OEM Windshields Now Available Through BMW

garageboy · Post by **garageboy** » Jun 20, 2020 2:54 AM

I finally drove up to SCR and they replaced the windshield and lock strip while I hung out in a park in Plainville and worked. They were also kind enough to remove my A/C compressor; now I have to figure out how to get the seal replaced...

This was a 2-year project to find a factory windshield, and in the end, the only reason I was able to get a windshield without paying $1000 or going through insane shipping gyrations, was because BMW NA relented and started providing windshields to the American market. But who knows how long this will last.

The good news is that when they had it all apart, considering they're a restoration shop, I asked them to make sure there was no rust, and I am pleased to learn (not at all surprised, but still happy) that the paint under the rubber seal shined like new paint just like everywhere else on this car.

It is SO NICE to be able to see out my windshield. Like new tires or shocks, I feel like I'm in a brand new car again! Many thanks to everyone here who helped push the issue!!

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Jun 20, 2020 12:31 PM

garageboy wrote: Jun 20, 2020 2:54 AM They were also kind enough to remove my A/C compressor; now I have to figure out how to get the seal replaced...

Jay Stratton (JCS here) does a “leak rebuild” on the various types of compressors. Might be worth it.

Blue Shadow · Post by **Blue Shadow** » Jun 20, 2020 2:46 PM

This was a 2-year project to find a factory windshield, and in the end, the only reason I was able to get a windshield without paying $1000 or going through insane shipping gyrations, was because BMW NA relented and started providing windshields to the American market. But who knows how long this will last.

We all know it will last about another dozen windshields and they will be gone for good.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Jun 20, 2020 4:35 PM

Blue Shadow wrote: Jun 20, 2020 2:46 PM
This was a 2-year project to find a factory windshield, and in the end, the only reason I was able to get a windshield without paying $1000 or going through insane shipping gyrations, was because BMW NA relented and started providing windshields to the American market. But who knows how long this will last.
We all know it will last about another dozen windshields and they will be gone for good.

Most likely. They might make more, especially since it doesn't appear BMW is actually making them, but probably not.

I've still got a used spare if anyone wants it.

Discslinger · Post by **Discslinger** » Jun 29, 2020 2:03 PM

jay Stratton doesn't seem interested in answering emails... I'd look elsewhere

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Jun 29, 2020 3:28 PM

Discslinger wrote: Jun 29, 2020 2:03 PM jay Stratton doesn't seem interested in answering emails... I'd look elsewhere

Neat.

HayekFan · Post by **HayekFan** » Sep 16, 2020 12:44 PM

3 windshields remaining. I'm a little surprised they've lasted this long.

Preacher's 5 · Post by **Preacher's 5** » Sep 17, 2020 3:18 PM

Hey guys, I purchased a new windshield through www.atlantabmwparts.com (Global Imports Atlanta). Ordered directly from the website, $290, local pickup only. Took about 10 days to get it. Windshield - BMW (51-31-1-848-431). Got the locking strips and seals from ECS; the Windshield Seal for $40, URO brand. Locking strip is $113. Wayne Lins (Lins Specialty Automotive, Lawrenceville, GA) did the install for me. Turned out real nice.

Mdreamer · Post by **Mdreamer** » Oct 02, 2020 12:50 AM

Preacher's 5 wrote: Sep 17, 2020 3:18 PM Hey guys, I purchased a new windshield through www.atlantabmwparts.com (Global Imports Atlanta). Ordered directly from the website, $290, local pickup only. Took about 10 days to get it. Windshield - BMW (51-31-1-848-431). Got the locking strips and seals from ECS; the Windshield Seal for $40, URO brand. Locking strip is $113. Wayne Lins (Lins Specialty Automotive, Lawrenceville, GA) did the install for me. Turned out real nice.

Looks great! Thanks for sharing.

gino · Post by **gino** » Oct 09, 2020 10:07 AM

As of today Oct 9, there are only 2 left according to BMW of San Antonio. I just ordered mine so that makes 1 left. I had my car painted this week and the body shop destroyed mine. I just found this thread yesterday and I was crying and praying they had some left! Hopefully it gets here in one piece. This forum has been awesome throughout my 2 year refurb of my car.

