Does this windshield look normal to you?

[Stu]

Something seems way off. Look where the old glue is vs. the new glue, and look how it seems to bow. My cowling doesn't fit right, either. Raise hell about it? I already called them and told them to come look at it.

Click for bigger pictures.

http://i.imgur.com/NaW4Ul.jpg (http://imgur.com/NaW4U)
http://i.imgur.com/BcRdul.jpg (http://imgur.com/BcRdu)
http://i.imgur.com/wKvTpl.jpg (http://imgur.com/wKvTp)

[johnrando]

Don't know who did it but for me, Safelite came out and honored my warranty without even blinking, so yeah, have them fix it.

[Stu]

Well, I got off the phone with them and they're sending someone out to look at it. Good news:

http://www.nhbmwparts.com/parts/index.cfm?searchText=51317059702&make=BMW&action=oePartSearch&siteid=215800

I found an OEM windshield for under $304, which is the max. my insurance company will pay for a windshield! I am going to ask them to redo it with that, because I am unhappy with how the results turned out. My cowl doesn't sit properly due to that bowing effect. I do not think the windshield sits down far enough. It sits right in the center, but not out on the edges. I can live with this windshield like this no problem until it ships out.

They can even do next-day shipping for under $304 if they wanted to.

[Stu]

Apparently they're "not allowed" to order windshields from other dealers, and have to use very specific dealers to order the windshield from. Stupid.

I was able to get my cowl to fit pretty right, so I think that is just because it is 8 years old. I've ordered a new one.

Now, the question is about wind noise. I think I have more noise, but honestly I don't know! It seems louder to me, but I do not know if it is in my head...

The glass seems nice. It is solar shaded, and it actually has no distortions on it compared to my old OEM glass, which did have a lot of distortions. But is it as thick to prevent noise? I wish I had a decibel meter to compare.

Anyone know the "quietness" in Db of a standard E46 3-series?

[UdubBadger]

No clue, I always aim for the highest Db I can get ;)


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[Stu]

I did a test with my iPhone, at 70 mph, I got around 68-70 dB from the center console at ear-height, 82-86 dB from the windshield center, 81-83 dB from my direct driver's side window. Also keep in mind this is an iPhone app :P I'd be curious to see what other people get. Anyone else care to try?

The app is called "SPL Meter"

http://www.barrongreenteam.com/2007/11/interpreting-decibel-ratings-of-unit.html

According to this, my interior sounds like a vacuum cleaner, and I will get hearing damage if I drive my car more than 8 hours.

I...don't think this app is accurate haha.

[danewilson77]

6th gear I assume, all windows up, radio off, good smooth stretch of highway. which tires are you running?

[Stu]

Yes sir. Pretty new Potenza RE760s. I saw online a 2002 M3 had a 71 Db rating from the console, so maybe nothing has changed afterall. I'm trying to objectively notice if there's a change but for some reason it's hard for me to tell. I wish I did a comparison beforehand.