BMW OEM Windshield or Aftermarket Windshield?

[danewilson77]

The question is simple.

You simply need to click.

Leave a post if you must.

But don't be a pr!ck.
__________________________________________________ __________
Why one of the other?

In respect to durability feel free to comment.

No NSFW.

Do not be rude.

Share past experiences with others.

How do you usually get your windshield replaced?

In respect to cost, how much does it typically cost you?

Ease into the thread. All questions need not be answered at once.

Love you guys.

Don't be a stranger.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG0697.jpg

[jreyes19]

lol you are a good poet

I live in florida
where windsheilds are free
insurance pays
so OEM for me

[danewilson77]

Damn you Floridians got it gooood.

[Johnmadd]

I have 2 e30's that I replaced the windshield on both, one with original bmw glass and the other was aftermarket, no noticeable differences in my opinion.

[Hermes]

i had a chip filled but you can still see where it was (stupid trucks on the freeway kicking up crap), gonna have to eventually change it but haven't got around to it yet.

DW, how come we don't have a choice of Lexan?

[danewilson77]

Idkwti?

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[kayger12]

I voted OEM.

This is from a glass website not associated with any vehicle manufacturer:

"Aftermarket glass is made by companies that do not contract with any car manufacturers, and do not have the legal right to manufacture auto glass to the exact same specifications as OEM distributors due to licensing and copyright laws. Safelite is one of the main aftermarket or "original equipment equivalent (OEE)" auto glass manufacturers. Aftermarket glass is significantly cheaper than OEM or dealer glass. It's usually a different thickness than OEM glass, and most dealers will not accept aftermarket glass when you return a leased vehicle because the glass differs so much from the original design, and does not carry the same guarantees as OEM auto glass."

[Hermes]

Idkwti?

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

Lexan - aka lightweight race 'glass', really its a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic

TMS is selling an unused one for $450
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-4279-e46-m3-lexan-windsheild-used.aspx

[danewilson77]

Lexan - aka lightweight race 'glass', really its a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic

TMS is selling an unused one for $450
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-4279-e46-m3-lexan-windsheild-used.aspx

Shipping is $100.00 and it's for an ///M3 - 2 door only. No fun!

That thing only weighs 15 lbs!

Now I know what Lexan is. Thank you.

[telijah]

lol you are a good poet

I live in florida
where windsheilds are free
insurance pays
so OEM for me

I never understood this logic. They're free, so why does it matter OEM or not? All windshields have to meet the same safety standards.

[kayger12]

" Aftermarket glass is significantly cheaper than OEM or dealer glass. It's usually a different thickness than OEM glass, and most dealers will not accept aftermarket glass when you return a leased vehicle because the glass differs so much from the original design, and does not carry the same guarantees as OEM auto glass."


I never understood this logic. They're free, so why does it matter OEM or not? All windshields have to meet the same safety standards.

They have to meet the same safety standards but are not the same specs.

[danewilson77]

I never understood this logic. They're free, so why does it matter OEM or not? All windshields have to meet the same safety standards.

If it was free....why would one...NOT choose the BMW glass.

[Hornung418]

Current glass is three months old. Which brand is it?

[danewilson77]

Safelite brandz.

[Hornung418]

OEM fo sho.

[danewilson77]

OEM fo sho.

Bear in mind the rock that hit my window, was the size of a Pro V1. It starred.....then the next day...when the car sat in the sun....it propogated.

I do not think any glass would have faired very well. Just saying I didn't want that to be my only data point.

I remember conflicting data....with some people saying the oem glass was harder better, while others were saying the aftermarket was harder/better.

[cakM3]

I have a hookup up here in Providence and got the windshield for my 323i replaced for $150.

Pilkington (I think that's how its spelled) didn't have the BMW symbol but still from OEM supplier...just as good and pricing was great!

[MasterC17]

Yes, Pilkington is an OEM supplier. I'd still rather have the factory glass for the same price. I definitely wouldn't go aftermarket, just my opinion.

[MafiaAmor]

When I purchased my e46, It had a minor crack in it. Throughout a few months it grew and grew, so I had an aftermarket put in by some guys who come to your house to fix your windshield, and lets just say that cracked my first time behind a semi.....luckily insurance paid for the crack because of the semi, and I purchased an OEM one right now, and I don't know why put it almost seems as if it's like a higher quality set of glasses.

I think the fitment is much better, but that's my opinion.

I don't hate the semi drivers, I hate the trucks! lol.

[johnrando]

I had to go with aftermarket due to the cost. My insurance covered it but my deductible was too high ($1000). So, $300 for aftermarket, $600 for OEM. The aftermarket has been just fine now for the few (3 or 4) months I've had it. Only noticeable difference is it doesn't have "bmw" on it. So, while I would have preferred OEM just because, I'll vote aftermarket.

[das boots]

Somewhere way back, PO (dunno which one) replaced the windshield. They or the installer screwed it up my screwing up the rain sensor. Thye blocked the sensor with something....epoxy maybe? Can this be fixed?

[danewilson77]

Somewhere way back, PO (dunno which one) replaced the windshield. They or the installer screwed it up my screwing up the rain sensor. Thye blocked the sensor with something....epoxy maybe? Can this be fixed?

Mmmm...I would think so, maybe at next windshield replacement?

[danewilson77]

Going with Pilkington. Thanks for the input fellas.

[M3TA5IN]

Most insurance companies cover glass. Had it with Geico and I do now with Progressive, they waive the deduct. kthx

[das boots]

Mmmm...I would think so, maybe at next windshield replacement?

