Windscreen replacement - E39 M5
Discussion
Got a large chip in my windscreen this morning, its around 1cm across but is right in my eye line as I look forward so assume the whole screen will need replacing.
I havent yet phoned the insurance company but Im going to assume they will suggest Autoglass or one of the other main replacement windscreen people. Problem is I dont want some generic screen putting in, I would much prefer to have a genuine BMW screen putting back in. Ive heard loads of horror stories of damage to cars, screens not being fitted properly, excess wind noise etc.
Does anybody have any experience of this, will the insurance company pay for genuine parts and labour or am I dreaming, since its bound to be more expensive to use BMW.
Many thanks!
I havent yet phoned the insurance company but Im going to assume they will suggest Autoglass or one of the other main replacement windscreen people. Problem is I dont want some generic screen putting in, I would much prefer to have a genuine BMW screen putting back in. Ive heard loads of horror stories of damage to cars, screens not being fitted properly, excess wind noise etc.
Does anybody have any experience of this, will the insurance company pay for genuine parts and labour or am I dreaming, since its bound to be more expensive to use BMW.
Many thanks!
I just ordered mine through Autoglass (through my insurer) and I'm not sure if you get a 'proper' BMW glass.
They do ask however for whether you have rain sensor and heat reflective and all that.
Worth watching them like a hawk - mines already had previous damage from a fitter replacing the windscreen.
They do ask however for whether you have rain sensor and heat reflective and all that.
Worth watching them like a hawk - mines already had previous damage from a fitter replacing the windscreen.
If you want a BMW screen they will make u pay the difference. I have had a new screen on my M5 and I had a Pilkington one. It's got exactly the same rain sensor, UV protection etc. I'm also one for genuine parts etc but I wouldn't worry too much about having the genuine one. I can't say I ever look at 'Pilkington' instead of BMW and feel disappointed.
Update, after many calls and hassle, nice people at the insurance company confirms I can take the car to BMW, have a genuine BMW screen + fitting done by the dealer. Cost is close to £900 as the screen is £380+ vat + three hours fitting. Excess stays the same at £50. Im shocked that they will do this, but also very happy as have read horror stories from some windscreen fitters. Only issue is I have to pay BMW and send the invoice for reimbursement. Confirmed it wouldnt affect my no claims bonus either.
If you dont ask you dont get....
If you dont ask you dont get....
Looks like AutoGlass are completely inept.
I printed off all the technical docs from BMW for how to properly install the windscreen, and the fitter turned up on Tuesday.
If we ignore him bring the wrong windscreen, he alarmed me at his response: "Nah mate, I've fitted loads, you don't need to follow the BMW instructions"
Needless to say nowt happened.
Today was a rearranged appointment, where they were bringing the right windscreen. Only they didn't bother updating their notes to go to my work and not my home.
I've since phoned my insurer and told them, and they've admitted that I can go to BMW. I have to pay for the job upfront admittedly, but for a teeny bit extra excess I can have it properly fitted by BMW.
I printed off all the technical docs from BMW for how to properly install the windscreen, and the fitter turned up on Tuesday.
If we ignore him bring the wrong windscreen, he alarmed me at his response: "Nah mate, I've fitted loads, you don't need to follow the BMW instructions"
Needless to say nowt happened.
Today was a rearranged appointment, where they were bringing the right windscreen. Only they didn't bother updating their notes to go to my work and not my home.
I've since phoned my insurer and told them, and they've admitted that I can go to BMW. I have to pay for the job upfront admittedly, but for a teeny bit extra excess I can have it properly fitted by BMW.
In a weird way I would feel better with an Auto Glazier company fit a screen to my car. After all, that's all these guys do, day in, day out! I'm not all that sure how many windscreens BMW would be removing/fitting??? Yeah sure, you hear some bad stories, but not limited to one company. I've heard of, and told loads of from experience, bad stories about BMW!!! After all, they are only humans, I think??
For every bad story, I'm sure there are hundreds of good.
For every bad story, I'm sure there are hundreds of good.
rash_decision said:
In a weird way I would feel better with an Auto Glazier company fit a screen to my car. After all, that's all these guys do, day in, day out! I'm not all that sure how many windscreens BMW would be removing/fitting??? Yeah sure, you hear some bad stories, but not limited to one company. I've heard of, and told loads of from experience, bad stories about BMW!!! After all, they are only humans, I think??
For every bad story, I'm sure there are hundreds of good.
Most main dealers, including BMW, will use a subbie for any glazing work. But some BMW dealerships have had a couple of their own techs trained, equipped them with a basic glazing toolkit to try and keep the work in-house.For every bad story, I'm sure there are hundreds of good.
Of the examples that I've seen (or been called in to rectify) the BMW-fitted screens may well look ok from the outside, but behind the glass and under the trims etc is a very different story altogether.
Last time I had a screen fitted (National Windscreens) I had a Merc. I was really impressed by the fitter. He told me that he only did the high end cars - Mercs, BMW's Jags etc etc, and they had the newbies doing the Ford Fiestas and their like. Could be a load of rubbish of course, but he did do a good job.
Like Glassman said, I'd rather any screen I had fitted was fitted by someone who does them day in day out. Also, as far as BMW glass is concerned, I'd be surprised if they do anything other than re-badge somebody else's product. Just like Tesco do with their baked beans. The glass on my 330i has the BMW logo, but it also says 'Pilkington'. So what's the difference if you get a replacement screen that doesn't have the BMW logo, but it does say "Pilkington'? Not a lot I suspect.
Like Glassman said, I'd rather any screen I had fitted was fitted by someone who does them day in day out. Also, as far as BMW glass is concerned, I'd be surprised if they do anything other than re-badge somebody else's product. Just like Tesco do with their baked beans. The glass on my 330i has the BMW logo, but it also says 'Pilkington'. So what's the difference if you get a replacement screen that doesn't have the BMW logo, but it does say "Pilkington'? Not a lot I suspect.
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