Which is stronger, better?

 

IMHO neither are winners in the MINI. In my experience, they both chip, pit and crack as easily as the other. Some have ahd great experience with PPG in MINIs. I haven't! I did have a good experience with PPG in my '90 S-10. But that was over a decade ago.

 

As a related issue/question, does anyone who's had a PPG windshield installed by a glass shop (i.e., NOT the dealer) have any tips for making sure that the replacement is done correctly? Are there any parts that I should make sure that the glass shop has (that they may not normally have on hand)?

I'm getting ready to get my OEM windshield replaced with a PPG, but want to make sure that the job is done correctly.

 

>>As a related issue/question, does anyone who's had a PPG windshield installed by a glass shop (i.e., NOT the dealer) have any tips for making sure that the replacement is done correctly? Are there any parts that I should make sure that the glass shop has (that they may not normally have on hand)?
>>
>>I'm getting ready to get my OEM windshield replaced with a PPG, but want to make sure that the job is done correctly.

Why wouldn't you get OEM since MINI supposedly made it 20% stronger?

 

20% stronger? Is it also harder? I'm so tired of the sandblast effect.

Good question regarding glass shope doing the install. I'm a little leary since the odds of the guys coming to fix your Mini probably's never seen one. What do you guys who have experienced a repair think?

 

I'm fine with non-OEM since I don't particularly trust MINI parts nor do I have any allegiance to them over the long haul (i.e., If I plan on keeping this car beyond its warranty, I'd better get used to aftermarket parts 'cause BMW parts/service will drive me to the poorhouse real soon

Oh, and one more thing, I plan to use an installer who actually does the work in their shop. I won't have one of those "vans that come to your parking lot" do the work. I just know (from previous experience with other cars) that that's problematic.

 

>>As a related issue/question, does anyone who's had a PPG windshield installed by a glass shop (i.e., NOT the dealer) have any tips for making sure that the replacement is done correctly? Are there any parts that I should make sure that the glass shop has (that they may not normally have on hand)?
>>
>>I'm getting ready to get my OEM windshield replaced with a PPG, but want to make sure that the job is done correctly.

The two side strips that run vertically along the two edges of the windshield can be tricky. Be sure to tell them they are secured with four screws that you have to open the door and pull back the molding to get to. Otherwise they'll try to pry them off the windshield breaking the eyelet holes for the screws. Also the little plastic clips that hold those in place are easily broken too. Then the chrome trim is difficult to remove...Lots of little nylon plastic pieces holding it in place.

 

Holly molly...maybe I'll live with the small star burst till I can't stand it anymore

If I do, I'll make sure to take off all the trims myself first before heading to the shop.

Still....no favorite votes? PPG versus OEM?

 

PPG vs. Old OEM: I replaced 4 OEM windshields in 10 months, then got a PPG windshield and have had that for 10 months without incident.

PPG vs. new OEM: remains to be seen if MINI has really fixed the problem.

 

I'm with DiD on this one.

I had a cracked OEM windshield that I simply refused to fix for about 10 months until an improved or replacement version became available since MINI-USA failed to honor my warranty and fix my defective windshield. MINIdivision would not even answer my several PM's about this

I got the PPG glass just because I figured ANYTHING was better than giving MINI more money for trashy glass, and th PPG has yet to crack or pit (my original OEM wndshield lasted only about a month)

There's a lot of talk about the improved new version of the MINI windshield, but it has yet to be seen if it is really an improvement. People that have gotten the PPG glass have all seemed to be happy with the durabiity.