Probably never. Unless I get a windshield smashed by a rock...then I will go replace with an OE windshield. No aftermarket. Just wishful thinking.

[Whitexi]

With whatever you do just make sure the rain sensor lens has no air bubbles. I get mad every time I look at the one on my car. It pisses me off.

[danewilson77]

With whatever you do just make sure the rain sensor lens has no air bubbles. I get mad every time I look at the one on my car. It pisses me off.

Thanks

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[Gordo_GT]

Seems you already made your decision. I voted aftermarket by accident, meant to vote OEM. I had the same dilemma a few months ago and I chose OEM. I chose it due to the better fitment. To you and me it doesn't matter but ask a windshield installer about it and you'll know what I mean. Besides, having the BMW logo is a big deal to me (if you cheap out on the windshield, what else do you cheap out under the hood?). I paid my $500 deductible but total cost was $635.

[danewilson77]

So mine at $335 installed is good data for us.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[das boots]

With whatever you do just make sure the rain sensor lens has no air bubbles. I get mad every time I look at the one on my car. It pisses me off.

I'll remember that next time when I have to replace my windshield.

[das boots]

Seems you already made your decision. I voted aftermarket by accident, meant to vote OEM. I had the same dilemma a few months ago and I chose OEM. I chose it due to the better fitment. To you and me it doesn't matter but ask a windshield installer about it and you'll know what I mean. Besides, having the BMW logo is a big deal to me (if you cheap out on the windshield, what else do you cheap out under the hood?). I paid my $500 deductible but total cost was $635.

I know you misread what I said. I did mention the PO (one of them) was the one that replaced and installed an aftermarket windshield. You don't know me. I do not "cheap out".

[johnrando]

Seems you already made your decision. I voted aftermarket by accident, meant to vote OEM. I had the same dilemma a few months ago and I chose OEM. I chose it due to the better fitment. To you and me it doesn't matter but ask a windshield installer about it and you'll know what I mean. Besides, having the BMW logo is a big deal to me (if you cheap out on the windshield, what else do you cheap out under the hood?). I paid my $500 deductible but total cost was $635.

Everyone has his/her own opinion, and I don't "cheap out" on my car. I decided to buy non-OEM glass, which meets all the safety standards, and looks/works just fine, and use that $300 savings somewhere else on my car. The logic that non-OEM glass means something else has been "cheaped out" on doesn't necessarily apply. I certainly respect your right to use that as a differentiator, just know it doesn't always apply.

[telijah]

I mentioned this on another board, but BMW's are not unicorns. Not everything has to be OEM. Of course, some of you may have had other experiences with non-OEM windshields, but being that windshields are free in Florida under insurance, I am pretty sure I've never received OEM glass and have never had any issues. However, that could mean that since they're free here in Florida, installers have moved more volume and may be slightly better at installing them correctly...? That's a huge guess obviously. My point is though, there are certainly things that do not have to be OEM.

I do use OEM though on things where it counts, like many of the electrical sensors. But just like many of you who go with aftermarket/"performance" suspension parts, mods etc, non-OEM does not mean "cheaping out" as someone else pointed out :)

[Gordo_GT]

I know you misread what I said. I did mention the PO (one of them) was the one that replaced and installed an aftermarket windshield. You don't know me. I do not "cheap out".

Slow down, I'm not accusing anyone. That is just the mentality I would have if I was purchasing a car that was missing the logo.


Everyone has his/her own opinion, and I don't "cheap out" on my car. I decided to buy non-OEM glass, which meets all the safety standards, and looks/works just fine, and use that $300 savings somewhere else on my car. The logic that non-OEM glass means something else has been "cheaped out" on doesn't necessarily apply. I certainly respect your right to use that as a differentiator, just know it doesn't always apply.

Valid point but I just made a general comment. I didnt mean/plan to offend anyone.

[kayger12]

Slow down, I'm not accusing anyone. That is just the mentality I would have if I was purchasing a car that was missing the logo.

Valid point but I just made a general comment. I didnt mean/plan to offend anyone.

Gordo- check your PMs please.

Droid X. Forum Runner. Use it.

[HaloArchive]

OEM is always better. The glass wont match if it isnt OEM.

[Gordo_GT]

Gordo- check your PMs please.

Droid X. Forum Runner. Use it.


PM Replied

[johnrando]

Slow down, I'm not accusing anyone. That is just the mentality I would have if I was purchasing a car that was missing the logo.



Valid point but I just made a general comment. I didnt mean/plan to offend anyone.

No offense taken, it's all good.

[johnrando]

OEM is always better. The glass wont match if it isnt OEM.

My non-OEM glass fits just fine. Your car, your choice, but I think people should know that non-OEM is an option. I completely understand the preference for OEM glass.

[das boots]

Slow down, I'm not accusing anyone. That is just the mentality I would have if I was purchasing a car that was missing the logo.


No worries.

[johnrando]

Updating my Safelite windshield repair. As part of the fixing of the scratches on my car, the body shop had to replace the molding around the windshield. Good news, because they discovered that the windshield replace was done incorrectly. No primer on the metal where they had to scrape up the old molding and too much glue was used so the windshield wasn't sitting properly. The good news is that Safelite has a labor warranty, I called them and they are going to the body shop tomorrow to fix it. This run of bad luck with the scratches definitely turned into a positive because they found something early that could end up being a huge problem, because if not done correctly, it could start rusting. I'll just be so glad to have my car back.