I need to replace the windshield on my F56 as a rock did a number on it. I have a rain sensor.

I got an online price from Safelite for $379 and am getting a quote from my MINI dealer.

Has anyone replaced their windshield and do you have a recommendation? Any reason to not go with MINI?

 

Does Safelite use "factory" glass? If so, then how does their warranty compare with Mini's?

 

I did a windshield on my R56. The windshield place would only install a no-name windshield they claimed was made at the same factory. I just phoned my insurance company and they sprung for the banded version - and so they should!

 

Replaced mine on my 2014 F56 with rain sensor in June by Safelite. They used factory glass as Mini is too small in volume to build for themselves. Only problem was getting the correct version for the rain sensor. Safelite needed to include the VIN in order to get the correct one. Apparently the part number on the windshield and in Safelite's book is for the standard w/o any sensors version and that is what Mini ships when you order the p/n on the windshield. The second order included the VIN per who they ordered from at Mini.

 

Make sure its factory with the rain sensor or PPG or simliar. Since the MINI is so new with the rain sensor version, there might only be a couple options. Make sure they replace the seal and dont damage the front A pillars.

Some aftermarket glass has slight waviness in the glass / wont have the tint, or with seem thinner.

 

I had mine replaced at Safelite a month ago. They used the same brand of glass as MINI but wo the bulldog logo. It's been fine with my rain sensor and I don't notice any wavy areas. I checked my a-pillars before I left to insure that they were put on properly. No probs yet.

 

Yea, the bulldog logo is pretty cool. I would not want to loose that.

 

I waited three months for Safelight to find the correct windshield for my F55; they brought the wrong one to my home twice!

Finally, my salesman gave me the number of the shop that they use (it's actually a dealership owned by the same family that owns my MINI dealership).
It meant an hour drive for me, since I'm outside of their working radius; but well worth my time.
Forty-five minutes, and I was on my way back home.

 

I have an appointment scheduled for a local shop(not safelite) and they are giving me a hard time about getting me an OEM. Maybe I’ll try safelite. Any advise is much appreciated!

 

Getting mine done by Safelite today, took them two weeks to get an OEM windshield but the insurance is covering most of it. Got a $250 deductible. They've always done my windshield repairs so I trust them.

Trying going through the dealer but they didn't want to deal with the insurance, those turds.

 

I asked my MINI dealer and they said they actually use Safelite to do the work and to make sure they ordered factory glass.
I hope that adds at least $.02 to the conversation supporting your need for a factory version of the windshield.

 

this is something I've said for years ......

few MINI dealerships have bodyshops and fewer will touch glass

they subcontract the work ... for glass the 'big dog' is???????

SAFELITE

 

I have done more homework, and still am on the fence. Safelite can get the OEM goods and install them at my house for $969 I think it’s 3-400$ less for the aftermarket glass.
My MINI is super close to completion, the windshield is my last big purchase. I’ve used all OEM parts from BMW/MINI so far...and no insurance because this MINI has a salvage certificate.

Two months after I started rebuilding it’s almost done!