OEM Windshields Now Available Through BMW

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Jan 21, 2021 5:29 PM

I recommend using the original seal unless it’s damaged. The Uro seals are terrible and the new BMW ones aren’t much better.

glowell222 · Post by **glowell222** » Jan 21, 2021 5:48 PM

wkohler wrote: Jan 21, 2021 5:29 PM I recommend using the original seal unless it’s damaged. The Uro seals are terrible and the new BMW ones aren’t much better.

Thank you. I didn't realize the original seal could be re-used.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Jan 21, 2021 10:28 PM

glowell222 wrote: Jan 21, 2021 5:48 PM
wkohler wrote: Jan 21, 2021 5:29 PM I recommend using the original seal unless it’s damaged. The Uro seals are terrible and the new BMW ones aren’t much better.
Thank you. I didn't realize the original seal could be re-used.

Absolutely. I mean check it out, but if still soft and pliable and not cracked, it's definitely reusable. On the other hand, if it's hard, cracked and breaks when you bend it, you do need a new one.

URO does have a terrible reputation here, sometimes deserved, sometimes not. I had a URO front windshield seal in an E12, literally the same part, same part number as E28, and when I sold the car 12 years after installation it was just fine. YMMV.

glowell222 · Post by **glowell222** » Jan 21, 2021 10:58 PM

Mike W. wrote: Jan 21, 2021 10:28 PM
glowell222 wrote: Jan 21, 2021 5:48 PM
wkohler wrote: Jan 21, 2021 5:29 PM I recommend using the original seal unless it’s damaged. The Uro seals are terrible and the new BMW ones aren’t much better.
Thank you. I didn't realize the original seal could be re-used.
Absolutely. I mean check it out, but if still soft and pliable and not cracked, it's definitely reusable. On the other hand, if it's hard, cracked and breaks when you bend it, you do need a new one.

URO does have a terrible reputation here, sometimes deserved, sometimes not. I had a URO front windshield seal in an E12, literally the same part, same part number as E28, and when I sold the car 12 years after installation it was just fine. YMMV.

Thanks Mike-good info and I think I will purchase one to have on hand just in case, and return it if not needed.

ThaiTalion · Post by **ThaiTalion** » Feb 24, 2021 2:43 PM

Called BMW part center in Fairfax Va and they couldn't get me a front windshield, said they were all out of stock and NLA.....They do however, have 180 rear windshields. So I ordered one.

In a different forum a guy used safelite and said he didn't have any issue with leaks. Can anyone confirm they have tried another source?

Want to know before I purchase a used one from across the world.

SlickDizzy · Post by **SlickDizzy** » Feb 24, 2021 8:40 PM

ThaiTalion wrote: Feb 24, 2021 2:43 PM Called BMW part center in Fairfax Va and they couldn't get me a front windshield, said they were all out of stock and NLA.....They do however, have 180 rear windshields. So I ordered one.

In a different forum a guy used safelite and said he didn't have any issue with leaks. Can anyone confirm they have tried another source?

Want to know before I purchase a used one from across the world.

The Safelite windshields are the typical Chinese units with wrong corners, but the bigger issue with Safelite is the technicians that don't know how to remove and install old-school floating glass correctly.

There was a Safelite horror story thread on the E28 Facebook group a year or so ago, apparently the inexperienced techs just attack the seals with a knife and then pump sealant in when the aftermarket glass doesn't fit tight, many users had bad things to say and one had to take them to court over the damage they caused if I recall correctly.

Even here you will find many bad comments on Safelite if you look for them: viewtopic.php?p=1363626#p1363626

ThaiTalion · Post by **ThaiTalion** » Feb 27, 2021 6:44 AM

Thank you.

I posted in the FB group asking about a windshield replacement and I think that guy shared his story with me. Told me Safelite butchered the job a few times over and was never right. He told me to reach out to glassfinders, who was able to find me a replacement about an hour away.

MShimon · Post by **MShimon** » Jun 21, 2021 2:39 PM

Just to update everyone, I called BMW Seattle (local to me), and they stated that QTY 51 windshields (51-31-1-848-431) are on backorder in Germany. He stated the lead time is approximately August 2021 with shipping to US in about mid-September. He quoted me a price of $352.88. I hope to snag one of these this summer. Cheers.

vinceg101 · Post by **vinceg101** » Jun 21, 2021 4:21 PM

MShimon wrote: Jun 21, 2021 2:39 PM Just to update everyone, I called BMW Seattle (local to me), and they stated that QTY 51 windshields (51-31-1-848-431) are on backorder in Germany. He stated the lead time is approximately August 2021 with shipping to US in about mid-September. He quoted me a price of $352.88. I hope to snag one of these this summer. Cheers.