Bonsaibacker · Post by **Bonsaibacker** » Oct 09, 2020 11:18 AM

Just picked up one of the last 2 in Jacksonville FL. Seems they have marked up the price. Now it is $347.

gino · Post by **gino** » Oct 09, 2020 11:25 AM

Yep, they said they were in Jacksonville. I hope my order goes through ok, I did pay already. And yes, price did go up.

HayekFan · Post by **HayekFan** » Oct 14, 2020 2:16 PM

Well, the system is now showing none left. But, there's an interesting note saying 60 are set to be delivered to BMW Germany by "the manufacturer" with an ETA of Nov. 3. So possibly more in the pipeline?

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Oct 14, 2020 2:17 PM

Go figure. Oh well.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Oct 14, 2020 3:31 PM

If they don't make it and it's selling, it a relatively easy call, no tooling or anything, doesn't slow anything else down, just place an order. But that doesn't guarantee they'll even be made by the same manufacturer to the exact specifications. Think heater valves. The price may change also.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Oct 14, 2020 7:30 PM

Sadly I’ve got four gigantic boxes sitting in my living room expecting these to be NLA. At least I don’t have to worry about having the windshields I need.

garageboy · Post by **garageboy** » Oct 14, 2020 7:38 PM

wkohler wrote: Oct 14, 2020 7:30 PM Sadly I’ve got four gigantic boxes sitting in my living room expecting these to be NLA. At least I don’t have to worry about having the windshields I need.

Why wouldn't you have all four windshields packed together in ONE gigantic box?

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Oct 14, 2020 11:59 PM

garageboy wrote: Oct 14, 2020 7:38 PM
wkohler wrote: Oct 14, 2020 7:30 PM Sadly I’ve got four gigantic boxes sitting in my living room expecting these to be NLA. At least I don’t have to worry about having the windshields I need.
Why wouldn't you have all four windshields packed together in ONE gigantic box?

And someplace besides your living room? Well, that's Chris.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Oct 15, 2020 12:02 AM

Who uses the living room? I'd have put them in the back bedroom with the other parts but the boxes wouldn't make it around the corner. I've decided to leave them alone for now since they're not hurting anything, but long term, they might get in the way. It only took five years to get some windshields so I am happy to have them. I'm sure the Arizona Highway Patrol is excited I got some too.

Post by **tig** » Oct 15, 2020 10:44 AM

For those trying to store their Windshield hoards: I I have been storing auto glass and some windshields on the floor, leaning against the wall. This is not the way to do it. I already had one brand new OE BMW E28 windshield break because of this.

To address this, I bought a glass holder on Amazon and fabricated a bracket:

OAG Windshield Protection Auto Glass Truck Cargo Management Rack (5 Lite Slots Rack)

Now I they are safe and secure and I have more room for my wheel fort.

Nosis · Post by **Nosis** » Oct 15, 2020 11:39 AM

That rack is super cool, as would be expected from a purpose-designed rack.

I picked up with a nice-used bronze windshield the same day my new windshield arrived. With two windshields around, I quickly realized how sketchy it is to store glass, so I spent $15 at Home Depot and made this from .5” pvc... For those whom may consider doing the same, a design flaw in mine is that it needed to be set-off the wall a few inches to allow for the curvature of the glass when sliding them in.

BTW, each rack is attached to a stud with 2 screws...

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Oct 15, 2020 2:07 PM

Nosis wrote: Oct 15, 2020 11:39 AM That rack is super cool, as would be expected from a purpose-designed rack.

I picked up with a nice-used bronze windshield the same day my new windshield arrived. With two windshields around, I quickly realized how sketchy it is to store glass, so I spent $15 at Home Depot and made this from .5” pvc... For those whom may consider doing the same, a design flaw in mine is that it needed to be set-off the wall a few inches to allow for the curvature of the glass when sliding them in.

BTW, each rack is attached to a stud with 2 screws...

