Chip in windshield: repair or replace?

[Un Gato Malodoro]

Has anyone had one of those little chips/cracks in the windshield of your M5 and successfully fixed it with a service like Safelite? Or did you just replace the whole thing?

For reference, the POI is the size of the tip of a sharpie (or tip a .556 round for those with frame of reference) and the crack runs a little over half an inch to either side...I just noticed it now when the sun hit it in the right spot.

Thanks for the help.

[gblansten]

It's your call. I've had those fixed and the repair greatly improves the windshield but you often can still tell where it happened. I'd likely opt for the repair first on the windshield. It would really suck to get it replaced then get another ding soon.

[mcvaughan]

I'd attempt a repair first. If it works, it's a lot cheaper than a whole new windshield.

[wrsbmw]

Originally Posted by mcvaughan

I'd attempt a repair first. If it works, it's a lot cheaper than a whole new windshield.

These windshields are about $1300. I had to replace a HUD windshield on the X5 in January after a rock hit it on the way to Santa Fe. The hole was too big to repair. Try the repair first if it's only about $75.

[Ex_Stig]

Here in AZ we have $0 deductible on glass coverage. I never do the repair and always have it replaced.

Windshields here last about 12-18 months on average.

[wrsbmw]

Originally Posted by GNALUZU

Here in AZ we have $0 deductible on glass coverage. I never do the repair and always have it replaced.

nice

Originally Posted by GNALUZU

Windshields here last about 12-18 months on average.

Not so nice.

[boots]

I have three. One I tried to have repaired. Shit job on that one. I will try to have the next repaired by someone else.

[Un Gato Malodoro]

Thanks for the input. Apparently I didn't have much choice as USAA policy is to repair it via Safelite first and, if that doesn't work, to replace it, which means I'd owe my $500 deductible.

I find Safelite to be so hit or miss; sometimes the tech does a great job and the crack is barely noticeable and other times the work is for crap and it looks worse than it did before. Thankfully I was able to get an appointment at 1430 today so at least I don't have to wait to see if I got the former or latter treatment.

Thanks again.

[boots]

I agree but it depends on the tech if he's good or not. Apparently I had a bad tech.

[infamousq]

I would recommend checking everything when the tech is done. I had my windshield replace by Safelite via USAA and the tech didn't line the inside padding correctly. Needless to say it had to be reapplied once it dried.

[jimmy9980]

I got a rock chip the other day and it cracked my windshield. Had it replaced by a local company looks just like factory! Request OEM from the Insurance!

[bobblehead]

I would replace the car completely

[Un Gato Malodoro]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

I would replace the car completely

Lol

[pochesq]

I have AAA in SoCal and had my windshield replaced after paying my $1,000 deductible. Sucks but the repair work was mediocre and I can see the crack so it was total replacement at the dealer which charged AAA $2500

[Un Gato Malodoro]

So the repair didn't work and I need to get the windshield replaced. Which means I need to get the tint replaced. And new base stickers. Such a PITA...does BMW offer OEM bulletproof glass?

[bobblehead]

I read your first line ... "replace the whole thing" ... I thought that's what you meant.

Originally Posted by bobblehead

I would replace the car completely

Originally Posted by Un Gato Malodoro

Lol

[m34SPD]

Why do these new BMW windshields chip so easily. I have a ton of mini/micro chips that I can only see when the sun hits them. VW/Audi glass does not chip as easy.