Windshield Guru > Another option for us

[danewilson77]

Just got off the phone with Wendy over at Windshield guru. Seemed very nice. Only cut me off once......I almost threw my phone when she did this....but otherwise was pleasant.

http://www.autoglassguru.com/

The data I got from her was the following.

1. They are mobile.

2. They do NOT use recycled materials like Safelite uses. Safelite apparently makes their own windshields. I did not know this.

3. They only use Pilkington glass for the BMW's.

4. $335.65 out the door. Same price as Safelite with the recycled windshield, but for Pilkington glass.

*I will update this review on install.

Other useless (ahem...usefull) info:

Realoem link for part number > http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=51_3222&hg=51&fg=05

ECSTuning link and price for BMW OEM Windshield > http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51317059705/ES92922/

So...it looks like they make a lil over $100.00 for labor and gasket....unless they are able to find cheaper.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=51_3222&hg=51&fg=05

[M3TA5IN]

Just a little fun fact for you, Pilkington does have decent glass. They are owned by NSG a japanese based company. Safelite is owned by Belron and sells glass to a large portion of the autoglass industry. Belron owns a huge portion of autoglass companies all over the world and are a Belgium based company.

Personally I would never put anything except for OEM BMW glass in my car. Ive worked with Safelite and Pilkington glass and personally I dont feel either would be good enough for my BMW. If you do use aftermarket glass though, a good way to see if its good is to looks at the edges where the glass curves from sitting in the car. Poor glass will have lots of warps, you never really see it while just driving, youll just notice it when looking around.

With that said I hope I never have to have a windshield replaced or any glass. I worked for safelite for 2 years when I was younger and cars get seriously messed up when you have to replace glass. A lot of it you will never actually see, but its unavoidable.

[danewilson77]

Pilkington is the oem glass. Every window on my car says...."Pilkington" "BMW" on it.

[M3TA5IN]

Pilkington is the oem glass. Every window on my car says...."Pilkington" "BMW" on it.

Really, I didnt know that? We always ordered glass for BMWs from BMW and a BMW truck showed up so I never really looked lol. You just taught me something sir.

[M3TA5IN]

I just did a little researching because that baffled me.

Seems BMW uses different glass in there different series.

the 5 and 7s have Sekruit glass in it and the "cheaper" cars depends, I couldnt find a for sure answer on that.

[danewilson77]

OK. For the 3 series....I believe the Pilkington glass = BMW glass. It has the BMW symbol and everything.

[danewilson77]

For my 6 side windows it says this.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/IMAG0775.jpg

For my rear window it says this.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/IMAG0776.jpg

[danewilson77]

The Guru showed up at 1330 (1000-1400 was time frame).

One thumb down on punctuality.

Guy was friendly and courteous.

Laid big jack hammer thingy across custom shift surround. Didn't like that but no damage was evident.

I give my overall score based on price and service a 7/10.

Here's the Pilkington glass that was put in.

This is a good option at $335.65.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG0816.jpg

Yes...I see no BMW emblem.

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[M3TA5IN]

Does it look crazy looking out your new windshield now? Like crazy clear

[danewilson77]

Does it look crazy looking out your new windshield now? Like crazy clear

Really...its ridiculous. I wish they never got mandated or cracked. Gonna do new wiper today. Prolly just go with Rain-X.

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[HokieZHP]

Better do a photoshoot with the new glass since it'll look better than ever now :)

[danewilson77]

^Prolly right.........

[zj96sc]

As an interesting factoid, my 2004 had Sekurit glass everywhere and my 05 has Pilkington glass everywhere.

As a heads up, you can refill the oem wipers for $7. Bosch or Rain-X blades I've seen are all 30-40 a set.

[danewilson77]

What windshield gasket do you guys have? I believe Safelite put in a different one......than WG did...

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG0819.jpg

[johnrando]

I'll check mine and get back to you later this evening. Getting ready to go to one of my daughter's recitals right now.

[johnrando]

Just ran out and did a quick check. Mine's thinner, used safelite, but I must have asked for OEM gasket. Will post pic later.

[M3TA5IN]

Just ran out and did a quick check. Mine's thinner, used safelite, but I must have asked for OEM gasket. Will post pic later.

It really depends on the tech that installs it. They have about 6 different moldings they consistently use.

[danewilson77]

So....I guess the question is, does this gasket pose anything detrimental? I mean it looks fine.

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[johnrando]

IDK, but the fact that they guarantee their work, I can't believe they'd put in a substandard gasket that they'd have to replace or would cause them repair problems. That would be way too much cost in gas and manpower, just not worth it. I'm guessing you are fine. I have nothing to back that up with though.

[zj96sc]

That is not what my gasket looks like. I'll try to snap a phone pic for you.

I had my F-250's windshield done by safelite and they used a gasket that looked like yours. It is now torn and lifting in both upper corners after about 4 years, with about 2 of those garaged 2 not. Just my experience.

[danewilson77]

I would imagine the gasket can be replaced after the fact?

Thanks for the data fella's.

[zj96sc]

My gasket that is tearing goes under the windshield - all one piece. I need to try to RTV it back down or something.

I looks like it shrank under sunlight and pulled loose.

I'll try to snap you some pics of that too.

Paul

[danewilson77]

OK...thanks Paul

[zj96sc]

Alright, here's the OEM windshield gasket:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j234/paulkeith/cars/IMG_0580.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j234/paulkeith/cars/IMG_0581.jpg

Here's the gasket safelite put on my F-250, i think about 4 years down the road:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j234/paulkeith/cars/IMG_0578.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j234/paulkeith/cars/IMG_0576.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j234/paulkeith/cars/IMG_0577.jpg

[Hornung418]

Dane, when it rains, the OEM gasket collects the water and it drains through the gasket. It also helps with wiper runoff. I think Whitey had a problem with this on the Xi.

[danewilson77]

Yeah...that's why I was asking....and it hasn't rained yet. Safelite put the right gasket on.....WG did not.

[M3TA5IN]

Its doable, but not easy to put that kind of gasket on with the windshield in.

The gasket is only cosmetic and hides the edge of the glass and the gap between the pinch weld. If you have any problems with rain it is not the gasket, its the seal from the urethane.

[danewilson77]

OK.....I'll roll with it, and bring it through a few rainstorms.......

Any leaks or wet floor boards, and they're getting a call.

[M3TA5IN]

OK.....I'll roll with it, and bring it through a few rainstorms.......

Any leaks or wet floor boards, and they're getting a call.

yea def. The things that will cause leaks is bubbles in the urethane when they ran it or if they ran the bead wrong on the edges. Also some cars (im not sure about e46 330s) but under the cowl to the heater induct they have a piece of rubber that stops rain, sometimes techs will take this off or bump it with there gun and that will also cause really wet floor boards (this is very noticeable though)

[danewilson77]

Copy. Werd.

[johnrando]

Was gonna post a pic of my gasket but doesn't sound like you need it. Hope there will be no issues with yours Dane.

[danewilson77]

Thanks John. I will post an update after a few storms. Keep me honest if I don't.

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