[grimluster]

Hey everyone -

So I got my first rockchip and it turned into a 7-8 inch crack in my windshield. I took it to safelite to try and get it repaired but we have no choice but to replace it.

My x5 is fully loaded with all the safety features so re-calibration will be very important. I called insurance and got everything sorted out, also requested an OEM windshield. Only a $100 deductible, but wanted to get thoughts on safelite doing this versus BMW service?

I know this is safelite's specialty but I've never had them do a full replacement before so just want to make sure.

[jaynesj13]

Originally Posted by grimluster

Hey everyone -

So I got my first rockchip and it turned into a 7-8 inch crack in my windshield. I took it to safelite to try and get it repaired but we have no choice but to replace it.

My x5 is fully loaded with all the safety features so re-calibration will be very important. I called insurance and got everything sorted out, also requested an OEM windshield. Only a $100 deductible, but wanted to get thoughts on safelite doing this versus BMW service?

I know this is safelite's specialty but I've never had them do a full replacement before so just want to make sure.

I'd question if safelite really can get OEM windshield... One thing you should ask also about, I think, is whether you can get acoustic glass.

[Marty in NY]

Originally Posted by grimluster

Hey everyone -

So I got my first rockchip and it turned into a 7-8 inch crack in my windshield. I took it to safelite to try and get it repaired but we have no choice but to replace it.

My x5 is fully loaded with all the safety features so re-calibration will be very important. I called insurance and got everything sorted out, also requested an OEM windshield. Only a $100 deductible, but wanted to get thoughts on safelite doing this versus BMW service?

I know this is safelite's specialty but I've never had them do a full replacement before so just want to make sure.

I've had our local Safelite replace three windshields on two different cars, all with OEM glass and in the end, all was well, no leaks and calibration went ok. However, it depends on how conscientious the person doing the job is and you have to do an inspection before taking the car off their lot or if you are having it done at your house or office, you must do the inspection before they leave.

You inspect the following:

- BEFORE they remove your old windshield, take a picture of the windshield mfg data located in the lower corner so you can match it up with the data that will be on the replacement windshield to verify that are using an OEM windshield. I had to request OEM to my insurance and they did not hesitate to approve it but you need to verify that is what was delivered to Safelite
- The rubber gasket/molding is properly seated 360 degrees around the windshield, no gaps, no folded over gasket, no dips, no zig zags, etc
- You inspect the two A pillars for signs of dirty thumb/finger prints and/or black silicone smears. There is no way you can remove it from the A pillars, you will need to replace them at Safelites expense. I had this happen during one of my replacements.
- In order to remove the mirror plastic housing from the inside of the windshield, you have to pry the black plastic cover off and sometimes in the process, they break one or more of the plastic tabs needed to reattach the cover firmly. If they do break but the installer still have enough tabs left to reinstall the cover, you will find that the cover will vibrate, buzz and shake while driving, especially on bumpy roads. You should grab hold of this cover and verify it is very firmly attached. You can do this before taking them your car in order to get a feel for what it should feel like after they complete the job
- From outside the windshield, inspect the sensor that is just in front of the rear view mirror and make sure they reattached the mirror and sensor properly and you don't have a huge air bubble in there.
- Check the top of the dash, steering wheel, center console, arm rests, both front seats for black silicone smears - this is nasty stuff that will ruin whatever it touches
- Finally, check all the systems that use the sensors and cameras that were detached and reattached to your windshield to verify they work properly. This will mean driving the car and engaging all those systems. Do it on they way home from Safelite, don't wait.
- Use your windshield washers and wipers and verify they work properly and the wipers don't have black silicone on them and smearing it all over the windshield
- Safelite should conduct a water test but in my experience its a brief test because the glue/silicone has not set up yet while they still have the car. Don't wait for a solid rain to find out it leaks, check it out in a couple of days with a water hose.

If this sounds like overkill, just know I learned after having three replaced

.

[dream54ing]

Originally Posted by jaynesj13

I'd question if safelite really can get OEM windshield... One thing you should ask also about, I think, is whether you can get acoustic glass.

safelite are able to get you oem if your insurance approves it. our dealership's inhouse glass replacement company is all done by safelite. our insurance originally denied oem, but our service manager told them our vehicle requires it because of the HUD. no sure how true that was, but insurance had to approve it. Dealership calibrated it afterwards

also, I believe all windshield are acoustic glass (laminate glass)

[Grumpy311]

Originally Posted by Marty in NY

I've had our local Safelite replace three windshields on two different cars, all with OEM glass and in the end, all was well, no leaks and calibration went ok. However, it depends on how conscientious the person doing the job is and you have to do an inspection before taking the car off their lot or if you are having it done at your house or office, you must do the inspection before they leave.

