Re: Windscreen cracked!

["David R. Lefebvre" <drl@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sekurit was OEM on my E36, but I agree there are quite a few OEM 
manufacturers. My independent mechanic subcontracted his to another 
independent in a mobile van, since he didn't want to be bothered.

Do you have USAA insurance? They will replace it for free, last time I 
checked. They actually have/had an installation center in San Antonio. 
Check Richard's archives, or mine at: 
http://db.mercedes.cx/mbsearch?words=sekurit&method=and&format=long&sort=score&config=fuzzy&restrict=mercedes&exclude=

New windscreen should be about $200, or free, depending on age, 
comprehensive and insurer. They used to run about $1000.

At 01:43 PM 3/19/03 -0600, you wrote:
>MichaelJAdair@domain.elided wrote:
> > I just spider webbed my windshield on my M3 because I was an idiot
> > during a wiper blade install! Is this a dealer only, special glass,
> > etc. install or can I avoid the stealer? Any feedback, tips welcome.
>
>Michael,
>BMW does not make glass. There are about half dozen companies that supply
>glass for our cars. My E30 used to have the OE glass manufacturer names
>etched on the glass next to the roundels. I haven't check the E36s.
>The dealership techs don't know how to install the windshields either.
>They farm out the work to the independent installers after taking a cut on
>the roundel embossed glass.
>Most factory installed windshields are very soft. Lot's of theories on the
>reasons behind that, but the end result is that they are very prone to
>sand blasting. PPG is one popular alternative that is a bit harder than
>stock. I had it in my E30 and know others who are happy with the E36 PPG
>windshields.
>The key is getting a distortion free windshield. The only way to insure
>that is to be there when the installer is about to drop it into your car.
>Both dealer and aftermarket glass can have minor or major distortions.
>It's a lot easier to ask for another windshield before it gets glued to
>your car.
>
>HTH,
>alex f
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