[JCFans01]

Not sure when/how this happened, but I just noticed this large crack on the windshield. It was usually covered by a toll transponder so I didn’t notice it earlier. Can this be filled or must this be replaced?

I’m based in Toronto, Canada, so I expect my comprehensive insurance has glass coverage (with deductibles) but I’m checking with them right now.

If I go OEM replacement (HUD) at the dealer, how much will this set me back approx.? I don’t want to be gouged.

Thank you.

[Marty in NY]

Originally Posted by JCFans01

Not sure when/how this happened, but I just noticed this large crack on the windshield. It was usually covered by a toll transponder so I didn’t notice it earlier. Can this be filled or must this be replaced?

I’m based in Toronto, Canada, so I expect my comprehensive insurance has glass coverage (with deductibles) but I’m checking with them right now.

If I go OEM replacement (HUD) at the dealer, how much will this set me back approx.? I don’t want to be gouged.

Thank you.

That cannot be reliably filled and I can't see the other end of it, if both ends have reached the edge of the glass then it will probably stay like that otherwise it will propagate as you drive it. I'd insist on OEM glass since you have HUD but the dealer isn't the only place that can do it and your insurance company may offer their preferred place. I've seen people on the forum report from $2K - 3.5K USD for a replacement depending on who did the replacement.

[ddelX52019G05]

Originally Posted by JCFans01

Not sure when/how this happened, but I just noticed this large crack on the windshield. It was usually covered by a toll transponder so I didn’t notice it earlier. Can this be filled or must this be replaced?

I’m based in Toronto, Canada, so I expect my comprehensive insurance has glass coverage (with deductibles) but I’m checking with them right now.

If I go OEM replacement (HUD) at the dealer, how much will this set me back approx.? I don’t want to be gouged.

Thank you.

The dealership replaced mine for $3,232.78, a bargain!

It's frustrating when this happens, more so when your insurance company wants to dictate a replacement alternative, State Farm explained to me that they had a "bid process" to find a replacement provider, instead I told them I'll get it repaired at the dealership and submit the bill, that worked less my deductible.

BMW dealers not only use the OEM glass, they also use a slower curing type of adhesive that is supposed to have a superior result, well definitely a better revenue result, IDK I just trust the dealer techs to do a better job and stand behind the results. Good luck with your replacement.

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=29788589

[JCFans01]

Thanks, both for the quick inputs. Is this safe to drive (including at highway speed) and for how long? While I sort through insurance and wait for the glass to come.

Thank you.

[ddelX52019G05]

Originally Posted by JCFans01

Thanks, both for the quick inputs. Is this safe to drive (including at highway speed) and for how long? While I sort through insurance and wait for the glass to come.

Thank you.

It's okay to drive even at highway speeds, however the structural integrity of the glass is compromised, the visible cracking might increase, while it's unlikely the glass will completely fail, it's best to get it replaced and limit your driving until you are able to do so. Here is a more qualified response, lol, seems you already felt this way too!

Driving a vehicle with cracks in the windshield, particularly at the top, can be risky and is generally not recommended. Here are some reasons why:

1. Structural Integrity: The windshield contributes to the overall structural integrity of the vehicle. Cracks can weaken this integrity, making the vehicle less safe in the event of an accident.

2. Visibility: Even if the cracks are at the top of the windshield, they can spread and obstruct your view, posing a hazard while driving.

3. Legal Issues: Many regions have laws and regulations regarding the condition of vehicle windshields. Driving with a cracked windshield might be illegal and can result in fines or penalties.

4. Spreading of Cracks: Cracks can grow over time due to temperature changes, vibrations from driving, and other factors. What starts as a small crack can quickly become a larger, more dangerous issue.

5. Safety in Accidents: In the event of a collision, a cracked windshield is more likely to shatter, increasing the risk of injury from glass fragments.

What to Do


- Replacement: If the crack is significant, the safest option is to replace the windshield.

Immediate Steps
1. Avoid Rough Roads: Minimize driving on rough or bumpy roads which can exacerbate the crack.
2. **Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes**: Do not expose the windshield to sudden temperature changes, such as blasting the defroster on a cold morning.
3. **Limit Driving**: If possible, avoid driving the vehicle until the windshield is repaired or replaced.

Conclusion
While it may be possible to drive with a cracked windshield, it is not safe or advisable. The best course of action is to have the crack inspected and repaired or replaced by a professional to ensure your safety and compliance with local regulations.

[Marty in NY]

Originally Posted by JCFans01

Thanks, both for the quick inputs. Is this safe to drive (including at highway speed) and for how long? While I sort through insurance and wait for the glass to come.

Thank you.

I agree with what ddelX52019G05 wrote. That crack started out being small and grew over time until you just now noticed it, it will continue to propagate till the other side reaches an end point.

[JCFans01]

Got a quote from the dealership. Does this look reasonable? Total amount is CAD$4400. Just doing a sanity check because while this is covered by insurance, unnecessary amounts end up hurting us all.

Thank you.

[eelnoraa]

I think trusting dealer to do better job at repair is a very big assumption. Dealer tech will not do better because simply they don’t repair enough compare to a glass shop. This applies to everything

And comm’on guys. Don’t fear Mong’s OP. Is it safe to drive, absolutely yes. The crack will grow, both end will eventually reach the edge, then it will stop. but glass wont fail apart. Windshield is laminated glass, so only the outter layer is cracked.