This is good to hear.
Did they say that BMW NA will receive the 51 units from Germany to be distributed when ordered or did you actually place an order?

douglasM5 · Post by **douglasM5** » Jun 21, 2021 8:00 PM

I placed an order on June 2, 2021 for an e28 windshield with BMW of Austin because their website said they had the windshield in stock. This was their reply the following day:

"Thanks for placing your order on BMW of Austin. In order to ensure you receive the correct part for your vehicle we need you to verify your VIN. Please provide your VIN for order #1911 placed on June 2nd. The part number that you provide us is on backorder in Germany and we don't have an ETA on when we will receive it it could be as soon as 8/5/2021 up to 8/20/2022."

I called BMW of Austin and was told they really have no idea when the windshield would be shipped. I canceled the order and asked for a refund on my credit card.

glowell222 · Post by **glowell222** » Jun 22, 2021 1:22 PM

I ordered a new windscreen in January. They said it may be June before it arrived, and I was fine with that. Still haven't received it, but it's still June. Not in any hurry at all to pull the old front and rear screen, install a new headliner and crack-free dash, and put in the new glass. Dreading all of it, in fact.

MShimon · Post by **MShimon** » Jun 27, 2021 11:04 PM

vinceg101 wrote: Jun 21, 2021 4:21 PM This is good to hear.
Did they say that BMW NA will receive the 51 units from Germany to be distributed when ordered or did you actually place an order?

Hi Vince,

I'm not sure of the specifics, this may be a worldwide run not only US bound. I did not ask this question. I was going to actually place an order later this summer just to get it on the books. Thanks.

vinceg101 · Post by **vinceg101** » Jun 28, 2021 9:38 PM

MShimon wrote: Jun 27, 2021 11:04 PM
vinceg101 wrote: Jun 21, 2021 4:21 PM This is good to hear.
Did they say that BMW NA will receive the 51 units from Germany to be distributed when ordered or did you actually place an order?
Hi Vince,

I'm not sure of the specifics, this may be a worldwide run not only US bound. I did not ask this question. I was going to actually place an order later this summer just to get it on the books. Thanks.

It's likely a worldwide total like they did last time so the pool exhausts pretty quickly. Keep in touch with the dealer to see when it shows up in the system as available along with the actual total and then jump on it.

BMWCCA2 · Post by **BMWCCA2** » Jul 31, 2021 12:17 AM

BMW NA shows no availability, none on backorder, and none in Germany, only "CDC Est. Date: 08/03/2021"

douglasM5 · Post by **douglasM5** » Aug 30, 2021 9:02 PM

Yesterday I ordered an new e28 windshield from BMW of Fairfax through their website. They took my order but today I received this email from them:

Unfortunately the requested part number 51311848431 is no longer available to order. If you pre-paid via Pay Pal link your account will be credited back to you. Please allow your financial institution the allotted time for the credit to process.

Might anyone have a new OEM windshield on order with BMW? I just had an aftermarket one installed and it leaks.

Doug

BMWCCA2 · Post by **BMWCCA2** » Aug 30, 2021 9:12 PM

Hell, the originals leaked. What gasket did you use?

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Aug 31, 2021 2:57 AM

BMWCCA2 wrote: Aug 30, 2021 9:12 PM Hell, the originals leaked. What gasket did you use?

And did you use the 3M sealant? Enough it was squishing out all over the place?

benloveless1 · Post by **benloveless1** » Aug 31, 2021 10:32 AM

I ordered one in may of 2020. I was told time after time they are on back order. I finally cancelled the order a couple weeks ago. I went with the fuyao glass that another member recommended with brand new oem seal and lower strip. The glass fits great but the seals are atrocious with the lower strip. I will do my best to source original if I can find one.

https://i.imgur.com/1E7m70c.jpg

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Aug 31, 2021 12:06 PM

That doesn't look like a good installation to me. Looks like the lower trim got bent up and not straightened. But leaks usually happen at the top. Who did it and what kind of sealant did they use?

HayekFan · Post by **HayekFan** » Sep 18, 2021 12:55 PM

Looking at that pic is giving me flashbacks of the windshield install on my car. My shop botched it and I ended up doing it myself.

The new lower trim strip that BMW sells is about 1/10" too wide and doesn't fit right in the gasket. It is critical to remove the lower trim intact because it is unobtanium now.

I also would advise reusing the original windshield gasket if it is still pliable and in good shape. The new gasket that BMW currently sells will work but it's formed funny and will fight you during the install.

Nosis · Post by **Nosis** » Oct 10, 2021 9:43 PM

Thanks to mye28, I bought one from my BMW of Denver just over a year ago, knowing this day would come... I got a great referral to quality glass tech, a guy that demands some patience, but is a true craftsman from the old school. Couldn't be happier...

topher800 · Post by **topher800** » Oct 11, 2021 7:29 PM

Could you post or PM me the contact for the installer?

Thanks,
Chris

Syndrome · Post by **Syndrome** » May 18, 2022 7:47 PM

It’s May 2022 and I can’t seem to find a windshield for my E28. These are no longer available, it seems., Any ideas? I’m in the Washington DC area, BTW. Thanks.

garageboy · Post by **garageboy** » Jun 04, 2022 5:38 AM

Syndrome wrote: May 18, 2022 7:47 PM It’s May 2022 and I can’t seem to find a windshield for my E28. These are no longer available, it seems., Any ideas? I’m in the Washington DC area, BTW. Thanks.

