Now that i have what looks like three bullet holes int the windshield i think it time to replace.
two questions 1. has anyone replaced with an aftermarket and what was your experience do they hold up better.
and question #2 how much should i expect to pay for replacement OEM and aftermarket
thanks to all in advance for your help

 

Cheers!
Clover

 

At the moment there aren't a whole lot of aftermarket windscreens being made for the Mini.PPG(Pittsburgh Plate Glass) makes one and I think that's about it.

I've contacted Splintex(contractors for the door and sunroof glass)automotive replacement glass division in Germany about a replacement windscreen for the Mini.Their reply was that they will not make one,not now,not ever.

Go with the PPG glass.I hope they can keep up with the demand.

 

Check out the windshield threads (use the Search function). It's been posted that Pilkington makes one too. Best as anyone can tell, there's virtually no difference between the OEM and the replacements in terms of thickness...although the non-OEM windshields MAY be a bit thicker.

One item to be drawn from MINIclo's experience is that you should choose a very reputable glass shop AND make sure you/they have all of the proper trim and gaskets if you go with a non-dealer install. Also, if you're going to be able to get your insurance company to replace your windshield under your policy, then CHECK FIRST with them to see what they'll cover for the windshield. For example, I'm in Mass with a $0 deductable on windshields...but my insurance company won't pay more than about $200 for the job, and will only pay direct to those glass shops they authorize. This means that if I want to have OEM glass installed by my dealer, I'll be holding the bag for the whole cost of the job (about $300) and then only get reimbursed for about 2/3 of the cost. Some deal, eh?

But, I still think that if you are willing/able to stay on top of 'em, it's possible to get a good deal and a good job done by an independent glass shop...and MAYBE your replacement/non-OEM windshield may last a bit longer than the original.

 

I recently asked this same question about 3 months ago, but didn't get an answer. My windshield needed replaced, but it was a BIG hassel to get the OEM glass from the dealership. My insurance agent highly recommended an auto glass repair shop not far from my house and they came out to my work to replace it. He asked if I wanted them to drive to Detroit (60 + miles) to pick up the OEM glass. For the money and time saved, I decided to go with them PPG glass. I was very suprised at how identical it is to OEM. In my opinion, it doesn't matter what you go with. After 3000 miles, I have no chips on my new windshield, and I have heard rocks hit it a few times on the highway.

Go with what you want, but it won't even matter if you go PPG. Just call your insurance agent and ask who is the best in the area for replacement. Make sure that they don't touch the edge of the glass with thier hands when installing it. Good installers will use suction cups to move the glass. Hope this helps.

 

My $0.02:

Yes the PPG glass is thicker, I mic'd mine prior to install about, 0.020 thicker.

I found no quality difference between the OEM and PPG glass but some have said that the PPG has distortion issues.

I too have the same "policy procedure" that jsun had. My insurance (USAA) has a contract with a nation-wide vendor and "recommended" I go with them. I could have gone with anyone but I would have had to pay, in addition to my deductible, the difference between what the insurance company authorized and what the cost was.

Having said all that, if I wanted a cash price and not go through my insurance the same recommended company would have R&R the glass for $274.

Yes, it is very important that the edge of the glass is protected from contaminates, skin oil, etc, however most installers aren't using suction cups anymore, they are using special rubber gloves. Under the glass there are about 3 rubber bumpers, like those found on the bottom of household appliances, stuck to the windshield opening. I surmise they are there to insure the glass maintains distance from the body of the car and to provide a guide for the application of the adhesive.

The current adhesives are a vast improved lot over what I used back in the day. They have a shorted cure time, which means they also have a shorter working time. Standard tube type application, the gun is different and they heat the tubes to insure a good flow. My installer had a neat trick to insure a smooth bead of adhesive was applied, he cut a “V” notch in the tip and held the gun perpendicular to the body. This left a pyramid shaped bead (like the old play dough machine) that could be compressed by the weight of the glass and a little bit of help from him.

The trim pieces are reusable if removed carefully, the side pieces are the only tricky ones. In addition to the 4 screws, located under the door seal rubber, there is a 1/2" foam piece that is adhered to the trim and glass with 3M style double stick tape. The top trim rubber is applied to the glass prior to install.

My installer was very professional and extremely careful, maybe he just knew I was **** about cars.

 

My dealership contracts all their glass replacement to the same independant auto glass company--a reputable one--and they use PPG glass for the MINI. Had mine replaced about 1500 miles ago and haven't had any problems with it yet.

Good luck