You inspect the following:

- BEFORE they remove your old windshield, take a picture of the windshield mfg data located in the lower corner so you can match it up with the data that will be on the replacement windshield to verify that are using an OEM windshield. I had to request OEM to my insurance and they did not hesitate to approve it but you need to verify that is what was delivered to Safelite
- The rubber gasket/molding is properly seated 360 degrees around the windshield, no gaps, no folded over gasket, no dips, no zig zags, etc
- You inspect the two A pillars for signs of dirty thumb/finger prints and/or black silicone smears. There is no way you can remove it from the A pillars, you will need to replace them at Safelites expense. I had this happen during one of my replacements.
- In order to remove the mirror plastic housing from the inside of the windshield, you have to pry the black plastic cover off and sometimes in the process, they break one or more of the plastic tabs needed to reattach the cover firmly. If they do break but the installer still have enough tabs left to reinstall the cover, you will find that the cover will vibrate, buzz and shake while driving, especially on bumpy roads. You should grab hold of this cover and verify it is very firmly attached. You can do this before taking them your car in order to get a feel for what it should feel like after they complete the job
- From outside the windshield, inspect the sensor that is just in front of the rear view mirror and make sure they reattached the mirror and sensor properly and you don't have a huge air bubble in there.
- Check the top of the dash, steering wheel, center console, arm rests, both front seats for black silicone smears - this is nasty stuff that will ruin whatever it touches
- Finally, check all the systems that use the sensors and cameras that were detached and reattached to your windshield to verify they work properly. This will mean driving the car and engaging all those systems. Do it on they way home from Safelite, don't wait.
- Use your windshield washers and wipers and verify they work properly and the wipers don't have black silicone on them and smearing it all over the windshield
- Safelite should conduct a water test but in my experience its a brief test because the glue/silicone has not set up yet while they still have the car. Don't wait for a solid rain to find out it leaks, check it out in a couple of days with a water hose.

If this sounds like overkill, just know I learned after having three replaced

.

This thread should almost gave a sticky because of this excellent response.

[moholland]

We just replaced a Macan S windshield and ran into an issue with Safelite not being able to calibrate it correctly. Plus they damaged the airbag indicator harness that is in the rear view mirror. Insurance is paying for all of it, but there was the hassle of waiting for Safelite to try to resolve the issue before they gave up and we had to take it to dealer. Out about a week. Not the end of the world but I would probably try to take our 45e to the dealer, going forward. Also, Safelite broke the clips that held the rear view mirror cluster in place. We have used Safelite with lots of other cars in the past without any issues but these new cars might be a little too complicated for them. I guess it also depends upon the location.

[grimluster]

Originally Posted by Marty in NY

I've had our local Safelite replace three windshields on two different cars, all with OEM glass and in the end, all was well, no leaks and calibration went ok. However, it depends on how conscientious the person doing the job is and you have to do an inspection before taking the car off their lot or if you are having it done at your house or office, you must do the inspection before they leave.

You inspect the following:

- BEFORE they remove your old windshield, take a picture of the windshield mfg data located in the lower corner so you can match it up with the data that will be on the replacement windshield to verify that are using an OEM windshield. I had to request OEM to my insurance and they did not hesitate to approve it but you need to verify that is what was delivered to Safelite
- The rubber gasket/molding is properly seated 360 degrees around the windshield, no gaps, no folded over gasket, no dips, no zig zags, etc
- You inspect the two A pillars for signs of dirty thumb/finger prints and/or black silicone smears. There is no way you can remove it from the A pillars, you will need to replace them at Safelites expense. I had this happen during one of my replacements.
- In order to remove the mirror plastic housing from the inside of the windshield, you have to pry the black plastic cover off and sometimes in the process, they break one or more of the plastic tabs needed to reattach the cover firmly. If they do break but the installer still have enough tabs left to reinstall the cover, you will find that the cover will vibrate, buzz and shake while driving, especially on bumpy roads. You should grab hold of this cover and verify it is very firmly attached. You can do this before taking them your car in order to get a feel for what it should feel like after they complete the job
- From outside the windshield, inspect the sensor that is just in front of the rear view mirror and make sure they reattached the mirror and sensor properly and you don't have a huge air bubble in there.
- Check the top of the dash, steering wheel, center console, arm rests, both front seats for black silicone smears - this is nasty stuff that will ruin whatever it touches
- Finally, check all the systems that use the sensors and cameras that were detached and reattached to your windshield to verify they work properly. This will mean driving the car and engaging all those systems. Do it on they way home from Safelite, don't wait.
- Use your windshield washers and wipers and verify they work properly and the wipers don't have black silicone on them and smearing it all over the windshield
- Safelite should conduct a water test but in my experience its a brief test because the glue/silicone has not set up yet while they still have the car. Don't wait for a solid rain to find out it leaks, check it out in a couple of days with a water hose.

