Front Windscreen Replacement

[DavidM]

I am hoping to replace the front windscreen on my Z3 over the Winter months as it has multiple marks and a few minor cracks. Just got a couple of prices recently, one from BMW and the other from a local garage:

BMW Estimate £800 ( BMW Windscreen cost £180 approx.)

Local Garage Quote (following a conversation and positive feedback from forum member Sailorbaz):
Windscreen (not BMW) £160 (will fit a BMW windscreen if I supply)
Weather Seal Trim £14
Fitting £75
Fitting Time Approx. 1.5 hours

I will more than likely go with the local garage quote but was wondering if anyone had practical experience fitting a Z3 front windscreen and whether the job was straight forward or should I leave to the professionals?

Thank you.

David.

 

[David Cullen]

for sure its a job for professionals Dave, and did you try any scrap yards? maybe they have a good original screen for small enough money

 

[DavidM]

David,

Thank you for the response - haven't tried scrapyards yet but will do.

David.

 

[zedonist]

You need an experienced fitter, as the usual issue is scratching the paint work in the window surround when removing, this then leads to corrosion and a bigger repair bill. I am having mine replaced when it goes in for a repaint later this year to avoid this.

 

[DavidM]

You need an experienced fitter, as the usual issue is scratching the paint work in the window surround when removing, this then leads to corrosion and a bigger repair bill. I am having mine replaced when it goes in for a repaint later this year to avoid this.

Thank you!

 

[t-tony]

This is one of those jobs best left to a trained professional in my opinion. There are many jobs we could all attempt and even manage to do, but if you do one one job and make another, as Zedonist points out, is it really worth it? Horses for courses?

 

[robertjones]

Have u checked your insurance policy, may have some windscreen cover on there

 

[zedonist]

Have u checked your insurance policy, may have some windscreen cover on there

If we had a special screen that was heated or contained the antenna and cost over £300 I would agree, but at circa £150 fitted, it's not worth the excess or increase premium the following year.

 

[DavidM]

Have u checked your insurance policy, may have some windscreen cover on there

I have cover, but the car passed its MOT with these marks, and I guess the insurance company would attempt to get the smaller cracks/chips repaired/filled to stop them getting worse.

 

[robertjones]

I have cover, but the car passed its MOT with these marks, and I guess the insurance company would attempt to get the smaller cracks/chips repaired/filled to stop them getting worse.

Dont knpw about that, I have a t5 camper and had a small crack at the bottom of the screen, rang my ins. Co and thry arranged a replacement, cost me £90 excess, might be worth a call

 

[badman gee]

Rubber mallet and a tea towel will do the trick!

 

[lightning]

Does a windscreen claim put up your premium? I thought it did not count as a "claim" so does not affect your NCB?

 

[DavidM]

Dont knpw about that, I have a t5 camper and had a small crack at the bottom of the screen, rang my ins. Co and thry arranged a replacement, cost me £90 excess, might be worth a call

Thanks, Robert - I'll check it out.

David.

Does a windscreen claim put up your premium? I thought it did not count as a "claim" so does not affect your NCB?

That's my understanding too, and it's looking a more attractive option with my £50 access tariff.

 

[t-tony]

Most insurance company's don't class screen replacement AA a claim regarding no claims discount that's why you have an excess to pay.