I need some more work done on my car, and I have taken it both to the dealer (tres expensive!) and to a "knowledgeable" mechanic who is reputable with Minis in my area. I need to get a windshield replaced ... I am nervous about not going with the dealer, but it is $400 less. Thoughts?

 

The dealer outsources that I am sure. You will likely end up with the same service if you call Safelite or any of the other outfits like them. At least that was my experience on my BMW.

 

Check with your insurance carrier. Not that they might have a 'deal' going with anyone in particular but that they will know who does replacements correctly, correctly being the operative word.

There was a segment on one of those number programs, 60 minutes, 20-20 or something about fly by night windshield installers that took horrible short cuts. Believe it or not, the windshield has a little to do with structural stability.

 

My dealer vs independent opinion is generally based on what I'm looking for. If I want a recommendation or a diagnosis, I'll probably want to hear from the dealer. But once I have the information I need and a plan like what to replace, why pay the markup for labor? And I agree with the earlier post stating that windshields repair is often outsourced. Why pay dealer labor rates if he's going to subcontract out the work for something as routine as a windshield replacement?

 

I have the same company the dealers uses to replace my windshield.I order the windshield from the parts dept,and then have it installed.I think there is a little savings.Q

 

imho a windshield replacement isn't something that falls into the dealer vs non dealer debate since it's not exactly a repair type item (like a suspension component, etc). The way I see it, if you have a dent/scratch you take it to a body shop, if you have a busted shock you take it to the dealer (or a reputable Mini mechanic), if your windshield needs replacing then go to a glass specialist (which I have a feeling a dealer outsources to anyways). Maybe that's just me.

One word of warning though, do a quick search on here regarding windshield replacement and Safelite in particular, you may want to steer clear of them or at the very least make sure they use oem glass and not an aftermarket brand (there was a thread just this week about a member who had a horrible experience with their glass, ended up having to go with another glass company to get a good piece of glass).

 

Do NOT use Safelite. They're windshields are inferior. Period.

Factory or PPG is the way to go.

As for the installation, it's critical that it be done properly. That means a thorough cleaning of all surfaces to receive the adhesive. The proper prep of the same surfaces and the new glass, no touching of these surfaces with hands or other dirty oily things before the adhesive is applied, using the proper adhesive, and then letting it set and cure completely before using the car. I had mine replaced at the body shop owned by the same people who own the dealership. They had the car for two days so the adhesive would set up and cure properly and completely before it was driven.

The reason it's critical is that proper air bag function depends upon the windshield remaining in place during an accident. If the windshield pops out, it renders the airbags almost useless. The airbags depend upon support from the windshield.

 

You can get PPG and Pilkington from Safelite, you just have to ask. The second crew that I dealt with from them knew how to do a MINI and did it well. FYI, factory is either PPG or Pilkington that is rebadged.

 

You can get PPG and Pilkington from Safelite, ..... FYI, factory is either PPG or Pilkington that is rebadged.

and is it not likely that SAFELITE does not have a glass factory either and that "safelite" glass is possibly from the same factory as PPG and possibly Pilkington? How many different autoglass manufacturers are their????

I've had on the order of 12 windshields installed by SAFELITE using their glass over the last 30 years and have never noticed their glass to be inferiour. I also didn't notice SAFELITE to be stamped on the glass . . . the one time I had a problem with a SAFELITE install (a wind whistle over 50 mph) I called up to complain and without a moments question they scheduled a repeat visit and replaced the glass - 100% re-do - no questions asked.

Flip side

SAFELITE IS a franchise so some variation is possible. In my town we have a GOOD McDonalds and a not so good McDonalds . . .

 

The point was that their "go to" glass is generally that cheap FK (I think that is it) glass that looks warped when you look through it. I found that if you use Safelite, just ask for the glass you want and they will get it installed. The first guy I had busted a few clips and tried to use silicon to stick the parts on. On the second round, they replaced the clips and got it installed right.

 

I've heard the same poor quality complaints about Safelite glass from other sources.

And I always request all new trim, rubber, clips, etc. Reusing those things is asking for trouble and redo's.