window

Luongo · 09-29-2006, 04:21 PM

On my way back from work, travelling at about 60 mph, I got hit by a stone. :mad:

Basically, I have two options.
1. Get it repaired for free
2. Get the windshield replaced for $50 (Deductible)

I am debating whether I should just have it repaired and live with the imperfection or just pay the deductible and get a brand new OEM windshield at a local BMW dealer.

What would you guys do? I am leaning towards getting a new windshield since my cost is minimal, but I am a little bit worried about tempering with the factory seal.

Steve P. · 09-29-2006, 04:26 PM

I would get it fixed if you can, live with the mark for awhile.... becasue as soon as you put a new windshield in you will get another rock for sure.

TAGHRP2 · 09-29-2006, 04:40 PM

Ouch!.... ain't that a bichhh... Steve P. is right, but for the mean time put some clear tape (so it wont grow bigger pushed by air) around it if your not planning to fix it right away.

e90fanatic · 09-29-2006, 04:48 PM

ur lucky it hit the windshield and not your car. Replacing the windshield is covered by most insurance and no deductible and will not cause your premium to go up.

Joop! · 09-29-2006, 04:51 PM

Replace the window. This damage will crack the windscreen further and isn't repairable. Only stonechips are repairable, this is cracked to far.

E91 Dude · 09-29-2006, 05:13 PM

Dang, too bad that happened to you. I feel your pain. On my previous car, I had 2 chips repaired on my windshield. Both times, a mobile unit from the automotive glass repair company came out and surveyed the location and damage to see if it was repairable. They said that if the chip/crack was within a certain distance from the edge of the windshield (2 inches, if I remember correctly), it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Also, if the chip/crack hinders the driver's main line of vision, it must also be replaced due to local safety laws.

One of my chips looked like this:
Before -

After -

The other one of my chips looked almost exactly like yours. After it was repaired, it was barely noticable and looked nearly unblemished. After a while, even I forgot where it was. Unfortunately I didn't take pictures of it, but it honestly looked much better than the one above.

If you are going to do this repair or replacement through your insurance company, they will probably see if it is repairable before they will charge you a $50 deductible and buy you a new windshield.

Another question I have (besides whether or not your factory seal will be affected) is whether or not a windshield repair will be reported on your car's history, such as a Carfax report, and affect your vehicle's value?

Good luck and let us know how it goes! The funny thing is, my second windshield chip happened within months of my first one (like Steve P. said).

Hankdoll · 09-29-2006, 05:56 PM

That's most likely too big a crack to repair, but if they can, repair it. Replacement windshields never seem to install as well as installed on the assembly line. You can end up with wind noise or the dreaded whistle (speak from experience).

zamboni · 09-30-2006, 01:02 AM

Don't settle for an off brand windshield, stick with BMW OEM. It cost more than $560 for my E46 4drs replacement and I would think the same price for E90

Ryan 330i · 09-30-2006, 01:15 AM

thats a huge chip!! wow. i would just get an OEM one, and have it put in, if your only paying $50 bucks!

Luongo · 09-30-2006, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan 330i

thats a huge chip!! wow. i would just get an OEM one, and have it put in, if your only paying $50 bucks!

Thank you for your input, Ryan330i.

Actually,the damaged area is pretty small. It is about 2 inches in width.
I think it is the way the picture was taken that makes it look big.

I have decided to get a replacement OEM Pilkington windshield at a local BMW dealer. I just hope they do a flawless job and I don't end up with "whistling noise" like one of the members have mentioned.

My final cost will be about $50, but I still have to pay about $550 out of my own pocket first, and then file a claim through Geico. They say the claim process takes about a week, but we'll see whether they follow up on their word.

I just put a clear boxing tape over the damaged area for now.

e90fanatic · 09-30-2006, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luongo

Thank you for your input, Ryan330i.

Actually,the damaged area is pretty small. It is about 2 inches in width.
I think it is the way the picture was taken that makes it look big.

I have decided to get a replacement OEM Pilkington windshield at a local BMW dealer. I just hope they do a flawless job and I don't end up with "whistling noise" like one of the members have mentioned.

My final cost will be about $50, but I still have to pay about $550 out of my own pocket first, and then file a claim through Geico. They say the claim process takes about a week, but we'll see whether they follow up on their word.

I just put a clear boxing tape over the damaged area for now.

2 inches IS BIG! And over time it'll crack even more because of the stress on the glass (e.g. when you hit a pot hole or bumps).

Boondoggler · 09-30-2006, 08:56 AM

Replace

Luongo · 09-30-2006, 09:38 AM

I have called Safelite glass repair guys right after the incident, and have called to cancel the service last night. But this morning, the repair guy came. I guess he didn't get the cancellation notice.

