I got a rock chip in the windshield. Spoke to state farm (I have full glass coverage or so I thought) and they told me that they only cover glass from one of there negociated shops aka the cheep guys. They wont work thru the dealer. Too expensive at $1100.

Has anyone replaced the windshield with a non BMW/Mini version and what is your experience. BMW told me that you have to break the molding to get the window out. I would assume that joes glass does not have this molding.

 

When I got a major chip a few weeks backs, I first tried to get it repaired since the insurance company will pay for the full cost of a repair despite the deductible. Cracks up to 5" can sometimes be fixed.

In my case no such luck. I took the car to Safelite Glass, a national chain. Turns out, the previous owner of SPUD had already replaced the windshield with Safelite aftermarket glass. Safelite quoted $289 glass and installation to put in the same glass. Upon close inspection, I noticed that the tint hue was not quite the same as the side windows.

Safelite quoted $311 for the OEM glass (installed), and took an extra day since they had to go pick up the glass at my closest MINI dealer. The color is (only now) noticeably a better match.

Safelite is probably one of the accepted "cheap guys". You may have to cough up the $22 difference, but I think its worth it. And yes they had to replace a pair of metal trim beads that cost about $4 each. Safelite did a great job on my car (both times). Didn't even know the glass had been replaced when bought the car (and I looked closely at everything).

Lots of the MINI windshields are broken. The glass people think its because the profile is much more vertical than on most current day cars.

Hope this helps.

 

I got minre replaced at Mini of Maountain View (the first time) for $613! I don't have rain sensing wipers.... But $1100??????

Matt

 

...yeah...1100 is ridiculous. The dealer in st. louis says 520 without rainsensor. I also have state farm, and the 'cheap guy' thing is not true. I just recently had my windshield replaced by Kirkwood Glass, who are far more knowledgeable than the bmw collision center guys...which is evident from speaking with both of them. Anyways, they replaced my windshield with a PPG windshield, which lots of people have switched to due to alleged less pits, and less likely to crack...which so far has been my experience as well. Hope that helps...good luck

 

Sorry PPG?

 

and I'm not surprised that the Mini place didn't know much about the window replacements. Most of them contract it out to a local specialist! The invoice I got from Mini of Mt View even said the used a subcontractor....

Matt

 

I had the rock chip thing happen last week. I stopped into a glass shop on the same day and it was fixed for $35 while I waited. They have a cool little repair gizmo. It really works. Now you can't see where it was. I also have full glass coverage, but this time I just paid for it. I didn't want to make a claim, yet. There will be next times, so after a few of these, I'll replace the windshield.

One other thing, I think there is a law on the books that states that you can have your car fixed at the shop of your choice. It goes way back to the 60's. Insurance companies don't want you to know that for obvious reasons. That is why they still have one stop claim services and encourage you to use them. You can have the dealer fix your car and the claim should be valid. Read the fine print. It was put there to protect the consumer and should still be in effect.

Jim

 

do a search on 'windshield' as well as 'ppg' etc and you'll find the info you are looking for

 

PPG stands for Pittsburgh Plate Glass. Most of the glass franchises carry it. Based on my experience, the aftermarket glass proved to be just as destructible as the OEM. Now that I'm back to the OEM (windshield #3), I'll see if I change my tune. I still think the problem is with the windshield rake angle.

 

$1,100 for a new windshield is completely off the scale. Especially considering that the aftermarket alternatives are considered by many to be more durable and of overall better quality.

 

something sounds wrong with 1100.

 

Did you get a stress fracture? I'm not sure what you mean by destructible but I have not heard of people having stress fractures with the PPG (or the excessive pitting) like the OEM glass.

I agree that part of the problem is the rake of the winshield as well as the design which causes the stress fractures - but the extreme pitting with the OEM and ease of the stress fractures forming and spreading seems to be at least in part due to the glass

 

The aftermarket glass I had didn't pit too badly but within hours after getting a minor chip, a stress crack developed. I think MINI designed the windshield as a stressed frame member. My '84 vette was like that. The frame was much stiffer with the windshield installed.

I'll see how long the replacement OEM glass lasts. I am hoping they have addressed the issues by now.

 

Some dealers will fix for 250 bucks, glass included.

 

Just weighing in with the $1100 questioning. I've got a rock chip and my Mini dealer (Naperville, Ill.) quote $450.

My insurance agent advised that I ask, for billing purposes, if they contract it out since that would allow direct payment to them. She said contracting is common.

I plan to pay extra if needed to have it done through a dealer. I've read way too many stories about problems when not getting it done right.

Good Luck!

 

Wanda got a nasty windshield crack on her first cross-country trip when she was only about 6 weeks old...dang semi truck cut me off and threw up a big rock!

I bought the replacement windshield (which is rain-sensing) from Long Beach MINI for about $200 and was quoted an install price of $140.:smile:

Hubby called around and found an independent installer, but they quoted us $75 install price on the phone (even THOUGH he said 2003 MCS), and once there, they upped the fee...grrrrr...bait and switch!

Ended up going back to Long Beach MINI and they said $175 install, but honored the earlier quote of $140 when I reminded them of that price. I had waited several months after buying the glass to have it installed and ended up deciding that having it installed by the dealer (well, by their subcontractor) would guarantee the work, at least.

$1100 is OUTRAGEOUS! Call around and get quotes from other MINI dealerships! See what Classic MINI of Ohio is selling them for, with your NAM discount. Let us know! :smile:


Clover

 

I've had a rock chip (about the size of my fingernail) for nearly two years now with no ill effect. Much depends upon the depth and location of the chip, as to whether it will spread or not. Obviously in my case a replacement would have been overkill. I look at my current chip as a "beauty mark". Nevertheless, you may want to try an epoxy repair before replacement of the whole windscreen. Best of luck with whatever route you choose.