E38 Windshield replacement prices and other issues

[georgebest]

Figured to share my recent experience:

'01 740iL with "Climate Comfort" windshield, heated, IR, rain sensor and probably an AC sensor as well.
Part should be 51317007399 according to this: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_2122

Nobody seems to have aftermarket anymore with heating and IR, at least I was unable to find one. Many quote it on their website but when you actually need it they only offer OEM.
BMW of South Atlanta has it for approx $700 with shipping, but... they won't actually ship it Local dealer asked $2,100 with labor.

Safelite initially said $1100 for OEM, but on the day of the scheduled installation called me and said it would be $1300. I was pissed so cancelled it.

Went to a local guy with great Yelp reviews, he quoted initially $1100 for OEM then went up to $1300. I just didnt want to waste more time on it so went ahead with it.

He put in the new windshield in approx 4 hours, said everything was tight and according to specs etc. I think you know where this is heading

When the car hits 50 crazy windnoise starts coming from around the top trim, at around 65 it gets unbearable. The reason is quite simple, he left a too big gap between the glass and the rood, so the trim couldnt fill it up. Not only that but he had no clue about the fact that the windshield has to be slightly lower than the roof in order the trim to work as it supposed to be. BMW sells a tool for the installation for $14: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/83300495259/

Guy will now try to get the windshield out with a fishline, without breaking it and install it back to BMW specs. If only he checked it before doing it and spent $14 on the tool...

Anyway, figured to share it with you all. Probably others will run into the same issue. The height and the gap seems to be crucial when installing a new one.

- - - Updated - - -

by the way, this is the official installation guide if anybody needs it: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y3V...ew?usp=sharing

[PiotrC70]

Yeah, unfortunately, he will likely be unsuccessful taking out the windshield without chipping or cracking it. I was just discussing this in another one of my posts and Safelite quoted me around $1000 for my area. My plan is to fork out my deductible when I get it replaced. Also, with regards to the dealer, ask around and see who they use for windshield installs and go directly to them. They are charging you $2k because they become the middle man and have to handle your car.

[racer2086]

Just got a rock into my windshield 2 days ago. I will be going through this myself. Last one wasn't installed quite right either, so this time I'll make sure they do it right. Thanks for the info.

[PiotrC70]

Just a heads up for you both that if you have a shop do it, you can provide them the OEM parts to use instead of their off the shelf weather seals up top, that's what I did with my 300ZX when I had Safelite replace it. My suggestion is to provide the tech with the necessary spacer/tool to properly align the windshield, don't expect them to order one for something they will use once.

[lewvirg]

Just a heads up for you both that if you have a shop do it, you can provide them the OEM parts to use instead of their off the shelf weather seals up top, that's what I did with my 300ZX when I had Safelite replace it. My suggestion is to provide the tech with the necessary spacer/tool to properly align the windshield, don't expect them to order one for something they will use once.

I have had to replace the windshields on the il and i. I had safelight do both and made sure they sent a tech who had the training for this type of windshield . The techs sent out had the spacers and and the knowledge of the upper gasket. I removed the A pillar covers and mirror myself. IIRC the cost of the windshield was 1325.00 or thereabouts but thanks to a 200 deduct not too much pain.

[asianvenom]

Had mine replaced at the dealer...walked in guessing it would cost in the ball park of $1200, the service advisor quoted $2450, I almost fainted. Thank God for $100 winshield deductible. LoL

[PiotrC70]

For those that decide to go through Safelite, don't have a mobile tech come out but rather go into the location and speak with someone, preferably the manager to discuss your valid concerns. When I did my 300ZX, I was told by the manager that the majority of mobile techs will have less experience than those stationed at a facility so it's something to keep in mind.

[Bigrobsbmw]

Why are we spending $1000 and up for windshields on 17 year old cars ? As much as I love love love my machine I cant justify that on a $5k car. If you forego the IR feature you can get a quality windshield for 1/3 the price.
I don't feel any hotter with my $300 non IR glass.
I did experience the installer nightmare though.

[racer2086]

I believe in FL, there is no glass deductible. I'm not sure they will replace mine yet, as the rock took a chunk out and there are two minor cracks coming out from the divot. I'm mostly concerned about it getting installed correctly.

[Chamberlin]

I have one 740i sport with the IR and one without. The one without is a 2000 Canadian market car with all the cold weather goodies including 4 spoke heated wheel (no 3 spoke sport wheel available with heat). There's no BMW logo on the front glass and the car has 180k miles, so I'm assuming the car has had its windshield replaced at least once. But here in Arizona I love the IR glass on my '01. Do the build sheets show IR glass as an option, or was it standard on theses cars? I'll look them up later, but I thought the IR windshield was common on all 740i Sports for some reason. Obviously not going to throw a rock through my window to make a claim for IR glass, heck the OEM installation pricing is probably greater than the value of the car! But just so I know, there *are* IR windshields available in the USA still, correct? Will they eventually run out, or are they still able to be made?

Oh and BTW, both cars have a surprising amount of wind noise at the top of the windshield area above around 55 mph. Hmmm.

[racer2086]

Yeah the wind noise is what I have. It was so bad when they replaced the windshield, my parents had Safelite come back and reinstall it. Much better but there is still noise.

Does anyone have a picture of the cutouts in the IR windshield for a radar detector? I keep my V1 above the left side of the rearview mirror. Is there enough space there on an IR windshield for it?

Maybe it is just worth getting regular glass and having the clear 3M UV and IR film applied before install?

[cyclops2]

For Phoenix, consider this place. I have spoken with him (Seth, owner) multiple times on VWVortex. He is also a BMW guy. He knows his stuff and is very well aware of how the e38 windshield must be installed precisely.

