After 5 years of ownership, I just got my first crack which is straight up the middle too long to be patched. I contacted the Concord dealer and they wanted $1200; the San Francisco dealer wanted about $900. The insurance company was $300 through Safelite! Concord said that SF must not do it themselves and that they give you a loaner, saying that it has to sit under pressure overnight. I had thought that an original part would be best but maybe OEM is the way to go. Any thoughts on which way is best and if the overnight pressure thing is just a bunch of hooey? Should I just go through the insurance company or are they likely to replace it with a cheap piece that really won't last? It's for a MCS without rain sensors. Many thanks.

 

I'd go with the Safelight deal. I've been through quite a few windshields. The dealer stuff tends to break more frequently in my experience. 300 is about as low as I've seen without a group buy.

 

As to a preference I have not needed to make that decision, fingers crossed knock on wood, yet. I would most likely take the factory glass and pay the difference. Having said that budget issues are not to be taken lightly and what's affordable today may not be next month.

What I will say is that what I have read here on NAM about the windshield is that it is an integral part of the car for structural rigidity, think roof colapase, and therefore must be installed properly and with the correct adhesives.

Some glass installers cheat the materials and or the "curring time" to offer lower bids. The dealers will be higher because it's not their primary line of work and may or may not subcontract the job. The aftermarket glass will be cheaper and in some cases better than factory (OEM) as far as scratch and chip resistance.

As long as the installation is done using the proper adhesives, curing time and procedures I don't think it matters who you use.

The insurance company will always go for the "cheaper job" even if done incorrectly.

Hope this helps...

 

I agree with kazlot. Depending on the MINI experience of the people who do the work, the Safelite route can be a crap shoot.

Here's one recent horror story from a friend and fellow club member:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=119668

Be careful.

 

Don't forget to have them install new A pillar covers. If they re-use the old ones, they WILL eventually fly off - not if, but when..

 

If your paying out of pocket and want factory parts. Get your glass at Concord Mini (cheapest in my experience). Take it to Johns European in Dublin to get it installed. They used to work at Eastbay Mini and have done mine a couple of times. 1/3 the cost of the dealer.