If this sounds like overkill, just know I learned after having three replaced

.

Wow! This is great information, thank you! By the sound of it, perhaps I should just look into the dealer doing the work. I know they can also mess up but seems like a safer option...

Originally Posted by moholland

We just replaced a Macan S windshield and ran into an issue with Safelite not being able to calibrate it correctly. Plus they damaged the airbag indicator harness that is in the rear view mirror. Insurance is paying for all of it, but there was the hassle of waiting for Safelite to try to resolve the issue before they gave up and we had to take it to dealer. Out about a week. Not the end of the world but I would probably try to take our 45e to the dealer, going forward. Also, Safelite broke the clips that held the rear view mirror cluster in place. We have used Safelite with lots of other cars in the past without any issues but these new cars might be a little too complicated for them. I guess it also depends upon the location.

That's awful! Now I'm really considering calling BMW and seeing when/if they can do the replacement.

[mitch57]

Originally Posted by grimluster

Wow! This is great information, thank you! By the sound of it, perhaps I should just look into the dealer doing the work. I know they can also mess up but seems like a safer option...



That's awful! Now I'm really considering calling BMW and seeing when/if they can do the replacement.

I didn't even bother with Safelite. That's who my insurance wanted me to go with but I pushed for BMW and they said no problem. My BMW dealer did a fantastic job with my windshield replacement.

[grimluster]

Originally Posted by mitch57

I didn't even bother with Safelite. That's who my insurance wanted me to go with but I pushed for BMW and they said no problem. My BMW dealer did a fantastic job with my windshield replacement.

Thanks! I got it scheduled with BMW and I'm all set now.

[Tenac]

Just encase anyone is interested the recalibration is quite simple. The tech plugs in to the OB2 port under the dash drivers side and when he connects he selects the windshield sensor and hits reset. The vehicle needs a few mins of driving (they say 15mins) and all is well. No real specials tools are needed or setting just let the system do it itself. I give my shout-out to the tech that came to my home to do the windshield and show me the process!!! I love my local BMW dealer.

[awesoM]

You should always have the rain sensor replaced when replacing the windshield... at least that is what the service center tells me. This avoids removable issues etc.

[center001]

Thanks for the info in this post! Just had the windshield on my new X5 replaced after getting a small angel wing chip in my line of sight a few weeks ago.

Initially tried to get it repaired but the repair actually made it worse (chip appeared all black all of the time rather than the crystal/prism look it had initially). Thank God for insurance as the total cost of the replacement was $4200! I was astounded and was expecting something closer to $2500. For those that don't have a $0 glass deductible I would recommend adjusting your policy to include it.

Anyway for those in the Twin Cities, MN area I had it done at Walser Glass and from what I can tell so far they did a really great job and provided good service along the way.

[Arfy]

I have done 2600km now between Melbourne and Country Queensland and around a fair bit of Victoria. My mate says the rear seat is rough and bumpy. I sat in the back a bit and tend to agree. Not what i expected from the X5(G05 2019 model 30d).

Combination of low profile 20inch run flats and the suspension set up ( most of time is comfort mode) being a sporty type SAV.

Tyre pressure set by dealer, have not checked but heard around 40psi. ?

[iceRN09]

You should've requested Acoustic glass. If it wasn't the OEM for you

[Aimster82]

I just got mine replaced using Safelite. No problems.

There is only OEM so you will not get aftermarket.

I think almost every BMW dealership outsources it so just because you take it to BMW doesn't mean they are actually doing it.

[hdahman]

Originally Posted by Aimster82

I just got mine replaced using Safelite. No problems.

There is only OEM so you will not get aftermarket.

I think almost every BMW dealership outsources it so just because you take it to BMW doesn't mean they are actually doing it.

At least the dealer will be liable for the workmanship. I don't think everyone can check all those points Marty in NY pointed out earlier with precision.