Anyway, I decided to give repair a shot. I was told I can get the windshield replaced if I am not satisfied.

Of course, I can still see the crack but it is much less noticeable. I guess I'll live with the imperfection until the next rock chip. :mad:

Before

After

Before

After

From 5 feet away

tl_boy · 09-30-2006, 09:42 AM

no offense it looks like they did a SHIET job. I had a 7 inch crack across my windshield that looks like a scratch now. Did they use the filler?

was he in and out in 15 minutes? They say a good job results in appx 80% reduction. I don't think that is close. But you did try the right approach, you don't want to change the windshield unless you really have to.

Dankim10 · 09-30-2006, 09:49 AM

I remembered this.
When I lived in Chicago, and I had civic at that time and I had this problem before.

My cousin told me that bring it to the insurance company and they fixed it for free. Try your insurance company.

matt20043.0 · 09-30-2006, 10:03 AM

I used one of those chip repair places(at the dealer) before and after about a month the lines in the crack came back.............they did a crap job, but hey it was free.

Luongo · 09-30-2006, 10:13 AM

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with a Geico rep. I told them I was not satisfied with the repair, and they authorized replacement of the glass.

So the bottom line is, I tried the repair but wasn't 100% happy so I'll be getting the replacement done anyway.

tl_boy · 09-30-2006, 06:26 PM

I have geico and had the repair done as well, I used a local guy because i heard some bad stories on safelite.

now that they are replacing the windshield, make sure they use OEM glass, demand it, Pilkington brand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luongo

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with a Geico rep. I told them I was not satisfied with the repair, and they authorized replacement of the glass.

So the bottom line is, I tried the repair but wasn't 100% happy so I'll be getting the replacement done anyway.