Sure it is part is cars structure, but it has more to do with say when car is flip upside down, where roof need to remain support the weight is entire car. The cars chassi stiffness, handling …. this has nothing to do with that surface crack.

I would say it should be replaced, especially if it is affecting driver’s line of sight. But it isn’t dangerous. Again the glass won’t fail apart. But then just don’t wait 6 months.

As for cost at dealer, $3000ish is normal for oem class at dealer. . I just had mine replaced. The glass has those camera module attached, make it a lot more expansive then car without those driver assist feature. Then the cost is caliberation. This should be cover under insurance for comprehensive or just glass coverage. It was in my case. Now if I don’t have coverage, I will probably give safelite a try. They can order oem glass and do the replacement, still need calibration. Mag ended up be mid $2000ish still.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by JCFans01

Got a quote from the dealership. Does this look reasonable? Total amount is CAD$4400. Just doing a sanity check because while this is covered by insurance, unnecessary amounts end up hurting us all.

Thank you.

Try another dealer? Two deslers in my area, their quote is $1000 apart, $4200 vs $3200. I can look up the exact number of it matters.

[arter]

Just had mine done by safelite on a 2021 xdrived 45e:
$681 including recalibration. Looks perfect. Pikington glass.

[JCFans01]

Originally Posted by arter

Just had mine done by safelite on a 2021 xdrived 45e:
$681 including recalibration. Looks perfect. Pikington glass.

Is yours HUD? Just wondering.

[arter]

No HUD, so it would have been a simplier recalibration.

[JCFans01]

I have heard horror stories of the calibration not going right for HUD if you go outside of BMW. Not sure how true or prevalent this is?

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by JCFans01

I have heard horror stories of the calibration not going right for HUD if you go outside of BMW. Not sure how true or prevalent this is?

I have never heard of a problem with the calibration. What has caused problems is getting non-OEM glass.

[JCFans01]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I have never heard of a problem with the calibration. What has caused problems is getting non-OEM glass.

So to balance quality and price, is the recommendation to go with non-BMW dealers to get the job done as long as they use an OEM HUD glass?

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by JCFans01

So to balance quality and price, is the recommendation to go with non-BMW dealers to get the job done as long as they use an OEM HUD glass?

That would seem to be the way many owners, and insurance companies, go.

[eelnoraa]

My 2 quotes from nearby dealers. The total parts listed are different, and for matching parts, the “list price”s are also very different. So go figure if dealers are supposed to do a better job.

And per bmw, car is safe to drive with seat belt on.

[rmorin1249]

Safelite replaced the windshield on our 2019 with an OEM, calibrated everything and replaced the wiper blades. My out of pocket cost was $150. This was over 3 years ago and have had absolutely no issues. I do have HUD and acoustic glass option if that matters. I have Erie insurance.

[Cooltones]

Hey Folks,
So like many of us here there's a desire to get an OEM replacement instead of some aftermarket windshield (Which, I've heard some have had poor seal ("whistling sound while driving at freeway speed) or some distortion in the glass (due to who knows what...).
3 years ago my auto insurance company, who will remain nameless, but they do claim they're "like a good neighbor"..., said that they take bids (like someone else posted here) and will be willing to pay the average price. Of course this is nowhere close to the cost of an OEM replacement, especially if you insist on the BMW dealership to do the installation. So 3 years ago, I decided to have the dealership install the OEM glass *and* they also convinced me(?) that the rain sensor needed to be replaced. My auto insurance company compensated me about 50% of the total cost of replacement. BTW, it's important to note the one of the repair shops that my auto insurance recommended was Safelight Auto Glass.

So, when my windshield got damaged earlier this year I thought, "OK, I'll go to Safelight and get the replacement done there." Fast forward to the end of the installation day and the Safelight manager told me they had problems with the calibration process, and suggested I go to BMW to have them calibrate the system and then drive back to Safelight for the actual windshield installation...
ARE YOU *&%^&* KIDDING ME?!?!
I complained to my auto insurance company that I TRIED THEIR? way and it didn't get done. I reminded them that I had been a client for over 20 years (Yeah, that was risky as we know these auto insurance companies, especially in California, are just cancelling policies left and right.).
BIG NEWS: when they informed me of how much they would pay for the replacement they gave me a figure around $2K -- Knowing that last time they did a bidding process, I asked them WHO they used for bidding this time? DEAD SILENCE on the other side of the phone call- Apparently, my auto insurance company no longer conduct bidding.

In the end, my auto insurance paid 100% of the BMW Dealership install. Note that it did help that I kept the manager's notes from Safelight explaining their difficulty performing the installation. That note is something I'll keep forever, because we know this sort of thing will happen again.

Sorry for the long text. Just trying to help everyone (including myself- READ: My "therapy rant". :-). )

[JCFans01]

UPDATE:
I completed this replacement a few weeks ago at my BMW dealership. Here is the final bill. Took 2 days as they wanted to keep it overnight to allow urethane to cure.

[streborx]

Did the dealer need it overnight because he farmed it out to an auto glass shop?

[JCFans01]

I hope not. I had an Airtag in the car and it stayed put. They also sent me a video, albeit after it was just done, still showing all doors open, car on a pedestal and looked it was being worked on.