[cellarrat]

$3300 for a replacement on a '22 45e. I pay $250 and Progressive pays the rest, but wow! The glass itself was over $1700

[tooloud10]

Originally Posted by cellarrat

$3300 for a replacement on a '22 45e. I pay $250 and Progressive pays the rest, but wow! The glass itself was over $1700

Did you have to fight to get an OEM replacement? I have a huge crack and am preparing for them to offer me a Safelite replacement.

[cellarrat]

Originally Posted by tooloud10

Did you have to fight to get an OEM replacement? I have a huge crack and am preparing for them to offer me a Safelite replacement.

Nope. Safelite processes Progressive's glass claims, and I was sure I'd have an argument, but they were great about it. Told them I was going to the dealer and they said they'd contact them and set it up.

Of course I haven't gotten a reimbursement check yet, so we'll see.

[moorlander]

My wife’s 2024 x5 got hit with a rock on the highway. The chip quickly spiderweb’d. progressive and Safelight we’re fine but their system doesn’t yet allow for a 2024 x5 to be selected. I made sure everyone I talked to knew it was a 24 and to make a not. Rest assured they showed up with 23 windshield. They apologized, ordered a 24 from a local BMW dealer, vin # checked, and they installed it the next week. They cannot however calibrate it so the car is at the dealer now for a calibration. The windshield was free through my insurance and the dealer charges $200 to calibrate which my insurance reimburses me.

[yzhou2004]

Originally Posted by Marty in NY

I've had our local Safelite replace three windshields on two different cars, all with OEM glass and in the end, all was well, no leaks and calibration went ok. However, it depends on how conscientious the person doing the job is and you have to do an inspection before taking the car off their lot or if you are having it done at your house or office, you must do the inspection before they leave.

You inspect the following:

- BEFORE they remove your old windshield, take a picture of the windshield mfg data located in the lower corner so you can match it up with the data that will be on the replacement windshield to verify that are using an OEM windshield. I had to request OEM to my insurance and they did not hesitate to approve it but you need to verify that is what was delivered to Safelite
- The rubber gasket/molding is properly seated 360 degrees around the windshield, no gaps, no folded over gasket, no dips, no zig zags, etc
- You inspect the two A pillars for signs of dirty thumb/finger prints and/or black silicone smears. There is no way you can remove it from the A pillars, you will need to replace them at Safelites expense. I had this happen during one of my replacements.
- In order to remove the mirror plastic housing from the inside of the windshield, you have to pry the black plastic cover off and sometimes in the process, they break one or more of the plastic tabs needed to reattach the cover firmly. If they do break but the installer still have enough tabs left to reinstall the cover, you will find that the cover will vibrate, buzz and shake while driving, especially on bumpy roads. You should grab hold of this cover and verify it is very firmly attached. You can do this before taking them your car in order to get a feel for what it should feel like after they complete the job
- From outside the windshield, inspect the sensor that is just in front of the rear view mirror and make sure they reattached the mirror and sensor properly and you don't have a huge air bubble in there.
- Check the top of the dash, steering wheel, center console, arm rests, both front seats for black silicone smears - this is nasty stuff that will ruin whatever it touches
- Finally, check all the systems that use the sensors and cameras that were detached and reattached to your windshield to verify they work properly. This will mean driving the car and engaging all those systems. Do it on they way home from Safelite, don't wait.
- Use your windshield washers and wipers and verify they work properly and the wipers don't have black silicone on them and smearing it all over the windshield
- Safelite should conduct a water test but in my experience its a brief test because the glue/silicone has not set up yet while they still have the car. Don't wait for a solid rain to find out it leaks, check it out in a couple of days with a water hose.

If this sounds like overkill, just know I learned after having three replaced

.

Very thorough inspection list. Just reply to save this thread for my headache to replace the windshield now. Thanks !

[yzhou2004]

Originally Posted by moholland

We just replaced a Macan S windshield and ran into an issue with Safelite not being able to calibrate it correctly. Plus they damaged the airbag indicator harness that is in the rear view mirror. Insurance is paying for all of it, but there was the hassle of waiting for Safelite to try to resolve the issue before they gave up and we had to take it to dealer. Out about a week. Not the end of the world but I would probably try to take our 45e to the dealer, going forward. Also, Safelite broke the clips that held the rear view mirror cluster in place. We have used Safelite with lots of other cars in the past without any issues but these new cars might be a little too complicated for them. I guess it also depends upon the location.

Agree. I am searching 3 safelite locations close by. The yelp reviews on all of 3 locations are 3 to 3.5. Some feedback on customer service are just terrible. I am thinking to take my car to either dealership or a reputable local shop for the replacement.