Windshield Replacement for End of Lease

[oghowie]

My dealer has told me that I need to replace the windshield of my 2006 300i since there is a crack that is within the wiper sweep. He also said that I must use a BMW OEM windshield. Is this true?

Most of the quotes I've been getting are for OEE/aftermarket windshields. Can I replace it with one of these?

[jmcrtp]

My dealer has told me that I need to replace the windshield of my 2006 300i since there is a crack that is within the wiper sweep. He also said that I must use a BMW OEM windshield. Is this true?

Most of the quotes I've been getting are for OEE/aftermarket windshields. Can I replace it with one of these?

I read that about the wiper sweep in the BMW lease return info. I have heard that non-OEM windshields do not have the rain sensor or it does not work if they do. This info is probably correct.

[gotoschoolhere]

I read that about the wiper sweep in the BMW lease return info. I have heard that non-OEM windshields do not have the rain sensor or it does not work if they do. This info is probably correct.

Untrue! The sensor on the e46 is connected to the mirror. Each windshield (if it is equipped with the sensor option) will have a small clearing for the sensor to "see" or "sense" the rain.

OP, I used a non OEM BMW windshield and no one ever said anything. I would go to a different dealership and see what they say. Your dealership may just want to keep that car and hence they want you to make all the proper repairs.

[mclaren]

I had a cracked windshield. In Florida they put a new OEM with rain sensor for free. I called State Farm, they gave me a number to call, and a man came to my home and replaced the windshield.

[tturedraider]

I had a cracked windshield. In Florida they put a new OEM with rain sensor for free. I called State Farm, they gave me a number to call, and a man came to my home and replaced the windshield.

+1

Does your insurance not cover glass breakage?

[jwac]

Untrue! The sensor on the e46 is connected to the mirror. Each windshield (if it is equipped with the sensor option) will have a small clearing for the sensor to "see" or "sense" the rain.

Not on the E90 - the rain sensor is embedded in the glass, not mounted to the mirror. All E90 series cars come with rain sensitive wipers standard.

To the OP, I'd suggest calling BMWFS if it's not clear from their website on what constitutes an acceptable replacement. In the end, it matters what they say, not the dealer. I'm doubtful that aftermarket glass incorporates the rain and light sensors, but they might now since the E90 has been on the market for a few years.

[gotoschoolhere]

Not on the E90 - the rain sensor is embedded in the glass, not mounted to the mirror. All E90 series cars come with rain sensitive wipers standard.

To the OP, I'd suggest calling BMWFS if it's not clear from their website on what constitutes an acceptable replacement. In the end, it matters what they say, not the dealer. I'm doubtful that aftermarket glass incorporates the rain and light sensors, but they might now since the E90 has been on the market for a few years.

The OP drives an e46 and not an e90, I actually did not know that about the e90... so thanks for the heads up.

I asked my service guy what to do, as I was in a similar situation as the OP. The services guy suggested not to use the dealership as they charge too much and gave me the number to the guy they use.

The guy charged me less than 1/4th of what my dealership was going to charge me and the best part... IT WAS NOT OEM. The installer told me, that my dealership has used his services for years and he always uses non-OEM products.

[tturedraider]

The OP drives an e46 and not an e90, I actually did not know that about the e90... so thanks for the heads up.

oops. check that. he has a 2006 330i - an E90. and btw - he's in the E90 forum.

[jwac]

oops. check that. he has a 2006 330i - an E90. and btw - he's in the E90 forum.

And shall be dealt with as such. :thumbup:

gotoschoolhere, ya need a new avatar! :D

[gotoschoolhere]

oops. check that. he has a 2006 330i - an E90. and btw - he's in the E90 forum.

Yes, my apologies... since the 328 and 335 changes, my brain has made the 325 and 330 synonymous with e46. Thank you for pointing this out.

[gotoschoolhere]

And shall be dealt with as such. :thumbup:

gotoschoolhere, ya need a new avatar! :D

Not to take away from the OP or hijack this threat but, about my Avatar... the e46ci has a special place in my heart... but it is being filled by the Roadster

If you are curious to find out why I went from an e90 to a e85...

This is how it started
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251958

Then I test drove the M Roadster
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251967

And this is how things ended
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256330

[oghowie]

I had a cracked windshield. In Florida they put a new OEM with rain sensor for free. I called State Farm, they gave me a number to call, and a man came to my home and replaced the windshield.

May I ask when this was?

I called yesterday and State Farm said they've changed their coverage and no long cover windshields?!?

[tturedraider]

May I ask when this was?

I called yesterday and State Farm said they've changed their coverage and no long cover windshields?!?

Wow! Never heard of such a thing! Time for a new insurance company!

[2wheels2four]

3 words: Lease. End. Protection. I'm a CA at a BMW Center, and I bought it (along with tire & wheel), and so did 6 of my colleagues when we all got new leases at the end of December. I plan on giving the car back in 24 mos. with SKIN for tires, and since they deal with frozen matter on the roads here in Oregon with something resembling pea gravel, a cracked or starred windshield is a likely event. I'll more than pay for the lease-end policy cost (covers up to $5K in damages, but not excess mileage charges) just with the tires, and if a windshield is involved, I win big!

[gotoschoolhere]

3 words: Lease. End. Protection. I'm a CA at a BMW Center, and I bought it (along with tire & wheel), and so did 6 of my colleagues when we all got new leases at the end of December. I plan on giving the car back in 24 mos. with SKIN for tires, and since they deal with frozen matter on the roads here in Oregon with something resembling pea gravel, a cracked or starred windshield is a likely event. I'll more than pay for the lease-end policy cost (covers up to $5K in damages, but not excess mileage charges) just with the tires, and if a windshield is involved, I win big!

How much does it cost again. I can't remember now. I'd have to run the numbers, but this might not be a bad idea... Can you residualize it?

[oghowie]

Could it be that my deductible is too high, so the windshields aren't covered? It's $1k.

[jmcrtp]

Not on the E90 - the rain sensor is embedded in the glass, not mounted to the mirror. All E90 series cars come with rain sensitive wipers standard.

To the OP, I'd suggest calling BMWFS if it's not clear from their website on what constitutes an acceptable replacement. In the end, it matters what they say, not the dealer. I'm doubtful that aftermarket glass incorporates the rain and light sensors, but they might now since the E90 has been on the market for a few years.

Thanks guys for clearing that up about the sensor on E46 vs E90

[Rudolfo]

The end of lease penalty for returning the car with a cracked windshield might be less than the cost of replacing with OEM glass. That was the case on my e38.

[mclaren]

May I ask when this was?

I called yesterday and State Farm said they've changed their coverage and no long cover windshields?!?

About 2 years ago. I don't believe they changed the coverage, they would have to notify. But it could vary state to state. :)
Call another State Farm office in case they lied.

[mclaren]

Could it be that my deductible is too high, so the windshields aren't covered? It's $1k.

In Florida it does not matter what your deductible is, the cost is zero because it's a safety issue.