. Much like their arrangements with auto rental companies. It's not filing a claim, and you will get the best price if your carrier will help you.

 

I've had to have my windshield replaced once. But mine was done at Prestige Mini in Mahwah, NJ. The cost was still about the same $800. + tax. I STRONGLY recomend having it done at a Mini dealer though as they "should" be more knowlegable about the little intricacies involved with replacing a Mini windshield. i.e. the black caps on the A-pillars that flank the windshield have to be removed and re-installed. If not done properly they may fall off. (documented in a long term test car in Road&Track) I would doubt that most Auto glass stores have had to experience this type of set up. I don't know of any other vehicle that has a similar design. For this reason alone I would prefer to leave this in the hands of the Mini dealership and should anything go wrong, be able to hold them accountable. As far as quality of glass I don't know if there is more than one company that makes a windshield for the Mini so that is probably a non issue. Rain sensing wipers are also a factor.

A windshield replacemnt is also not a drive-in-drive-out job. The glass has to set for I think a minimum of 12 hours.

Will you be going through your insurance company? You should check to see how you would be covered.

Goodluck!!

 

With my last car (95 Geo Prizm) I had to have my windshield replaced twice in 3 months. Both times the guy came to my work at replaced it in the parking lot. He also told me that I only had to wait about 1-2 hours before driving for the glue to setup. I know it takes longer for it to fully cure, but the cure time before driving was only 1-2 hours.

 

I know it takes longer for it to fully cure, but the cure time before driving was only 1-2 hours.[/quote]

This I'm sure is true. However, as tightly sprung a ride the a Mini tends to be and that there have been some cases with windshield fracturs from severe body flexing noted. I would want my windscreen to be allowed however much time is needed to be 100% ready for the road. And if left at a dealer a loaner should be provided till the car is ready.

 

My MINI dealer uses SAFELITE, probably so do the ones that charge $800, but the extra 500 bucks goes in their pockets. No time to speak of before I could drive off. They did it in the MINI parking lot, does that make it better than at my house or work?

 

Interesting as far as the variety of times go. I had to have mine replaced about 18 months ago as a part of warranty as the black liner kept popping off so they replaced entire windshield. They kept the care overnight.....

 

try royal glass..
I got mine replaced with a PPG glass for $190.
work is not perfect but good enough (people won't know unless I point out small things like slightly unaligned weatherstrips)

 

Wow, I don't think my dealer charged more than $400. Then again, I hear wind noise now, and the dealer still does not.

 

My replacment windshield is by SEKURIT and the rear windows that my Cooper was delivered with from the factory are SEKURIT. The side windows that roll down are Splintex also that came with the car and all with the Mini Winged logo. As far as i know there is no other automobile that shares the same windshield dimensions as the mini. Unlike other cars of yore that may share a similar winshield as another make thus allowing for glass makers to produce generic windscreens that may be used in more than one brand/make of car.

The Mini is unique and has a unique windshield so I would rather have an OEM windshield on my car than anything else and have it properly installed as well. As i understand it, a windshield installed by a Mini Dealer is about $800. across the board. When i filed my insurance claim they came up with roughly the same estimate $. So i would say have your insurance take care of it and get it done right (with no gaps or seals offset).

 

ppg glass has an installer in the annapolis area.
for earlier cars, i'd definitely got w/ the superior ppg glass.

i'd call and see if they've got experience w/ minis


there's also a posting here that one of the bmw rain sensors
can be used in lieu of the mini sensors (which was the big
stumbling block of getting third party glass for auto wiper
equipped mini's)

 

I guess i would have to agree if you are having to pay for it out of pocket to check out ppg and if they are experienced w/Mini's but if you are going through your insurance i would say pay the $150. deductable and have it done with the dealer.

 

By the way Safelite came to the MINI dealer to receive and install the OEM glass. This is all in Fla. where all cars have a zero-deductible windshield replacement rider by law. But the price still was only about 300 dollars even if I had paid it. Fit seems fine, I guess something could happen in time, but they'll probably back their work, being a national chain and all that. I think the dealer is gouging you a bit, but maybe that's the price for living in a major northern metro area.

 

I would get the dealer, or the shop they use to do the replacement. I have had experience using a local glass shop and they did a horrific job. .....and having the black plastic risers fly off is not a joke.(just search my other posts on this topic)

 

I used Safelite to replace my windshield before. They used Sekurit (OEM?) glass. I luckily had no 'fit and finish' problems like Grumbler, and the work was done about a year ago. The total came out to about $500. I was told though that it would have been about $300 if I didn't have the rain sensor.

-Paul!