[vincedea]

I used teh search but I do think I found what I was looking for.

So the molding on my rear windshield is cracking and the the bottom trim is loose and coming off. I contacted an auto glass shop and they told me that the whole entire rear windshield had to be replaced in order to replace the molding.

I called the Fremont BMW dealership and they also told me this. I then called a different BMW dealership in Pleasanton/Dublin, they told me that the windshield did not need to be removed at all to replace the molding.

What is everyone's opinion on this? does the windshield need to be removed and replaced or can they only replace the molding without moving the windshield or getting a new windshield?

[BluesDriver]

On my couple I replaced it myself and there was no need to take the rear windshield out. Sedans have a little bit different molding but it shouldn't be a problem.

[tcphoto]

I don't know about the bottom trim but I replaced both front and back trim pieces myself. The secret is to pull the old trim off and clean as much as possible before installing the new one.

[vincedea]

thanks for the replies guys. If that is the case I will buy some new molding and do it.

Now to decide on OEM vs aftermarket front windshield.

Anyone from the Bayarea ever use Al's auto glass for windshield repair? I got a qoute for $270 installed for the front windshield.

[E90Graphite07]

Originally Posted by vincedea

thanks for the replies guys. If that is the case I will buy some new molding and do it.

Now to decide on OEM vs aftermarket front windshield.

Anyone from the Bayarea ever use Al's auto glass for windshield repair? I got a qoute for $270 installed for the front windshield.

I don't really sweat about using aftermarket windshields honestly. OEM are overpriced and it's just glass; aftermarket may be made differently and such, but our E9x platform has been around for over a decade. I had an OEM replacement about four years ago, only to get a nasty crack from the rear view mirror 'mounting spot'.. basically snapped apart and the mirror flopped off. I didn't sweat paying less than $200 for a completely new windshield, installed on the same day. If I get a chip or crack, just spend another 200, and don't even involve w/ insurance claims, etc.

[whyzee125]

Originally Posted by vincedea

thanks for the replies guys. If that is the case I will buy some new molding and do it.

Now to decide on OEM vs aftermarket front windshield.

Anyone from the Bayarea ever use Al's auto glass for windshield repair? I got a qoute for $270 installed for the front windshield.

I'd go aftermarket but make absolutely sure they use an OEM upper molding and lower trim piece.

[BravoJohny33]

Originally Posted by vincedea

thanks for the replies guys. If that is the case I will buy some new molding and do it.

Now to decide on OEM vs aftermarket front windshield.

Anyone from the Bayarea ever use Al's auto glass for windshield repair? I got a qoute for $270 installed for the front windshield.

For 270 I can assure you they will fuck it up. They will not use the correct OEM molding. Important for a good seal, good looks and reduced noise. They will use this shitty molding on a roll crap. Also, the fogging sensor, not the rain sensor, needs to be replaced on every install. That is around 100 dollar part that automatically defogs your window in the winter. You will never know they broke it unless you have INPA or when winter comes and your windows fog up.

I paid 300 and they did all that stuff wrong.

[CarlosAC]

I've replaced both myself. Easy and inexpensive job.

[Ecss08]

I had safelite do mine under insurance. No problems yet

[Ecss08]

Defogging sensor???? Hmmmmm is that under the rear view mirror?

[vincedea]

I never heard of a defogging sensor before.

[yezzrr]

These E9x cars have condensation sensor hidden inside the rear view mirror assembly. When the humidity goes too high, it automatically closes certain air flaps & forces heat to the windshield. This works only in "auto" mode though

Mine is broken and it reads 127% humidity constantly (from ISTA livedata) and just blows really hot air during autumn/winter. Theres no aftermarket part for this so the OEM is roughly $100-130. This should be replaced with the windshield together

I am hoping my original windshield cracks so I can use my insurance to pay a new one Its 12 years old and looks like its been sandblasted

PN: 64116928326

[BravoJohny33]

Originally Posted by vincedea

I never heard of a defogging sensor before.

And I bet the place that is charging 270 has not either. Its supposed to be replaced with every new windshield.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/64116928326/