Prior to the last batch of windshields, I started to reach out to dealerships in Canada. I was willing to drive up with my E39 with the fold-down seats, and bring a windshield back home. My understanding, at the time (about 3 yrs ago) was that the decision to no longer send windshields to USA dealerships was not related to Canadian dealerships. As I'm in NYC, I started with Montreal. I did not get very far because my French is atrocious. Perhaps you can try that route. Please report back if you have success! Good luck!

Blue Shadow · Post by **Blue Shadow** » Aug 03, 2022 3:43 PM

Got mine delivered today. $225.89 all in.

Ordered on March 12, 2020 and the guys at the local dealer stored it for me during covid. Now that covid isn't quite what it was Anthony got in touch and asked if he could deliver it instead of me getting a SUV to grab it. Dealer is 4 miles away. Great Service.

Still in the box, inspected a couple times as Anthony said it was in good shape when it arrived back in April-May 2020

Now where to put this box the size of a foot thick kitchen table? Maybe I can get it installed in the next year.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Aug 03, 2022 3:44 PM

Mine are in my living room.

garageboy · Post by **garageboy** » Aug 03, 2022 3:46 PM

wkohler wrote: Aug 03, 2022 3:44 PM Mine are in my living room.

You made a coffee table with them? To hold your book on coffee tables?

Blue Shadow · Post by **Blue Shadow** » Aug 03, 2022 4:23 PM

wkohler wrote: Aug 03, 2022 3:44 PM Mine are in my living room.

Entrance foyer right now. Dang it is a big chunk of space. Third bedroom I guess.

Mdreamer · Post by **Mdreamer** » Aug 03, 2022 10:11 PM

Blue Shadow wrote: Aug 03, 2022 4:23 PM
wkohler wrote: Aug 03, 2022 3:44 PM Mine are in my living room.
Entrance foyer right now. Dang it is a big chunk of space. Third bedroom I guess.

Up against the wall in the garage... It has been there so long that it is almost as if it is the wall itself. Lol.

Post by **tig** » Aug 04, 2022 12:24 PM

I moved (with the help of "movers") the two I have from Seattle to Durango. I was too afraid to know if they broke them so when I put them away in my new storage I intentionally didn't look.

Tom4444 · Post by **Tom4444** » Aug 06, 2022 8:42 AM

So are these windshields still available?

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Aug 06, 2022 1:08 PM

Not currently, no.

John McA · Post by **John McA** » Dec 13, 2023 7:07 PM

Bumping this thread. I could really use one. A mint car parked and non op as it is destroyed.
Any interest in another batch?
51311848431

Good luck,
John McA

Blue Shadow · Post by **Blue Shadow** » Dec 13, 2023 8:40 PM

John McA wrote: Dec 13, 2023 7:07 PM Bumping this thread. I could really use one. A mint car parked and non op as it is destroyed.
Any interest in another batch?
51311848431

Good luck,
John McA

Gonna be very hard to get a batch made. There are aftermarket parts being made that maybe BMW thinks makes a part good enough for the masses and they are not going to invest in a run of windshields for the 20 cars they may do in the next 50 years having to store the majority of the run as the 100-500 windshields get used worldwide in the next 20 years.

Maybe there is another one stashed away that someone doesn't need right now.

I did notice the price has gone up a good bit. I paid 220 and new list is 470 and selling for 385 but nla.

John McA · Post by **John McA** » Dec 14, 2023 12:13 AM

Greetings,
Anybody know of a quality new replacement? In So California area?
Is Pilkington good?
Thanks.

John in VA · Post by **John in VA** » Dec 14, 2023 9:07 PM

John McA wrote: Dec 14, 2023 12:13 AMIs Pilkington good?

Pilkington is a BMW supplier. They & PGW (was PPG) produce in Mexico & China and will do the job.

John McA · Post by **John McA** » Dec 14, 2023 9:23 PM

Great news.
Who can I purchase this from? So far, I turn up NLA. Any reps in Southern CA?
Thank you.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Dec 14, 2023 9:25 PM

A customer of mine recently had a Trival windshield installed in his car while at my shop. According to the installer, that’s what Pilkington is called now. It seemed to fit pretty well using the original seal (that’s the key to just about any install these days).

John McA · Post by **John McA** » Dec 15, 2023 4:59 PM

Is FYG any good? i'm getting push back on Pilkington, TriVal. Thoughts?

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Dec 15, 2023 5:02 PM

John, they all suck. Every window is going to be a compromise and they will all crack easily but if you drive the car, it would suck to spend cubic dollars sourcing OE glass and install and then have it damaged because someone without insurance drifted onto the shoulder while texting and threw up a rock that breaks your glass.