Windshield replacement cost. too much!!

[one-35]

I (or my insurance co.) was probably ripped off, but BMW in Torrance, CA charged me just under $1900 (parts/labor) to replace my 135i windshield. I complained, but Service just kept saying that's the cost... the cost is the cost. Thank goodness for my awesome ALLSTATE agent who fought and got me the remaining balance (reimbursed).

[Pamlico]

Windshield (including molding and rain sensor) on my 135 was replaced three weeks ago. Took 2 guys about 2 hours to complete the job. Eight hours is way out of line.

I have full glass coverage with no deductible, so there were no out of pocket expenses. However the insurance company (State Farm) has recently implemented a windshield policy where they cover the costs for third party parts and and the policyholder is responsible for any expenses above that. However, the company that did the replacement informed the insurance that there are no third party windshield suppliers so all the parts were obtained from the local BMW dealer.

[shodanusmc]

This is too funny. It takes a good installed about 1 hour to do the job. It is also covered un Comp, and all you pay is the deductible.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by nszzya

Too bad you have to replace the entire windshield. The seals and alignment are never as good as from the factory. Agree that ins. co. should pay for labor at the shop of your choosing. Personally, I would choose a certified BMW Collision Center.

I had my 325i windshield and my A4 windshield replaced, both got cracked by trucks kicking up a rock just right.
Both replacements were perfect. No signs at all that they were repaired. No leaks, no air, just like new.
In my 2 experiences I'd have to say that your comment isn't true at all.
Modern auto repair is amazing. Even crashed cars can be returned to new. Modern cars are built so that parts are easily and perfectly interchangeable. It's not like the old days at all.

Rules vary state to state with insurance. In Indiana, my 325i was covered 100% by State Farm. On my 2006 A4, 3 yrs after the 325i, State Farm changed their policy. They will pay 100% if you simply get it repaired, with that "filler" stuff. So, I tried that. It cost the insurance company $80. It didn't work, and it was in my line of sight. So, I looked into getting it replaced. Even the dealers use the windshield replacement companies.
The dealer techs don't do the actual windshield install. I was allowed, by the insurance company, to get an aftermarket shield or to choose an "Audi" windshield. I opted for the OEM Audi unit so that it would have the Audi logo. However, neither all shields are made by a handful of shield manufacturers. They just stamp the manufacturers logo on it.

My Audi dealer took my car in, and I got a loaner. The shield replacement company ordered an OEM shield, and then they came to the dealer to do the repair. The benefit was that my dealer gave me a loaner while the repair was being done.
Also, some of the bigger replacement companies have now changed their deductible policy. State Farm pays for the windshield R&R, and you pay the deductible to the service company. The company I went with waives the deductible, so it becomes a free replacement. I asked how this was possible, and they said it's a way to get more customers as it doesn't cost the customer anything as long as they have insurance. It's sort of like medical insurance where the doctor can waive your deductible if they choose.

Check into it in your state. The replacement company I used, I believe works throughout the US, or at least throughout the midwest.

[Lester]

Perhaps the dealer is not really interested in doing it, so he has bumped up the labor cost to try and get you to go elsewhere.

[bim2er]

Windshied replacment with Auto Sensing Wipers is often not done correctly with the sensor later seperating from the windshield. If you can't find a BMW dealer that will replace the windshield at a more reasonable price, then you will have a few quotes to discuss with Geico. The Florida Insurance Commisioner's office may also motivate your insurance company. I am originally from Florida and have been down this road.

[KeithLM]

Mine's been replaced for almost a year now and it's handled the cold and the heat just fine and nothing has happened to the sensors, and I didn't have it done by the dealer. It lines up perfect, it fits fine, if I didn't tell you it had been replaced I doubt you could tell.

[JimD]

I'm not sure I would want the dealer doing a windshield replacement unless the guys doing the work had recent experience. The independents do nothing but windshields all day. The sensor for the rain sensor wipers is a good point but BMW is not the only car with them (I first experienced that feature on a rental Avalon).

I've had several windshields replaced on lesser cars by independents without any issues. In SC they are free with no deductable and they will even come to where you work and do the replacement in the parking lot. Somebody who knows what they are doing should be able to do it in about an hour. I am assuming the basic process is the same on a BMW but I can't imagine it's a lot different.

Jim

[A321 Driver]

Originally Posted by JimD

I'm not sure I would want the dealer doing a windshield replacement unless the guys doing the work had recent experience. The independents do nothing but windshields all day. The sensor for the rain sensor wipers is a good point but BMW is not the only car with them (I first experienced that feature on a rental Avalon).

I've had several windshields replaced on lesser cars by independents without any issues. In SC they are free with no deductable and they will even come to where you work and do the replacement in the parking lot. Somebody who knows what they are doing should be able to do it in about an hour. I am assuming the basic process is the same on a BMW but I can't imagine it's a lot different.

Jim

Hello. I live in SC and have USAA. Please tell me what company I can call for the no deductible option, I have a 135i. Thank you.

[HIPSI]

My Indy replaced my sensor equipped windshield for just over $300 with BMW glass, 4 or 5 months ago. All's perfect...

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by HIPSI

My Indy replaced my sensor equipped windshield for just over $300 with BMW glass, 4 or 5 months ago. All's perfect...

That's really good.
Can you tell me who you used for my future reference? I'm near
Houston

[HIPSI]

ABR on Kuykendahl in Spring. Top notch shop, ask for Alex...

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by HIPSI

ABR on Kuykendahl in Spring. Top notch shop, ask for Alex...

Thanks.