[bmw] Re: [bmw-digest V10 #86] Replacing E34 Windshield

["Peter Sankiewicz" <petsan@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Procedure to replace a windshield:
1) take off the rest of the existing molding.
2) cut out the polyurethane around the window with a big cargo knife (glass
shops use a special tool about 18" long). The urethane will be about 1/2"
deep.  Don't worry about the spacer clips and cut right through them if you
have to, they are cheap.  You should not be able to push it out, it should be
sealed in tight and solid.
3) lift out the glass, usually it will be a wreck of broken glass shards by
now.
4) clean up the rest of the urethane that is left there should be at least
3/8" left, if you scrape it all off, you'll have to use a special 2 part
polymer to bond the window back to the car.  if you leave it uneven you'll get
stress cracks.
5) buy a new window (cost $150), polyurethane kit ($25), clips ($5)  Without
looking it up, the glass shop's cost should be around $150, they should sell
it to you for another 75-100 over their cost.
6) install the new clips
7) heat up one of the cans of polyurethane (glue) to about 50 deg F, it'll
make it easier to spread.  use an exacto knife to cut the tip of the can at a
45 degree angle.  you can use a tile sealer 'gun' to push the urethane out of
the tube.
8) spread the glue in a 3/8" bead all the way around the metal where the glass
is supposed to go (do not put any glue on the shield itself).
9) get some one to stand accros the car from you and set the window evenly
over the opening.
10) press the glass down, clean up any goo before it dries up, roll down the
side windows a bit, and let the car stand for an hour.  urethane will be fully
set within 24 hours.

things to watch out for when purchasing the glass: the best glass for your car
is made in Germany (same OEM made this glass as the one that you're pulling
out, can be expensive and may only be available from the dealer).  good:
American or Canadian glass, it'll stand up to many objects flying up from the
road, and is a good value.  Worst: glass made in Asia, really cheap, and has a
tendency to be very inconsistent, highest chance of having to replace it again
soon, because of stress cracks and dings.

My recommendation: get a shop to do it, you will not save money if you do it
yourself.  Find a shop that is honest and seems like is running a good show,
and ask for a quote.  You should only pay more than $300 cash if they can
prove that your glass is much more expensive.  if you are running this through
your insurance company, it is your right to request an original piece of glass
from the dealer at no extra cost to you.  Call around, shop, tell one that
another is cheaper and request a price break.  Many glass shops will accept
$100 over their cost, though they may take convincing.  The amount of labor
required and the risk in installing the window wrong, make it not worth while
to try to do this yourself.  The window is an integral part to the safety of
your car, if the car rolls, the window will take a lot of the impact and may
save the roof from caving in.  If a large object smashes in to it, it is
designed to withstand the impact and not let anything pass through.

Good luck!

Peter
2003 530d
1990 M3
1985 535i
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