Anyone have their windshields replaced? How much did it cost you? Including install?

I'm thinking of having the dealer replace it since I've read a lot of stories of other places not knowing how to take off and replace the A-piler covers and then later having them fly off at high speed causing damage to the car.

 

I have had five different windshields in my MINI. All five were done in the first year I owned the car. The first four were MINI windshields and the last one (the one that has been in the car for nearly two years with no problems) is a PPG.

I think replacement should run about $350.

That said, after I started replacing windshields (initially under warranty), I had my insurance coverage changed to have a $0 deductable for glass coverage so that made the two I filed claims for free to me ( well aside from a very minor bump in my rate to cover the deductable change).

Regarding the A-pillar moldings. Having the dealer install the windshield won't solve that problem. My experience is that the clips fatigue from being installed and replace and that they eventually fail because of that installation and removal cycle. I had both A-pillar trim pieced fly off. Both times it was relatively shortly after the windshield replacement. Again, this problem hasn't occured to me in nearly two years.

My thoughts on the matter as a once chronic windshield replacer.

EDIT: in looking at your pictures you may not need to replace the windshield. Most insurance companies will repair the windshield for free (drill and fill). Contact your insurance company about getting those sections fixed. Since they aren't in the direct line of site the subtle difference in the windshield in that area after the fact may not be an issue.

 

Cool thanks. I'll look into the filling. See how that turns out. It annoys me to see that big spot there even after a fill... I wonder if my insurance will replace my windshield... probably not since its not broken huh? I'll have to call and see if if I have a deductible.

 

DiD,

Can you recommend a repair shop for a front window in Orange County. I've got a long crack going across and need to get that fixed soon.

Thanks

 

I had the PPG installed for about $330. The place, referred from a good bodyshop, knew all about the a pillars and the clips and even kept the parts in stock.

PS: I personally would look for a shop vs using the mobile glass installers if you have it done.

 

My insurance company wanted to try to repair the windshield if the crack was smaller than a dollar bill. If you got multiple rock chips filled (like I did when I was in Colorado thanks to CDOT throwing down gravel all over everywhere at the hint of snow), then if they filled three locations for free, they would replace the windshield for free if they had to fill a 4th location. Otherwise, your deductable applied for replacement. So if you had a $0 deductable, then you just got the windshield replaced (unless it was still winter in which case it made sense to wait until spring so you could have a prayer of having an unpitted windshield through the summer). [/my Colorado windshield woes]

I never replaced a windshield in Southern California, so I wouldn't know who to recommend. You might try calling the dealerships and see who they use. The dealership in Denver didn't do windshield replacement themselves, they hired it out to one SpeedyAutoglass location and they came to the dealership, picked up the windshields and then came out to your workplace to do the replacement.

 

I had a PPG windshield installed about 3-4 weeks ago for $330 in San Rafeal. The shop that did it was located next to a BMW dealership and ordered and used the MINI trim kit and proper adhesive. I would also reccommend avoiding the people who replace your windshield onsite. I just don't think they have the experience to do this right. Having the pillars come loose while going 70+ mph is not fun. I've been there once, don't want to go there again.

 

Well I woke up this morning and found a nice long crack... now it has to be replaced... I guess the cooling over night cracked it.

I called insurance... they're not covering a penny. deductible is $500 for me so its not worth claiming...

I asked Long Beach BMW and they want $530.
I mentioned to the Service Advisor about the A-Piler weakening and flying off after windshield replacements... they dont seem to know. They said they dont replace the A-Piler covers after windshield replacement.

Does anyone know if Long Beach BMW does the install in house or sub-contracts it out?

 

It sounds like you're still considering Long Beach when they want $200 more than the going rate.

 

Cuz if the A-Pilers do fly off later they cant blame it on anyone cuz they (the dealership) did the replacement themselves.

I'm asking if Long Beach does it themselves or not because if they dont I wnat to know who they sub contract it out to so i can directly goto the source.

I'm still shopping around for some trust worthy places to see how much they will cost compared to Long Beach.

I dont want to just goto any windshield place that has never worked with a MINI before and break some clips and not tell me about it. Or not do a good job and have wind noise at speed. You know...

 

EBMCS03 - did you get your windshield replaced? How was your experience with Long Beach?

 

I know it's not in LA, but I recently had my windscreen replaced here in Vegas. I thought it was a stress fracture, left the car at the dealership for a full day and was told it was caused by a rock chip and wasn't under warantee. They wanted $430 for a replacement, and my insurance would repair for free, but hit me for the $500 deductible on replacement.
I called a company called Technaglass who had done my wife's Subaru in October and they came to my office and replaced the windscreen for $190 plus tax. The guy broke the A-pillar cover, but he told me about it before I even got back to the car. He called the dealership on the spot and ordered a replacement pillar, and came back and installed it 3 working days later (dealership hold up).
The upshot is that I'd recommend Technaglass in a minute. I THINK they are national, so try your phone book.

 

Oh yes. sorry. I forgot to report back.

I did get my windshield replaced... they initially quoted me $510 I thought it was much since Aftermarket I can do it for $350 or so. But I said for the safety of later problems I'll have a place to go back to I decided to just pay it. But when I went to pay the bill it was "only" $405 out the door!!! I was very happy. Not as happy as $195+ tax but oh wells... They did a good job as far as I can tell. No leaks... it just rained today, no wind noise at speed and A-Pilers seen ok... AND I got a loaner car while I left it there over night to fix. to Long Beach MINI!!! and my service advisor. They definetly have a returning customer... I've had a lot of good service from them.

 

That's great! Glad to hear you got your windshield replaced. I bought my MINI from Long Beach and I've yet to need to use them for anything (about 3K away from my 10K service) so it's good to see a positive service experience.

 

Good 4 you!

Who's your service advisor, may I ask?

.

 

Uh O... are you going to get him in trouble?

 

Nah, I just like "happy ending"

 

I had mine replaced a few months back at Mini of Calabasas. it was about $285 or $290 for the OEM windshield and installation.

 

DOH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Anyone get their glass redone recently in the Orange County area?
Whats the going rate these days?

TopGearNut

 

Just got mine done a month ago, Safelite was the company and they did it in my driveway for $200, ask for PPG glass, I didn't I found out it's a better glass later.

 

Thanks - I gotta check Safelite out - I was looking at some other threads and noticed that Steve's Auto Clinic in N. Los Angeles does repairs too - anyone know if they do mobile service down in O.C.?

 

Safelite travel everywhere..

 

I got my rain-sensor windshield replaced last month by Best Price Auto Glass in Sping Valley. $275 installed! They did not replace the pillars, and the glass is marked "FY" or "HY" - no other info on the glass.

So far, it's working out well.

As an aside, I found a document at www.autoglassmagazine.com that give installation instructions for removing and replacing MINI glass:
http://www.autoglassmagazine.net/Install.0903AG.pdf

 

Was it the rain sensing windscreen? After my long trip around the rocky mountain west I need a new one. 4 rock chips really ruined it.