Replacement Windshields: Options and Experiences?

[bmwman91]

I am in need of a new front windshield for my 91 coupe. The last time I got a replacement was in 2007, and the mobile glass service put in a PGW brand part. It looked fine and never leaked.

Being 16 years later, I am wondering what the glass options are for these >30 year old cars? I called a couple of glass installers last week and while the prices were pretty low ($200 for the glass), they were brands that I had never heard of. Can we still get Pilkington glass, and has anyone gotten Sekurit glass? It would appear that the BMW dealer may be able to get OEM glass, but the price seems to exceed $600 for that.

Anyone in the SF Bay Area got a glass source / shop recommendation?

[Bill Brown]

Thank you for posting this as I have been curious as well.

Bill

[ZeKahr]

I had Guten replace the windshield on my old 325e about 2-3 years ago, when they still offered service. Cost $1500 in parts and labor. I’d reach out to Levent at Guten and see if they can still source windshield glass for you

[Jaxx_]

recently bought an aftermarket fuyao windshield. Green strip to the AS1 line. $200. It's fine, but finding an OE quality glass was at least 3x the cost, and not readily in stock.

[rmdashrf]

interesting getting fuyao, there an OEM for F30 glass nowadays. I wonder how it compares to E30 OE glass.

[uturn]

Replaced my windshield earlier this year. Called a few local shops and none could source a replacement.

Took it to the dealer, they had a $400 aftermarket option and $600 for BMW OEM. Went with OEM glass, was able to reuse the seals and lock strip, all in was about $900 installed.

[ZeKahr]

Replaced my windshield earlier this year. Called a few local shops and none could source a replacement.

Took it to the dealer, they had a $400 aftermarket option and $600 for BMW OEM. Went with OEM glass, was able to reuse the seals and lock strip, all in was about $900 installed.

From my experience, local shops, unless they specialize in E30s, are useless for sourcing parts for these cars. You either have to know a good parts guy or go to the dealer

[88Sedan]

OP, down in moss landing right next to the pick n pull there is a glass shop. He pulls select glass before cars get junked. I broke my buddy's wimdshield with a wrench (doh!), and he got a very good replacement there for like $70 or $80. This was like 7 yrs ago, but still. Prob not oem in my case, but an excellent price nonetheless. No install just the glass.

[Dj Buttchug]

interesting getting fuyao, there an OEM for F30 glass nowadays. I wonder how it compares to E30 OE glass.

Bought one of these for $200 bucks a while back and installed in my car myself. Not difficult at all. Quality of the glass is decent. Not a bad purchase for the price.

[Digitalwave]

I had two installed about 3 months ago, they were each $220 installed w/ the glass. I have no idea the brand but they fit and look fine.

[projectJTv4]

I had my front and rear installed for $430 in January of this year. Reused all items.

Old front had a chip / crack at the front where it meets the seal, was letting water in and down the glove box area. During replacement I realize I did not have the lock strip "cup" that goes in the center. I bought one and then realize the gasket had shrunk and gap is too big.

Old rear defroster was not working at all. So I replaced that one also. The new one seemed to work, and then all of a sudden some of the lines would not defrost...

Edit: 4/3/24, rear defroster works slowly and not evenly... also developed 2 leaks from the rear. I taped it off after a big storm and no leak. Removed the tape and it rained and found water in the trunk. I will likely need to pull the rear windshield and either order new gasket / sealing parts (if still available) or add some sort of sealant to it.

[varg]

I had two installed about 3 months ago, they were each $220 installed w/ the glass. I have no idea the brand but they fit and look fine.

Do they pass one of the "cheap glass" tests? One being whether a set of transition lenses will work in the car. In my E34 they don't (no tint up front), in the recent rental I had they did. Cheap glass.

[e30austin]

Pilkington makes decent glass for these old cars. i would try to find one. $700 for an OE windshield is stupid, especially when it's probably a Fuyao or Pilkington unit.

i used to save the used ones from donor cars, but those are really difficult to find, these days.

[Digitalwave]

Do they pass one of the "cheap glass" tests? One being whether a set of transition lenses will work in the car. In my E34 they don't (no tint up front), in the recent rental I had they did. Cheap glass.

I'm not familiar, and don't have any transition lenses.

[MR 325]

We have done a decent amount of the Fuyao windshields here at BimmerHeads. We purchased the tools to do them ourselves since glass people don't seem to understand the lock strip system and insist on urethane everywhere.

Some customers request OEM glass which you can order from your local BMW dealer. Current retail price on a new OEM glass (non-vert and non-M) is $703. Part number 51311884397.