Z3 Windshield

My 2000 Z3 experience a long crack on the windshield from the point where the rear view mirror attaches. My son was washing the car and bumped the rear view mirror (not hard) and the mirror fell off and the windshield cracked. This was definitely not expected. Is it important tiger new glass from BMW, or just have it replaced from a reputable glass manufacturer?

*to get

maybe check with a salvage yard too

I know for my Toyota Highlander when I called Toyota to get the windshield replace they said they can do it at a higher price or call Safelite. Toyota said that is who they use, but will have to charge me due to markups.

As for glass, my original windshield was exactly the same as the Safelite windshield. Not sure if that is the same for BMW.

The original glass is Pilkington (sp??). It is preferable to get that glass to replace, but the same glass without the BMW logo is several hundred dollars more expensive.

When I did the windshield for my E46 M3, I went for the Pilkington without the BMW logo.

No idea which glass installer in your area will use Pilkington or can get it. I know in the DC are, Virginia Auto Glass is the go to place.

So what did you do for a windshield? The local supplier here is pro tec and the said they can get me a whindshield for around 175.00 installed........ Sound very reasonable.

Is it a factory windshield, ie from the factory that makes them for BMW? I haven't done anything yet.

No not OEM Factory windshield. I was wondering if you did a aftermarket windshield and if you did how it went.

Its a piece of glass. Nothing special to it. I work in a collision shop for BMW and MB. We replace MB with factory if newer than 5 years. Most insurance companies will honor a request for oem. The only time Oem is really needed is on some heads up Display. rain sensor special color tint, heated glass etc. Contrary to believe , glass contracts come up about every year and suppliers change just as often. I have seen PPG with factory BMW logos on them. Overruns. Just check and you can match up OEM perfectly. The actual glass is the same from manufacture to manufacture. We install 100s a year and I have never seen a glass failure. Installation is important. Any good glass shop knows what to do. The cost quoted is a good fair price. Forget used. Cutting it out , shipping it cleaning it up etc will cost more than your quote. Your car does not require any special sealer. Just fast set .Urethane

Cool, thanks for the heads up!!!

Thank you....I plan on getting it some tomorrow.

good info on the windshield, bion thanks

Got my windshield....from Safelite. Got it for $297....but free for me since I have glass coverage on my insurance.