Windshield Replacement

[Japandrew73]

I was reading about how changing your front windscreen out for a new one makes a huge difference and looks much better. Is this a common thing to do? In an e92 M3 forum I was reading they were talking about how they've had their windscreen replaced multiple times. I know it isn't that big of a job to do by yourself, just take off the trim and the rest is pretty easy.

Has anybody had experience replacing their windscreen they'd like to share?

I'm thinking about replacing mine sometime this summer, mine has so many stone chips it looks horrid.

[Mastrcruse]

its easy to do until you need to put the trim piece back in. If you have the correct tool its also easy..I did not so I never put the trim piece back in (didn't drive the car anyways)

I would say it made it easier to see out of...not a huge difference but if a brand new piece of glass was installed, it probably would be a noticeable difference. It probably will look cleaner (obviously) too.

[kronus]

I need to replace mine, it cracked a month or so ago.

I went to the junkyard to practice taking them out and putting them in... it takes a fuckload of patience, but it's usually very worth it.

[Farbin Kaiber]

How many did ya break?

[TexasTerp]

I just replaced mine a little over a month ago and it made a world of difference. I highly suggest buying the Lockstrip Tool from BavAuto for 20 bux. It made re-inserting the lockstrip a breeze. Also, make sure to inspect the whole window gasket to make sure it's not dried out or torn in any places (probably not but always good to check.) Leave your Lockstrips in the HOT sun or a bucket of hot water for a little while and they will soften up and be easier to work with. You will also need to get a new lockstrip clip on the front I bent the heck out of mine the first time.

Basically the installation goes like this:
1. Remove Lockstrips
2. Push out Old Windshield from the top
3. CLEAN the windsheild gasket with soap and water (or windex)
4. Insert new Windshield, bottom first
5. Use plastic tools to wrap the gasket entirely around the windshield
6. Using the Lockstrip Tool and soapy water (or windex) SLOWLY insert the lockstrip all the way around the windshield in the gasket.
7. Finish by adding the new clip
8. Wash the car and new windshield.

All in All it took about 30 mins for me to do the whole thing.

[pporcaro]

I just replaced mine a little over a month ago and it made a world of difference. I highly suggest buying the Lockstrip Tool from BavAuto for 20 bux. It made re-inserting the lockstrip a breeze. Also, make sure to inspect the whole window gasket to make sure it's not dried out or torn in any places (probably not but always good to check.) Leave your Lockstrips in the HOT sun or a bucket of hot water for a little while and they will soften up and be easier to work with. You will also need to get a new lockstrip clip on the front I bent the heck out of mine the first time.

Basically the installation goes like this:
1. Remove Lockstrips
2. Push out Old Windshield from the top
3. CLEAN the windsheild gasket with soap and water (or windex)
4. Insert new Windshield, bottom first
5. Use plastic tools to wrap the gasket entirely around the windshield
6. Using the Lockstrip Tool and soapy water (or windex) SLOWLY insert the lockstrip all the way around the windshield in the gasket.
7. Finish by adding the new clip
8. Wash the car and new windshield.

All in All it took about 30 mins for me to do the whole thing.

NO WINDEX!!!!! It has WAY too many chemicals that dry soft plastic out.

[dannyg]

it's very easy and straight forward. I also would recomend getting the lock strip tool and might aswell put a new black gasket in there. You also may want to get 2 of those suction cups to make life easier.

[Aptyp]

I got a new one installed by GlassPRO for $144.93 a few weeks ago. Brand new windshield installed for that money sounded like an amazing deal. The most expensive part was the chrome strip (extra $45), but I opted to not have it installed. It took this ipod-listening guy less than 30 minutes, and I was on my way.

Find a local glass shop and have them do it right.

[metalix1021]

I got a new one installed by GlassPRO for $144.93 a few weeks ago. Brand new windshield installed for that money sounded like an amazing deal. The most expensive part was the chrome strip (extra $45), but I opted to not have it installed. It took this ipod-listening guy less than 30 minutes, and I was on my way.

Find a local glass shop and have them do it right.

so $144 for glass and installation? Just making sure I read it right...

[TexasTerp]

NO WINDEX!!!!! It has WAY too many chemicals that dry soft plastic out.

First of all the gaskets are rubber, not plastic, so they are fine; the lockstrips are coated for the weather.

I've used windex and the like on many, many soft plastic items on both my cars and other items without any issues whatsoever over the years. Yeah I can understand you freaking out about the chemicals but as long as you're not using something along the lines of a degreaser like purplepower it won't eat away at the rubber or the plastic lockstrip.

[Farbin Kaiber]

so $144 for glass and installation? Just making sure I read it right...

Sounds right, but it is aftermarket glass.

[Aptyp]

so $144 for glass and installation? Just making sure I read it right...

yes sir, you read it right, and yes it is after market glass. And GlassPRO has a protection plan to cover pitting. So far so good.

[nickpdx]

I really really need to get mine replaced soon. I still have the original windshield on my e30 and it's so pitted/irreversibly hazy that driving into the sun in the summer time is nerve-wracking.

[Eric Giles]

With the lockstrip tool, it's an easy job to DIY. I have done a couple of them so far and from start to finish it shouldn't take any longer than an hour.

[Japandrew73]

Thanks for all the info guys! :)

This definitely looks like something I'll be doing over the summer. I have to original glass that has many stone chips and lots of pitting. No cracks, but the pitting looks horrible in the sun. It's also hazed in some spots, I just can't handle it anymore. Plus, I've heard new glass is one of those things that makes a HUGE difference.

I'll probably get the OEM glass, the bavauto tool, some Griot's Rubber Conditioner (I already have the Prep cleaner), and do the instal myself.

Does anybody know anything about the glass with the "Green windscreen, green shade band"?

http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/2-doors/Europe/318i-M10/LHD/M/1984/september/browse/vehicle_trim/glazing/

Any pics of this? I've heard its rare. Still available, but just expensive.