09-29-2006, 04:21 PM	#1
Luongo Lieutenant 134 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 2018 Porsche Carrera T Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois iTrader: (2)	window - Repair or replacement On my way back from work, travelling at about 60 mph, I got hit by a stone. :mad: Basically, I have two options. 1. Get it repaired for free 2. Get the windshield replaced for $50 (Deductible) I am debating whether I should just have it repaired and live with the imperfection or just pay the deductible and get a brand new OEM windshield at a local BMW dealer. What would you guys do? I am leaning towards getting a new windshield since my cost is minimal, but I am a little bit worried about tempering with the factory seal.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-29-2006, 04:26 PM	#2
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	I would get it fixed if you can, live with the mark for awhile.... becasue as soon as you put a new windshield in you will get another rock for sure.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-29-2006, 04:40 PM	#3
TAGHRP2 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 49 Posts Drives: IS300/540i-6spd Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago IL., E.G.V. iTrader: (0)	Ouch!.... ain't that a bichhh... Steve P. is right, but for the mean time put some clear tape (so it wont grow bigger pushed by air) around it if your not planning to fix it right away. __________________ Cheers MY01 IS300= stock w/ 20% tint. MY00 e39 540 6spd M-package. Stock, but the power is good enough. E90 335i ... Montego with Black leather, 6spd, sport package, cold weather package, trunk spoiler & sirius radio D.O.B.10/09:rocks:, Date of arrival 10/30/06:rocks: .
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-29-2006, 04:48 PM	#4
e90fanatic Absolute0 169 Rep 5,078 Posts Drives: Has a Roundel Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: TO/HK/NJ iTrader: (6)	ur lucky it hit the windshield and not your car. Replacing the windshield is covered by most insurance and no deductible and will not cause your premium to go up. __________________ To procede or not to procede......
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-29-2006, 04:51 PM	#5
Joop! Major 105 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: G29 Z4 M40i Roadster Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019/05 G29 Z4 M40i [10.00]	Replace the window. This damage will crack the windscreen further and isn't repairable. Only stonechips are repairable, this is cracked to far. __________________ BMW - Maßstab für Fahrspaß
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-29-2006, 05:13 PM	#6
E91 Dude First Lieutenant 52 Rep 318 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Location iTrader: (2)	Dang, too bad that happened to you. I feel your pain. On my previous car, I had 2 chips repaired on my windshield. Both times, a mobile unit from the automotive glass repair company came out and surveyed the location and damage to see if it was repairable. They said that if the chip/crack was within a certain distance from the edge of the windshield (2 inches, if I remember correctly), it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Also, if the chip/crack hinders the driver's main line of vision, it must also be replaced due to local safety laws. One of my chips looked like this: Before - After - The other one of my chips looked almost exactly like yours. After it was repaired, it was barely noticable and looked nearly unblemished. After a while, even I forgot where it was. Unfortunately I didn't take pictures of it, but it honestly looked much better than the one above. If you are going to do this repair or replacement through your insurance company, they will probably see if it is repairable before they will charge you a $50 deductible and buy you a new windshield. Another question I have (besides whether or not your factory seal will be affected) is whether or not a windshield repair will be reported on your car's history, such as a Carfax report, and affect your vehicle's value? Good luck and let us know how it goes! The funny thing is, my second windshield chip happened within months of my first one (like Steve P. said).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-29-2006, 05:56 PM	#7
Hankdoll Lieutenant 136 Rep 423 Posts Drives: M2/M3/4/5 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: O.C., CA iTrader: (0)	That's most likely too big a crack to repair, but if they can, repair it. Replacement windshields never seem to install as well as installed on the assembly line. You can end up with wind noise or the dreaded whistle (speak from experience). __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2006, 01:02 AM	#8
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1132 Rep 5,559 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	Don't settle for an off brand windshield, stick with BMW OEM. It cost more than $560 for my E46 4drs replacement and I would think the same price for E90 __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2006, 01:15 AM	#9
Ryan 330i Major 56 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: '09 E93 335i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: San Francisco \| LA \| Oregon iTrader: (0)	thats a huge chip!! wow. i would just get an OEM one, and have it put in, if your only paying $50 bucks! __________________ 2009 E93 335i \| Jet \| Black Dakota \| Grey Poplar \| ZPP \| ZSP \| ZCW \| Step \| Paddles \| i-Drive \| CA \| Sirius \| HD \| Logic7 \| 06FL \| 06NF \| PDC \| OEM Alarm \| LUX Retired: 2007 E92 335i Retired: 2006 E90 330i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2006, 08:56 AM	#12
Boondoggler Lieutenant 72 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 340i xDrive [6.50]	Replace __________________ 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i My Garage \| Phytonic Blue \| Black Sensatec \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Parking \| Premium \| Remote \| Wireless \| Harmon Kardon \| 19" 887M Bi-color Midnight Grey
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2006, 09:38 AM	#13
Luongo Lieutenant 134 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 2018 Porsche Carrera T Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois iTrader: (2)	I have called Safelite glass repair guys right after the incident, and have called to cancel the service last night. But this morning, the repair guy came. I guess he didn't get the cancellation notice. Anyway, I decided to give repair a shot. I was told I can get the windshield replaced if I am not satisfied. Of course, I can still see the crack but it is much less noticeable. I guess I'll live with the imperfection until the next rock chip. :mad: Before After Before After From 5 feet away
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2006, 09:42 AM	#14
tl_boy Major 83 Rep 1,329 Posts Drives: tl Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: houston iTrader: (0)	no offense it looks like they did a SHIET job. I had a 7 inch crack across my windshield that looks like a scratch now. Did they use the filler? was he in and out in 15 minutes? They say a good job results in appx 80% reduction. I don't think that is close. But you did try the right approach, you don't want to change the windshield unless you really have to. __________________ E90 Mods (work in progress): Euro Xenon Headlamps, 19" ASA AR-1's with Toyo T1R 235 fronts and 275 rears, Breyton style front spoiler, Breyton style rear spoiler, Huper Optik 40% Tint, TiAG with Black 'ette and Aluminum trim, Chrome grills, chrome exhaust, Hartge lowering springs, PMB Hyperwhites.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2006, 09:49 AM	#15
Dankim10 Major 36 Rep 1,200 Posts Drives: E90 325i AW Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Indonesia - Bogor iTrader: (6) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I remembered this. When I lived in Chicago, and I had civic at that time and I had this problem before. My cousin told me that bring it to the insurance company and they fixed it for free. Try your insurance company. __________________ Blackline \| Euro Xenon Headlight \| Brex white ring \| Breyton spoiler \| ACS roof spoiler \| 19" HRE C20 19x8.5, 19x9.5, with Michellin PS2 tires \| Authentic GruppeM intake \| Authentic M-technik full kits \| 3D Studie front Lip \| Hamann Quad Exhaust \| Hamann Mtech rear Diffuser \| Piaa HID kit for foglight \| KW Street comfort suspension
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2006, 10:03 AM	#16
matt20043.0 Private First Class 4 Rep 188 Posts Drives: BMW 2006 325i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Modesto, Ca iTrader: (0)	I used one of those chip repair places(at the dealer) before and after about a month the lines in the crack came back.............they did a crap job, but hey it was free. __________________ 2006 325i SG Metallic Premium/Sport 3M Clear Bra, Chrome Tips, Black Line Tail Lights, Flat Black Grille
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2006, 10:13 AM	#17
Luongo Lieutenant 134 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 2018 Porsche Carrera T Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois iTrader: (2)	UPDATE: I just got off the phone with a Geico rep. I told them I was not satisfied with the repair, and they authorized replacement of the glass. So the bottom line is, I tried the repair but wasn't 100% happy so I'll be getting the replacement done anyway. Last edited by Luongo; 09-30-2006 at 10:29 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote