Cracked windshield

CanesM4 · 06-07-2021, 05:57 PM

A rock hit my windshield Saturday and now I've got a huge crack that is still growing. I called the dealer and a new windshield will take 5 weeks to get here from Germany, which is ridiculous. In this day and age, I should be able to get one by tomorrow if I wanted. That being said, I can't wait that long so I may need to use safelite. Any one here ever use them? I'd rather get oem obviously but I don't think I have a choice

ROHE3ZY · 06-07-2021, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanesM4

A rock hit my windshield Saturday and and now I've got a huge crack that is still growing. I called the dealer and a new windshield will take 5 weeks to get here from Germany, which is ridiculous. In this day and age, I should be able to get one by tomorrow if I wanted. That being said, I can't wait that long so I may need to use safelite. Any one here ever use them? I'd rather get oem obviously but I don't think I have a choice

I've used safelite a handful of times in my previous vehicles (Lexus IS, 335i, 430i), and I've had no problem or issues working with them.
The only thing you need to keep in mind is that if you have HUD you may need to get a special windshield.
That's what my service advisor was telling me when I went to the dealership to check out the G82 M4.

Apparently there's something special about the windshields that allow the HUD to be projected properly.

I would ask the safelite representative to see if the replacement glass you get would affect the HUD.

Hope this helps !

Keep us updated !

PVC · 06-07-2021, 06:13 PM

I replaced my 335's windshield through SafeLite. I put my foot down and asked them to replace it with an OEM windshield with the beamer logo, but you might not have that option since the car is so new and they have to special order it. Didn't have the HUD on that car btw.

jailonacs99 · 06-07-2021, 06:24 PM

On my F82 I had to get a windshield replaced by Safelite. I did have a HUD and other forward sensors and Safelite used that as rationale to replace with an OEM BMW windshield (I was going through USAA insurance so it was free to me). They had to source it from a BMW dealership, took a week for them to get it in stock. I'd be surprised if no dealers anywhere can source for that long when the G8Xs have been around for months.

I'd at least contact them to start the process with the goal of getting an OEM one.

chicagofan00 · 06-07-2021, 06:47 PM

Geico uses Safelite as their windshield replacement service and I've had to have the X3 done twice now. The first time it was done I had zero issues and it was replaced with OEM glass. The second time I did have an issue with the tech not being able to calibrate the cameras after replacing the windshield. In essence, YMMV depending upon the tech you get.

Also of note, the justification I was told for why they replaced the windshield with OEM glass the first time was that there wasn't any aftermarket glass that was readily available and the only option was to replace with OEM. Would be interesting to see if the same can be said for the G8x right now and if you'd have trouble sourcing both aftermarket and OEM glass at this time.

iqstick · 06-07-2021, 06:51 PM

I had Safelite replace glass for me a few years ago. Requested OEM Porsche glass and that's what they used. Didn't go through insurance so not sure if you can just pay the difference if using insurance.

M3Diaz · 06-07-2021, 07:11 PM

Same thing happened to me 10 minutes into ownership. It took the dealer 5 weeks to get one. It’s fixed now thank god.

CanesM4 · 06-07-2021, 07:13 PM

Thanks for all the responses and information.

Bimmer TiM3 · 06-07-2021, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Diaz

Same thing happened to me 10 minutes into ownership. It took the dealer 5 weeks to get one. It’s fixed now thank god.

Goodness, I'd throw up if that happened.

safridi · 06-08-2021, 01:03 AM

I just last week had my windshiled replaced by safelight and they came with oem glass and sensor. It had the bmw stickers on it as well…..they did a great job and id recommend then anytime. I have geico, btw.

buckybadger · 06-08-2021, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanesM4

A rock hit my windshield Saturday and now I've got a huge crack that is still growing. I called the dealer and a new windshield will take 5 weeks to get here from Germany, which is ridiculous. In this day and age, I should be able to get one by tomorrow if I wanted. That being said, I can't wait that long so I may need to use safelite. Any one here ever use them? I'd rather get oem obviously but I don't think I have a choice

Safelite is terrible. Try to find a good local shop that works on high end cars.
I always had a bad experience with Safelite, you will be disappointed if you are picky like me to notice small things.

M3Diaz · 06-08-2021, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer TiM3

Goodness, I'd throw up if that happened.

I did twice.

lol

barryc365 · 06-08-2021, 08:21 AM

I found them excellent to deal with. Replaced one on my X5 no issues. Not sure about the HUD though and the need for OEM. It didn't bother me on the X5

naywa01 · 06-08-2021, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROHE3ZY

Apparently there's something special about the windshields that allow the HUD to be projected properly.

Correct, it even states it in the manual for my F82. There is a special reflective film embedded in the lamination and covering a specific area in front of the driver.

So yes, you should insist on an OEM screen or one the specifically states it includes the HUD film.

Some cheaper brands (including the current Mini!) use a silly little pop-up piece of plastic to reflect the HUD projection - its cheaper to make and doesn't affect glass replacements. Looks stupid IMHO and limits your range of adjustment to only the 'field of view' of the small plastic strip.

r3dbimmer89 · 06-08-2021, 12:22 PM

Yes, as others have confirmed the HUD windshield has a special film over it to allow a clean HUD projection. My F80 had the HUD and the windshield film actually blocked the signal for my gate opener in my old building and the HOA had to order me a special clicker lol... but surprised about the back order. Isn't the G80 windshield the same as the G20? Surprising they can't source from the same OEM for the Mexican plant unless supply chains are constrained in that market like so many other markets in this crazy time.

Kminor2578 · 06-08-2021, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Diaz

Same thing happened to me 10 minutes into ownership. It took the dealer 5 weeks to get one. It’s fixed now thank god.

Almost as bad as when someone tapped my bumper in traffic and ran, the first day I had my last F80

phxF80 · 06-09-2021, 08:26 PM

I had my windshield in my f80 replaced by safelite with an aftermarket windshield. Totally Fd my HUD. Sometimes it would work - sometimes it wouldn't. When it would, it would be sideways or cut off… But as others have said make sure you get the right glass and calibrated.

jailonacs99 · 06-10-2021, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxF80

I had my windshield in my f80 replaced by safelite with an aftermarket windshield. Totally Fd my HUD. Sometimes it would work - sometimes it wouldn't. When it would, it would be sideways or cut off… But as others have said make sure you get the right glass and calibrated.

Did you get a proper one installed eventually?

phxF80 · 06-10-2021, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jailonacs99

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxF80

I had my windshield in my f80 replaced by safelite with an aftermarket windshield. Totally Fd my HUD. Sometimes it would work - sometimes it wouldn't. When it would, it would be sideways or cut off… But as others have said make sure you get the right glass and calibrated.

Did you get a proper one installed eventually?

Haha nope! I dealt with it for a couple months and was going to… but then I had pretty much made the decision to jump to the g80. Not my problem anymore. But knowing what I do now, I 100% will be on top of it with the new ride.

jailonacs99 · 06-11-2021, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxF80

Quote:

Originally Posted by jailonacs99

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxF80

I had my windshield in my f80 replaced by safelite with an aftermarket windshield. Totally Fd my HUD. Sometimes it would work - sometimes it wouldn't. When it would, it would be sideways or cut off… But as others have said make sure you get the right glass and calibrated.

Did you get a proper one installed eventually?

Haha nope! I dealt with it for a couple months and was going to… but then I had pretty much made the decision to jump to the g80. Not my problem anymore. But knowing what I do now, I 100% will be on top of it with the new ride.

I hope you told the new owner so they don't just think the HUD is broken

06-07-2021, 05:57 PM	#1
CanesM4 First Lieutenant 542 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 24 Twilight Purple/Ivory Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Ct iTrader: (0)	Cracked windshield A rock hit my windshield Saturday and now I've got a huge crack that is still growing. I called the dealer and a new windshield will take 5 weeks to get here from Germany, which is ridiculous. In this day and age, I should be able to get one by tomorrow if I wanted. That being said, I can't wait that long so I may need to use safelite. Any one here ever use them? I'd rather get oem obviously but I don't think I have a choice Last edited by CanesM4; 06-07-2021 at 06:05 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-07-2021, 06:13 PM	#3
PVC First Lieutenant 220 Rep 333 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 xDrive Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I replaced my 335's windshield through SafeLite. I put my foot down and asked them to replace it with an OEM windshield with the beamer logo, but you might not have that option since the car is so new and they have to special order it. Didn't have the HUD on that car btw.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2021, 06:24 PM	#4
jailonacs99 Captain 494 Rep 793 Posts Drives: 2022 M4 xDrive Competition Join Date: May 2014 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW M4 MxDrive ... [0.00]	On my F82 I had to get a windshield replaced by Safelite. I did have a HUD and other forward sensors and Safelite used that as rationale to replace with an OEM BMW windshield (I was going through USAA insurance so it was free to me). They had to source it from a BMW dealership, took a week for them to get it in stock. I'd be surprised if no dealers anywhere can source for that long when the G8Xs have been around for months. I'd at least contact them to start the process with the goal of getting an OEM one.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2021, 06:47 PM	#5
chicagofan00 Major General 20318 Rep 8,348 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 M60i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phoenix iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 BMW X5 M60i [9.80]	Geico uses Safelite as their windshield replacement service and I've had to have the X3 done twice now. The first time it was done I had zero issues and it was replaced with OEM glass. The second time I did have an issue with the tech not being able to calibrate the cameras after replacing the windshield. In essence, YMMV depending upon the tech you get. Also of note, the justification I was told for why they replaced the windshield with OEM glass the first time was that there wasn't any aftermarket glass that was readily available and the only option was to replace with OEM. Would be interesting to see if the same can be said for the G8x right now and if you'd have trouble sourcing both aftermarket and OEM glass at this time. __________________ Instagram: @Phxrisingphotography Current - 2024 G05 X5 ///M60i in Java Green Past - 2005 E53 X5 3.0i in Titanium Silver; 2008 E92 335i in Montego Blue; 2019 G01 X3 M40i in Glacier Silver; 2022 G80 M3 Competition in Twilight Purple
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2021, 06:51 PM	#6
iqstick Private First Class 145 Rep 199 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 Competition Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	I had Safelite replace glass for me a few years ago. Requested OEM Porsche glass and that's what they used. Didn't go through insurance so not sure if you can just pay the difference if using insurance.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2021, 07:11 PM	#7
M3Diaz Private First Class 367 Rep 160 Posts Drives: E92 M3/G82 M4 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Rolesville, NC iTrader: (1)	Same thing happened to me 10 minutes into ownership. It took the dealer 5 weeks to get one. It’s fixed now thank god.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-07-2021, 07:13 PM	#8
CanesM4 First Lieutenant 542 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 24 Twilight Purple/Ivory Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Ct iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the responses and information.
	Appreciate 1 qkdwns910.00 Quote

06-08-2021, 01:03 AM	#10
safridi Private 67 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 2017 M2/2018 Focus RS Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Port Jefferson NY iTrader: (0)	I just last week had my windshiled replaced by safelight and they came with oem glass and sensor. It had the bmw stickers on it as well…..they did a great job and id recommend then anytime. I have geico, btw.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-08-2021, 08:21 AM	#13
barryc365 Major 2000 Rep 1,411 Posts Drives: BMWM3 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: NYC iTrader: (1)	I found them excellent to deal with. Replaced one on my X5 no issues. Not sure about the HUD though and the need for OEM. It didn't bother me on the X5
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-08-2021, 12:22 PM	#15
r3dbimmer89 Major 334 Rep 1,269 Posts Drives: P-Car Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Yes, as others have confirmed the HUD windshield has a special film over it to allow a clean HUD projection. My F80 had the HUD and the windshield film actually blocked the signal for my gate opener in my old building and the HOA had to order me a special clicker lol... but surprised about the back order. Isn't the G80 windshield the same as the G20? Surprising they can't source from the same OEM for the Mexican plant unless supply chains are constrained in that market like so many other markets in this crazy time. __________________ Past: BMW (22 G20 M340i, 15 F80 ///M3, 12 E92 335i, 08 E90 335i, 02 E46 325i) Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, VW, Lexus Present: 24 992 C2
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-09-2021, 08:26 PM	#17
phxF80 Second Lieutenant 352 Rep 299 Posts Drives: 2021 M3 Comp Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: PHX iTrader: (0)	I had my windshield in my f80 replaced by safelite with an aftermarket windshield. Totally Fd my HUD. Sometimes it would work - sometimes it wouldn't. When it would, it would be sideways or cut off… But as others have said make sure you get the right glass and calibrated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote