Hi fellow memebers:

I just saw a "L" shape crack right around the rain sensor area from a rock chip happened few days ago. It developed when the car has not been driven since it got hit. Anyway, I read that many of you opt for PPG or aftermarket glass, not OEM. One side of me wanting a more sturdier glass without giving up the rain sensing feature; the other side of me not wanting to deal with the aftermath of problems occuring with non-oem products or installers who are not familiar with the MINI.

Has anyone had their windshield replaced at either MINI of Concord or EB MINI? Can you share your experience?

Big THANKS in advance.

 

here's what you'll find if you go through the dealer. They will order the BMW/Mini glass, and have a glass shop come out and do the work. (Subcontracted) they will pay the shop some trivial amount as they have a volume contract, and charge you a bit over $600.

I phoned around when I had the second windshield replacement, and got a PPG installed by one of the very same types of contractors than Mini uses, and was out a bit over $200. The math here is pretty simple.

For my MDX, the lowest quote I found in the bay area was $225. I didn't even call Acura, as the game dealers play on glass is the same all over. Many body shops contract out windshiel work as well (some of the bigger will do it themselves). But the quotes I found for the very same PPG for the MDX varied from over $400 to the $225. A buddy in Santa Cruz has a guy who will do it for $190, but I think there's a bit of a friendly discount on that one.

There is no issue with the rain sensor, just specify that you have it when you order.

Matt

 

DO NOT go to the dealer. Ask around and find some indy that does all the hot rod/custom car glass. The dealer just brings in an outside contractor and marks the price up. Again, DO NOT take this minor problem to a dealer. I had my windshield broken by a rock at under a thousand miles, and I searched out the guy locally who does all the custom car/rod work, and he did the job just fine, and very reasonably. Windshield replacement is not rocket science. so don't get played for a sucker.

 

Thank you very much for the fast response. If I go with other installers, will I have to specifically request to have all clips under the A-pillar cover replaced? It sounds very scary that some folks have their a-pillar flew off after the replacement. Can you guys suggest any installer from your personal experience? Can you share your experience after the work was done?

Thank you folks.

 

if they say "wha??!?!" then call someone else. Sorry, I don't have the names of the installers I used (or the invoice that was left in my car by the subcontractor that did it for Mini of Mt View either). I never had problems with the clips or the A pillar covers, and was very happy with the results.

One other word of caution, it seems to me that Mini windshields crack and PPG pit. So even though my current windshield isn't cracked, it's getting pitted to the point that I'm thinking of replacing it!

Matt

 

just so you know not ALL dealers subcontract glass work to the mobile glass oufits. Both of the MINI stores I have worked at performed all the glass jobs in house by MINI certified techs.

 

Do the wipers need to be removed for windscreen replacement? I noticed they are in the way where the pivot points are.

 

Did you actually see the work being done? One thing you do get with a glass subcontractor is someone who does nothing but glass. While Minis pop a lot of windshields, I don't think it's enough to keep someone employed full time at it.

What did it cost?

Matt

 

Are you filing an insurance claim? Then let them handle it, but insist on PPG glass.

The benefits of $100 deductible do come in handy.

 

I personally have replaced more windshields than I care to recall. At the stores I have worked in there were one or two regular MINI techs that are the "glass specialists".

 

OK, I guess I'll play stupid here ...what does the acronym "PPG" stand for?

 

I have used Diamond/Triumph twice to replace my windshields. They are nationwide. They will come to your home or office & do the replacement there if you like. I can only vouch for my local branch that has done my work but they went above & beyond both times. They have a zip code search on their website so you can see if they offer service in your area. Just be sure to specify PPG glass (or whatever brand you want) when you order or they will just use whatever they have

Also regarding the A-pillar, (not even sure if that is the correct name for it but) if they are careful nothing has to be replaced. MINIUSA told me that part can be reused if the clips don't get broken. On my second windshield Triumph cracked my plastic cover (A-pillar?) & they replaced it for free

 

I've had Niello replace mine twice, third time I went straight to their sub contractor. Hayes Brothers Collision Repair 916-443-0301, they get OEM from Niello. Hayes has 2 location in Sacramento, one on Fulton (near Niello) the other downtown (just off 50). Not sure where in the EB your locate or willing to came as far as Sacramento.

 

I appreciate all the responses from fellow members. I was curious about the procedure of the replacement and flipped through the Bentley manual. Sure enough, it does not cover this item. However, I found one section covering the A-pillar cover removal (interior trim section), a note was pointed out that the A-pillar covers will break and they MUST be replaced. I also saw several straps holding down the pillar covers that needed to be cut.

Could this be the reason why some installers don't know how to install the covers properly? Just called Safelite and they told me they manufacture own glass with rain sensor including new moldings.

Has anyone tried out the South San Francisco Safelite?

 

Now just PPG, but it used to be Pittsburgh Paint and Glass.
Just a company name

 

I just priced a PPG replacement for my cracked screen: $229 installed. The quote came from Safelite, and the PPG glass only runs $10 more than Safelite's unit. Not bad at all, and everything I've read here says that people seem happier with the PPG glass than with OEM MINI. I had my 2006's windscreen replaced TWICE under warranty - I think they make them out of left-over sugar glass or something.

 

My OEM windshield lasted less than a year & was taken out by a tiny rock the size of sand , then aftermarket windshield #2 lasted 6 months but it took 2 big rock hits to knock it out, windshield #3 is PPG & has had one rick ding repaired but no run. I dunno if the PPG is better or I have been lucky for almost a year & a half but I am voting for better

 

Anyone have a good glass shop they recommend in the Raleigh, NC area?

