Windscreen replacement

[JF1980]

Well it was very windy today - I was driving back from my flying club and BANG! A sizeable branch fell out of a tree and smashed my windscreen (better than damaging the bodywork I guess).

Got on to AutoGlass - I had to drive an hour away to have the screen replaced as the local mobile guys wouldn't have a suitable screen until tomorrow afternoon and the mobile guys close to my work needed me to be available for a 4 hour window in the afternoon which I couldn't do due to client meetings. Fair enough, I didn't mind making the trip to get it dealt with and out of the way.

On the way home I seemed to notice a bit more wind noise than usual. I thought it was probably nothing and I was just being overly sensitive. Once home I had a look at the seals and noticed the rubber seal which runs up the drivers side pillar hadn't been seated properly (there's a lit which goes under the screen, that was just sitting on top of the screen). I sorted that out but it's not such a snug fit as the other side and easily pops out again if poked at all. I also noticed that the rubber seal which runs along the top doesn't quit sit right on the drivers side (goes slightly under the side seal rather than stopping just short) and it's loose on the passengers side where it looks like the screen is just slightly too low.

Obviously I'm concerned that in future I'll potentially have rust and/or electrical issues if water's seeping in to places it shouldn't

Anyone else had similar issues? I'll give them a call tomorrow and demand that they sort it out but can't see how they'd do that without replacing the screen again and positioning it properly.

[Reedler]

Not good news with your windscreen fit. We hit a pheasant the first weekend we got the X5, cracked our windscreen which we got replaced by same firm you mentioned. No problems so far with ours, I'll check the fit tomorrow in detail and give you a shout back. Cheers Reedler

[JF1980]

Thanks matey. Bit of a hassle and I know I'm being picky but then why shouldn't I be!?!

[Raj]

Not being picky at all, I have done the same a couple of times on different cars. I had 3 screens replaced on a previous Corrado as they couldn't get it right.

[AW8]

I too have had problems with Autoglass. I have had 2 screens replaced by them.

Firstly it should be noted that they usually try to differ a non BMW screen......I insisted on both occasions they sourced BMW items - it is your right to insist on this and also important to ensure you get the correct screen in my case with graduated top tint & rain sensor. They were adamant their replacements were made by pilkington who also make the BMW ones but having a BMW logo in corner can give peace both to owner or potential future owner come resale.

Secondly it is importnat the screen is fitted correctly as the rubbers are quiet fussy as to how they sit. The rubbers should be located & seated correctly & if using a BMW screen then the dash VIN/Chassi number plaque should be visible & correctly located in relation to the viewing aperture to the black film.

Thirdy it is desireable that damage isnt caused to the paintwork & metal of the frame. Autoglass are very stict in not letting caustomers seee work being done in their workshops & it can be difficult if not impossible to see the integrity of the frame before the screen is bonded into place. If they wont let you see this step in progress then all you can do is ask them to take care not to damage the metal & to ensure they use plenty of paint/sealant to cover an exposed paint.

For the record on 1st screen damage I had a new screen fitted but the rubbers weren't alligned properly.I had to show them the problem & explain the issue of concern. I am not certain but I seem to recall they either fitted a 2nd replacment or certainly had another new one one on stand in case the 1st replacement broke. I then checked it before accepting the 2nd attempt at the replacement.............Last replacement was quite recent. I had a stone chip so a technician attempted a chip repair F.O.C. at home address. The repair failed & the chip remained. I called them & they asked me to take it into their depot/workshop. They agreed it had failed & thus had to supply a new screen at their expense, (no glass excess as it was a failed chip repair). Again I insisted on a correct BMW screen, (so had to wait about 2 weeks for same & chased same after a week or so). I then took car to their workshop & had it replaced as I waited. This way I knew if there was an issue I would be able to speak to the manager & I also knew other techicians would be on hand plus tools & equipment at the workshop.

Deal with the manager........you can expect it to be sorted in the end albeit it may take time. If they dispute your representations tell them you will simply get BMW to look at it & provide report but with a view to seeking them paying the cost of same plus any other expenses if they syart to add up. If it get's really messy ask your insurance company to intervene &/or state you intend to write a letter to Autoexpress inviting comments from others who may have had problems.

Not wishing to insult you but polite & firm reasonable negotiation may be key to a favourable resolution.

[X5Sport]

Insist that they do the job agsin at their own expense! I had them out once to change the X5 screen and they cocked it up. My insurers allowed me to get the work done by BMW as the car was under warranty.

If the screen company won't play, get an assessment done by BMW and throw that at them. The work should come with a warranty so you should be able to claim against incorrect fitment.

[Reedler]

Checked my windscreen fit tonight, looks ok apart from the bottom corners where the side and bottom rubbers meet, something looks different from one side to another. Screen looks the same as the one that cracked, number window matches up and the tinted areas at top and around mirror arm look the same also. Going to check rain sensors tomorrow as getting a bit paranoid about poor fitting stories. Cheers Reedler

[x555]

[quote=""Reedler""]Checked my windscreen fit tonight, looks ok apart from the bottom corners where the side and bottom rubbers meet, something looks different from one side to another. Screen looks the same as the one that cracked, number window matches up and the tinted areas at top and around mirror arm look the same also. Going to check rain sensors tomorrow as getting a bit paranoid about poor fitting stories. Cheers Reedler[/quote]
Depending on your model check your auto lights aswell as i'm sure they are activated with the windscreen aswell....not 100% on that though

[Turks]

How long did you wait between the glass being actually fitted and driving away?


Turks.

[Reedler]

[quote=""Turks""]How long did you wait between the glass being actually fitted and driving away?


The windscreen was changed in our drive way, and left for a couple of hours before we removed the masking tape which was placed over the screen and up onto the roof. I will check the auto lights tonight as well. Cheers Reedler

[Turks]

Yeah, thought you had to wait a few hours... JF1980: Did you have to wait or have they let you drive straight away?


Turks.

[X5Sport]

The OEM recommended time to wait is 4 hours and that was certainly what AutoG told me too. If the weather was cold then add another 2 hours. I was also told not to shut any doors with all the windows closed for a while. Good thing these cars have the 'all close' function on the key.....can't remember the proper name.

[JF1980]

I waited about 1 1/2 hours while they were doing it - they initially said it'll take an hour to replace and then I would have to wait an hour. I was in no hurry so would have waited another half hour - perhaps they just wanted to get home. I imagine the replacement only took half an hour. The branch close to my work called me today - they are getting another screen in so that they have one if it needs replacement and will come take a look on Friday while I'm at work. If they replace it then it will have at least 4-5 hours to set while I'm in the office.

I asked about official BMW glass but apparently that's only if the car is still under dealer warranty. I'm not that bothered TBH the glass they used is exactly the same just without the BMW logo, tint is there, VIN window in the right place, rain sensor/headlights work fine. In terms of resale on a car that's almost 8 years old now it's not unreasonable to expect the windscreen to have been replaced. Not really an issue so long as it's done properly.

[X5Sport]

Both my replacements took place in the first 2 years, hence getting OEM, but as you say as long as it ticks all the right boxes spec wise then glass is glass I think the OEM is Semperit and most glass in the UK is Pilkington.

[Jalf]

When I was chatting to the guys at BM they said a replacement windscreen is one of the first things to get rid of in favour of an OEM item, before a car goes out as approved used BMW, they mustn't think much of the ones Autoglass fit