Different Windshields for Heads-Up vs Lane Departure?
 

My windshield took a rock while driving that promptly resulted in a 20" long crack, so I need to replace it. (Gah! I have Comprehensive but not Windshield Replacement coverage!).

Our F10 has the heads-up display, and I already knew that the windshield was different than for cars without it. When I called BMW dealership for a replacement estimate, they asked me the expected questions:

1) does your car have rain sensors? Yes

2) does your car have heads-up display? Yes

I would have assumed that once those two boxes were checked that would have been all they needed to select the proper windshield, but they then asked if the car has the Lane Departure Warning option. :dunno:

Just curious, is there a different windshield for Lane Departure than for Heads-Up?

Probably has a cutout in the tinting for the camera, which is mounted at the top of the windshield above the mirror. I would bet it's not the glass but the tint band that is the issue.

I seem to remember a thread from some time ago which stated there is some difference in the glass, or curvature, or "something" related to HUD. I don't have time to search just now...

I had to replace it on my 6, BMW sells only one type of it.

I have HUD and can't see anything special about the windshield. I added 50% tint to the windshield and the HUD functions the same as before the tint.

He was asking if the windshield is different if you have Lane Departure Warning. He already knows there is a diff for HUD. I don't know either, but it's a good question.

There is a difference. If you use a std windshield with HUD, you get a double image, due to the laminate layer. I'm not sure what they do for HUD, but it is a different windshield.

I believe it is different.
The area behind the rear view mirror is a different shape in the black area. Would impact how the device mounts and see's through the glass, as the least.

My mistake, good to know. I am betting that it is a costly item.

I replaced it once on my current car (2007 E60 550i), and I vaguely recall a number in the $500 neighborhood.:mad:

Not to confuse things but my car has no HUD but has Lane Departure so we might assume the windshield is the same.

Costly indeed! The dealership wants $300 to install and $1,077 for the windshield part. I got a quote from Safelite for $977 plus tax, so I'm taking it to them.

I've got a $500 deductible on my comprehensive coverage, so the insurance is helping, but still a big dent in my wallet for a dumb rock.

I had a $1000 deductible on my comprehensive. When I got the F10 I dropped it down to $250. It wasn't that much more money to do so.

If you are out of pocket the same $500, why not go with the dealer and the warranty? If you do it with safe lite and it leaks later any damage won't be covered. Just my $.02

Safelite is a preferred installer for my insurance company (Progressive), and the install is guaranteed.

This episode convinced me to get the $0 windshield replacement coverage for both of my bimmers and my Ford Ranger. $51/year to cover all three vehicles seems worth it after this experience!

No doubt about progressive, I know it and this is standard coverage in Florida (when I lived there)

I understand the install is guaranteed, but if at some point you have a leak that causes any kind of damage you could be looking at serious issues and an excuse for BMW to not perform repair work. Again, probably won't happen since Seattle is soooo dry ;) - but if you own rather than lease its something you may want to think about.

Good luck.