 

MiniKJ,

Redwood Empire Mini Enthusiasts is having a windshield replacement and detail clinic day. I just had my windshield replaced with PPG glass. These guys did a great job, very professional and reasonbly priced. Give them a call or join us on Jan 19, 2008 if you can wait that long.
Here is the info:

Windshield Replacement & Repair Day

January 19, 2008, 9am – 4pm
1st Class Auto Glass
7677 Bell Road, Suite 102-E
Windsor, CA 95492
(707) 836-9770
http://www.1stclassautoglass.com

Our newest club sponsor, 1st Class Auto Glass, will be hosting a BBQ lunch on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at their location, while they work on our cars.
Services offered will include windshield replacement or repair, paintless dent removal, and auto detailing. Their regular prices are extremely reasonable but they will be working out special prices for the REME membership for this event only. Prices will be posted shortly.
Please RSVP on the REME MegaBBS calendar so we can estimate the number for the BBQ, and email or call the sponsor to set up your appointment. Please post what you will be having done to your car on this thread as well.

This is your chance to remove the crappy soft OEM windshield at very reasonable cost… at about half of what dealerships charge. A regular windshield will cost under $250 installed and windshields with sensors will cost under $300.00 installed. Actual prices will be posted shortly.

 

something I didn't see mentioned here, and I've seen it quite a few times, the glass installer has to take extra special care (around the VIN placard) with the adhesive they use, it tends to squeeze down to that area, stick to, and block the VIN number, along with the fact that it's only tape, not a metal plate as they used to be, they tear off if there's another windshield replacement and that can be a problem at time of resale in some states, you may want to look at your windshield replacements again.........

 

I agree that if you are paying out of pocket, don't have the dealer do it. Some quotes have been as high as $1100! East Bay quoted me around $800. I had Safelite do it for about $280 (with the sensor). My tech was excellent and did not break any clips or damage any pillars.

However, since then I have lowered my comprehensive deductible and now will just send it to the dealer. Check your comprehensive deductible - if it's low, it might make more sense to go that route.

 

I am very grateful to have joined this community with all the supports from everybody. Just spoke with AAA, they also use Safelite as their windshield replacement agent. I spoke with the South SF Saflite shop and they told me the pillar covers and clips will all be replaced and they have worked on MINI before. Since I live very closed to them, I might be using them for the mobile service in my garage.

A dealer did quote me for $900 estimate (meaning it could be higher). They assure me that they don't use contractor to , but MINI tech ONLY. And they will replace both covers since they will break during removal.

Anway, I am leaning towards to have Safelite to get it done since it will be through the insurance company and the local branch has good business record (only one complaint found in BBB database). I believe I used them once for the company car. They did a great job.

Anyway, thank you for all the responses. It means alot to me knowing so many people are willing to feed their experience.

 

Thanks. Now I can use "PPG" and not feel like a dufus.

 

This was posted by Peter Ziedrich on Redwood Empire website:


PITTSBURGH, Jan. 22, 2007 – PPG Industries is helping automotive manufacturers and car owners increase vehicle fuel efficiency by up to 4 percent and save up to $66 per year in vehicle fuel costs by installing the Sungate infrared (IR) reflective windshield.

Recent PPG testing showed use of Sungate windshields, which reflect about 50 percent of the sun's IR energy to help keep vehicles cooler, could reduce air conditioning use up to approximately 20 percent. The windshield reduces transmission of ultraviolet and IR solar energy, which helps reduce interior heat buildup, shorten cool-down time and reduce heat gain while driving.

"The Sungate IR-reflective windshield reduces the initial workload on a vehicle's air conditioning system, which represents the biggest use of power for climate control in a vehicle," said Mukesh Rustagi, global product market manager, PPG automotive OEM glass. "Because the air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard, fuel efficiency increases and emissions are reduced, and consumers experience a cooler vehicle upon entry."

Rustagi said the recent volatility in gasoline prices has made consumers more aware of vehicles' fuel efficiency, as reflected in the sales shift from larger SUVs to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. "A Sungate windshield helps vehicles' fuel efficiency, which is great for the environment, for consumers' pocketbooks and for automakers trying to satisfy consumers' preferences," he said.

Sungate windshield technology will help automakers meet the tougher emissions and fuel economy requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) revised Supplemental Federal Test Procedure (SFTP) without compromising vehicle affordability, safety or performance, Rustagi said. In addition, using the Sungate windshield will enable automakers to add environmentally friendly technology to better satisfy consumers.

"Consumers are seeking technologies that improve their experience with their vehicles and help them save money and be environmentally responsible," Rustagi said. "In the recent J.D. Power and Associates 2006 U.S. Automotive Emerging Technologies Study, almost three-fourths of consumers were interested in having an advanced solar-reflective windshield on their next new vehicles, and the Sungate windshield from PPG helps automakers fulfill that consumer interest."

Rustagi added that PPG is "taking a leadership position" in helping automakers create more environmentally efficient vehicles with Sungate windshields. "We are continuing to focus on enhancing the Sungate windshield, with an advanced version in development that will further reduce solar gain, increase fuel efficiency and reduce fuel emissions."

About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of coatings, chemicals, glass and fiber glass. The company employs more than 33,000 people and has 122 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 20 countries. Sales in 2006 were $11 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York and Philadelphia stock exchanges (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.


Sungate is a trademark of PPG Industries.

Contact:
Mukesh Rustagi
412-820-8123
rustagi@ppg.com

 

I don't mean to bring up this boring subject again to many, but I am curious of what the PPG glass look like. Do they have the same black surrounding the windshield like OE? It's not important to me, but the bottom edge of the OE glass does cover the back side of the dash. That might be important to hide any wiring.

Another question is, does the replacement PPG glass come with the rain sensor, or do the installers re-use the unit off the OE?

Thanks for any input.