I needed a new windshield and had to go thru SafeLite with the insurance (Geico). Was a little disappointed. They use an aftermarket windshield and I could see the sealant on the passenger side where they attached the windshield and some of it was on the A pillar fabric. I left it as is as I didn't want them messing with it again. If this happens again I'll just go through BMW and pay out of pocket for an OEM windshield. Plan to get a new a pillar when i get a chance.

 

Many thanks for this feedback. The BMW Body shop warned that SafeLite would probably use an after-market replacement windscreen. I will have to diligence this further before proceeding but many thanks for sharing your experience.

 

I believe your insurance company must authorize an OEM replacement if that is what you request. I would not be happy with the above work and would make the insurer pay to have it reset at a BMW dealer.

 

As a follow up SafeLite confirmed that they will be using OEM replacement windows for the fix - phew!

 

We live in Arizona, where windshield damage is a fact and part of life. In 25 years, I think my wife and I have had over a dozen replacements: Tesla, Mercedes, Toyota, and BMW. They have all been Safelite except for one. Safelite has always been excellent with no problems whatsoever, and certainly no calibration issues. The Safelite people are well trained and know what they are doing. The one replacement we had with our IX was by Penske auto glass. They, Penske, are the same people who own our Scottsdale BMW dealer and the experience with them was excellent as well.

And we’ve never had a replacement done anywhere else but in our driveway.

 

My insurance policy specifies OEM parts only for all replacement parts for my iX. If/when I have a windshield replacement I always let the dealer handle it...OEM glass, they use an approved contractor, but then their factory trained technicians do the calibration and adjustments to the electronics required. I do NOT trust SafeLite with that, and have heard disaster stories.

 

Yes my BMW service center said if the windscreen was replaced I need to bring it in for the calibration. In my case, I only need to replace the three driver side windows, not the windscreen (thank goodness). They used the glue to patch up the windscreen since the cracks were tiny and it seems to have worked well.

 

Needless to say I am now getting nervous about even the door window replacements...!!