I haven't used him, but he is the go to guy for sure.

Here is his website: http://www.yourautoglassguy.com/

Here is Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/scottsdale-...ass-scottsdale

Here is link to thread on VWVortex: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ale+windshield

On page 4 of the VWVortex thread you'll see where I (huntinwabbit) ask about my e38 windshield and he quotes me $450-475. that is a basic windshield Sekurit... and nearly 3 years ago.

Anyway, if you're in Phoenix, check out this guy for sure.


PS - as part of my build project, I really want to have the windshield replaced at some point.

[Jamos]

I had my windshield replaced for $250 cash and the guy came to my house and did it. Then when I painted the car, I had him come and take it out again - hadn't even driven it yet - and he warned he would/could break it. He didn't, and it just got scuffed. I just had another guy put that same windshield back in and it looks brand new. HOWEVER he set it a bit low, so the stupid top grommet doesn't cover the roof the way it should, can't wait to hear how loud that gets. Point is... windshield installed, at home, $250 Canadian. No need to spend $1000 on something like a windshield anymore.

[Chamberlin]

For Phoenix, consider this place. I have spoken with him (Seth, owner) multiple times on VWVortex. He is also a BMW guy. He knows his stuff and is very well aware of how the e38 windshield must be installed precisely.
Anyway, if you're in Phoenix, check out this guy for sure.

Cool thanks so much for the head's up on this guy.

[noobbiker]

I’m looking at getting mine removed to treat rust, myself. I was able to source the round spacers online, but can’t find the square spacers anywhere. Anyone had any luck finding those?

[racer2086]

You mean part number 51318172242? They are available from all the usual online places...

[noobbiker]

I must be a fucking idiot. I couldn’t even figure out the part number.

[racer2086]

Just check realoem to make sure you got the right part number for the other ones. This is the link to my build date, but I imagine they are the same for all? You will also want some new trim for the top of the window and maybe an extra clip or two for the side trim.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_2124

[noobbiker]

How do you tell of your glass has the protective glazing? By looking at it? I’m pretty sure my glass was changed at some point.

[Chamberlin]

How do you tell of your glass has the protective glazing? By looking at it? I’m pretty sure my glass was changed at some point.

If by protective glazing you mean the IR blockibg 'comfort' windshield, it is very easy to tell. There will be a square clear opening on the bottom middle of the glass to allow for proper use of radar detectors. The rest of the window will have a noticeable tint in comparison to this clear area.

[racer2086]

Run your VIN though the bmwvin.com decoder. You will see the option code for protective glazing if it had it. I believe that's the "750" glass that has the layer inside that separates. Not many 740s got it if I recall.

On another note, I filed a claim online with my insurance for my windshield, and since it isn't bigger than a dollar bill, they will "repair" it for free. Safelite is coming to work to today to do that (or hopefully tell me I need new glass). All is fully covered.

[racer2086]

So update after the repair. They came to work today and repaired it in about 10 minutes. Couldn't break away to watch the guy, but when I went back out, the chip and crack is almost invisible. I am very impressed. So no new glass for me yet... Almost bought all the spacers and stuff.

[georgebest]

So update after the repair. They came to work today and repaired it in about 10 minutes. Couldn't break away to watch the guy, but when I went back out, the chip and crack is almost invisible. I am very impressed. So no new glass for me yet... Almost bought all the spacers and stuff.

That's good! I'm still waiting my guy to get the tools, curious if he will manage to install it second time correctly.

[georgebest]

Figured to share my recent experience:

'01 740iL with "Climate Comfort" windshield, heated, IR, rain sensor and probably an AC sensor as well.
Part should be 51317007399 according to this: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_2122

Nobody seems to have aftermarket anymore with heating and IR, at least I was unable to find one. Many quote it on their website but when you actually need it they only offer OEM.
BMW of South Atlanta has it for approx $700 with shipping, but... they won't actually ship it Local dealer asked $2,100 with labor.

Safelite initially said $1100 for OEM, but on the day of the scheduled installation called me and said it would be $1300. I was pissed so cancelled it.

Went to a local guy with great Yelp reviews, he quoted initially $1100 for OEM then went up to $1300. I just didnt want to waste more time on it so went ahead with it.

He put in the new windshield in approx 4 hours, said everything was tight and according to specs etc. I think you know where this is heading

When the car hits 50 crazy windnoise starts coming from around the top trim, at around 65 it gets unbearable. The reason is quite simple, he left a too big gap between the glass and the rood, so the trim couldnt fill it up. Not only that but he had no clue about the fact that the windshield has to be slightly lower than the roof in order the trim to work as it supposed to be. BMW sells a tool for the installation for $14: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/83300495259/

Guy will now try to get the windshield out with a fishline, without breaking it and install it back to BMW specs. If only he checked it before doing it and spent $14 on the tool...

Anyway, figured to share it with you all. Probably others will run into the same issue. The height and the gap seems to be crucial when installing a new one.

- - - Updated - - -

by the way, this is the official installation guide if anybody needs it: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y3V...ew?usp=sharing

Closure on my story.
Guy actually got out the wrongly installed windshield with some wires, I guess when $1000 is on the line people can get really creative. He got now the BMW tool, read the installation manual and got it back into the right place. I also agreed to put in a brand new upper trim on my expense, they are cheap anyway.. Wind noise is gone, everything looks spec. This was some adventure!
If anybody needs a new windshield in the Philadelphia area, now we have a guy properly trained and tooled! Just message me for his contact details.

[racer2086]

That's great news! Hard to get someone who installs these correctly. Do you have wind noise in your glass roof? I'm thinking all the noise I hear with the shade open is from my windshield.