Robsibis

Any reccomendations on getting the windshield replaced. Had a rock hit windshield last night. Not cracked, however there is a small chip in the glass. Got me wondering if glass does crack should I go to dealer to replace or can an auto glass company do as good of job? Biggest question mark that I have is the auto dimming mirror and getting it re-installed correctly. Anyone have experience with this?

Robby

Bob58

I had my windshield replaced about 6 months ago after serious rock impact left a huge crack.

My insurance company recommended Safelite and they were exceptional.

I highly recommend them. I would get them to repair your windshield now before it does crack. Most insurance companies will waive any deductable for such a windshield repair. But, even if your's won't, it'll only cost about $50.

If your windshield does crack. it's going to run you about $355+ tax for a new one. There is no aftermarket glass for the B8 yet so it may take a few days to get one.

The Safelite repair man arrived at my home on time. He was extremely professional. It was obvious that he knew exactly what he was doing and had the windshield perfectly replaced in under an hour. And since it's OEM glass, you would never know it is not the original windshield.

There are no issues removing and reinstalling the auto dimming mirror. The issue is with rain sensing wipers. They rely on a gel pad sensor that sits just under the mirror mount. Audi does not send a new gel pad with the windshield.

But Safelite was able to take care of me. They found a new gel pad and replaced it for free when the original re-used pad stopped working after a few days. (The Safelite tech told me exactly what to expect and he was correct).

I HIGHLY recommend them.

www.safelite.com

1-800-800-ASAP

Hobbes

Go to your local auto glass shop (such as Safelite) and have them fill the chip. It will prevent it from cracking and spreading, and minimize the appearance of the chip.

Do this soon, because once it cracks the crack can spread very quickly and a new windshield will be your only option.

Edit: I see Bob beat me to the punch.

Robsibis

Was yours a repair or replacement? Why would the price change if the windshield does crack if they are replacing it anyway? Thanks for the reply.

Bob58

Mine was cracked far beyond repair limits so it was replaced.

Bob58

Saflite will vacuum shoot a clear epoxy into the chip which will stabilize it and the repair will be virtually invisible. That'll cost about $50.

If it cracks beyond the repair limits all anyone can do is replace the glass. That cost me $386.95 (with tax) through Safelite.

equ

If it does crack, make sure to replace with OEM. I had to insist with an insurance company once.

Bob58

All that is available, for now, is OEM.

It takes the major glass suppliers a while to start producing aftermarket glass for new models. It takes them longer to get around to making it for German models since their numbers are, relatively, small compared to US or Japanese brands.

irenesbob

Totally agree - I have had a few minor chips that were filled by Safelite on my Trooper back around 2003 and they never grew and were never detected at the end of lease inspection. Highly recommended for the price . A bud tried doing it hmself with a kit and it looked like crap - the end of lease inspection on his M3 cost him a lot because they saw it immediately.