Replacement Windshield and Tint Strip question

[FrenchBoy]

A small rock hit my windshield a few days ago and created a 8" long crack in the windshield.

I had the windshield replaced yesterday and with OEM windshield and all seems fine (the installer did forget to tighten a few screws back together correctly. Good thing I checked).

However, I feel that the tinted sun strip at the top of the new windshield is MUCH lighter than the original one. The original one was from Pilkington and the new one from Saint Gobain.
Am I crazy. Aren't they supposed to be the same?

Thanks for any input.

[Mavrick151]

can you post a pic of the new glass so that we can compare?

[FrenchBoy]

Originally Posted by Mavrick151

can you post a pic of the new glass so that we can compare?

I will try to take a photo of the new windshield tonight.

[FrenchBoy]

Here is it.

This is before:


And here are two taken tonight with the new windshield (both photos where taken with overcast skies)





In all honesty, I am not sure what to think. It feels lighter but the photos don't really seem to indicate so. Maybe I am just crazy ;-)

[Mavrick151]

Hummm. It doesn't look too different. If it is different then so what. At least your windshield looks way better than mine! I think that its about time for a new one for myself as well. If you dont mind me asking how much did that run you installed?

[FrenchBoy]

I paid my insurance collision deductible. Total price parts + install was around $800 I believe.

Thanks for the support ;-)

[JCtx]

Looks the same to me. And both should have at least 2" more dark strip IMO.
Anyway, you said they forgot to tighten some screws: Did you notice what has to be removed??? If I ever have to replace the windshield, I rather remove crap myself. Thx.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

The price you paid was close to dealership, no? For a car like this I wouldn't personally use a shop, but dealership only... Messing with BMW windscreens really does takes talent and I'd rather have the piece and mind of BMW along with coverage rather than rely on a smaller shop... The windscreen looks pretty much the same... thinking about it more will drive you crazy...

You do realize that most BMW dealers will have an outside glass installer come in to change the windshield.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by FrenchBoy

Here is it.


In all honesty, I am not sure what to think. It feels lighter but the photos don't really seem to indicate so. Maybe I am just crazy ;-)

You're lucky that the replacement windshield still has the dark band of tint across the top of the windshield. 09 sedans from I believe April 09 and on as well as all 2010 and 2011's did away with the band of tint.

At least the coupes and verts still have it. Although I bet the new 3 series will eliminate the tint band altogether.

[sor]

Originally Posted by FrenchBoy

I paid my insurance collision deductible. Total price parts + install was around $800 I believe.

Thanks for the support ;-)

Holy crap!! I replaced the windshield on a 335 this summer, same glass, for $260. It would have been $180 if not for the rain sensor. Went ahead and just paid it out of pocket. Maybe they charge more if they know you're charging insurance... or could it vary that much based on location?

I don't think BMW windshields are special or take any more talent to replace than any other windshield. Find a shop that does nothing but windshields, uses OEM glass, and they'll have plenty of experience to do the job right.

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

You do realize that most BMW dealers will have an outside glass installer come in to change the windshield.

True, but it's likely that the installer they use is very much more familiar with BMW's. Probably does it every day. I've had a couple replaced by other windshield installers and wasn't feeling good about it. I hung around and kept an eye on what they were doing and both times they had trouble and made me nervous. If I hadn't been there watching (and helping), I'm not sure if they would have been as careful as they were. I'm sure I would have ended up with some paint damage around the bottom corners of the windshield or gouge marks on the dash. I'm using dealer from now on, if possible.

[FrenchBoy]

The windshield installer was recommended by BMW Seattle. This is the guy they use for most of their windshield replacement work.

The new windshield was installed correctly. Work was done quickly at my place of work. They removed the side trim pieces, wiper arms, covers for brake fluid reservoir and filters (passenger side, symmetric to brake fluid reservoir cover) and slid down the cover piece at the bottom of the windshield.

They didn't do a great job at putting a couple of pieces back correctly though: As mentioned, the screws for the brake fluid reservoir cover were loose. And I have also noticed that both wiper arms are incorrectly angled. Probably need to remove them and rotate them a tooth on the arm axle.

Not that big of a deal but a bit of an annoyance.