Nice looking setup. I've got a windshield and rear windshield (both for sale, cheap, used, local pickup only) hanging from the rafters in my shed. So far they've weathered 10 years there unbroken, but without a car they fit I need to reclaim the space.

benloveless1 · Post by **benloveless1** » Oct 24, 2020 5:46 PM

To anyone following the status of these windshields:

I just called my local BMW dealer (Nashville, TN) and gave them the part number to the windshield. They said no availability now but Germany shows to have them November 3rd. We went ahead and put the order in so that BMW Germany would get it and I would be on the list. Because I work for a collision repair shop my cost was $255.82 and list was $370.95. I also asked if there was any special request for the windshield that she needed or would have to do and there were none yet.

Hope this helps someone!

Post by **tig** » Oct 24, 2020 11:31 PM

This is good news as i just got a nice crack in Vlad's driving slc to sea. I have a spare, but I also have $0 deductable glass. Heh.

Foonfer · Post by **Foonfer** » Oct 24, 2020 11:54 PM

So, I placed my order for (2) windshields with BMW of Manhattan back in March, after the usual explanation of old car, euro part, special order, etc. One week later New York City went into lockdown, and the BMW dealership went down with it too.

Emailed them in April and I got confirmation that the order went through, but they didn't know if the windshields arrived because there was a huge logistics mess with the pandemic and the lockdown. Please note that this was early April - NYC was seeing hundreds of people die of COVID daily; no other part of the US was this bad at the time.

Emailed / called again a few more times, left voice messages, radio silence.

One day late September I played hooky and decided to drive the ol' Supereta to the dealership, only to find a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper taped to a sign at the entrance to the Maintenance section. The 8 1/2 x 11 read - FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP CALL DESK AT XXX-XXX-XXXX OR CELLPHONE XXX-XXX-XXXX.

So I wrote down those numbers and called later that day. Guy that picked up did not know order status (oh no) but he could see my order (good!). He said he'd get back to me after talking to his colleague who had processed the order, but he was on vacation (of course).

He then said "well, in case the windshields weren't delivered, what would you like to do, would you like a refund or would you order them again? Please be aware that as of today, there are (3) remaining windshields in the US of A, and they are in Jacksonville FL."

I told him "talk to your colleague and let's touch base on Tuesday. If the windshields weren't delivered, I'm definitely ordering them again, if the 3 from Jacksonville are still available"

On Tuesday, they told me "well guess what - Your windshields have been in our warehouse since April"

Picked them up yesterday in a Mercedes station wagon (<-- wait, is that sacrilege?), gave one of them today to my friend who has a cracked windshield in her E28 (she placed it on a blanket on the floor, leaning against a wall - is that bad?). I am now in the process of deciding where to store my own windshield. It barely fits in the E28's rear seat. My garage doesn't offer too much security or tolerance for loose stuff. It's starting to look like it'll have to live underneath my bed, in keeping with classic NYC apartment conditions...

travisj · Post by **travisj** » Oct 25, 2020 9:44 AM

Glad to hear that all worked out.

You were actually able to fit one in the back seat? I've always heard that it was impossible to fit an E28 windshield inside an E28! Is it secure enough to transport in the back seat?

Storage can be a hassle. Under the bed or behind a couch seems viable.

sixseries · Post by **sixseries** » Oct 25, 2020 11:39 AM

Preacher's 5 wrote: Sep 17, 2020 3:18 PM Hey guys, I purchased a new windshield through www.atlantabmwparts.com (Global Imports Atlanta). Ordered directly from the website, $290, local pickup only. Took about 10 days to get it. Windshield - BMW (51-31-1-848-431). Got the locking strips and seals from ECS; the Windshield Seal for $40, URO brand. Locking strip is $113. Wayne Lins (Lins Specialty Automotive, Lawrenceville, GA) did the install for me. Turned out real nice.

I can’t find the locking strips on ECS? Do you happen to have a link? Also, how did the URO seal fit? Any leaks so far?

So did you not buy the trim (polished) that goes all the way around the window (and that I think is 2 pieces), and just bought the locking strips (the small bottom corner pieces)?

travisj · Post by **travisj** » Oct 25, 2020 1:19 PM

sixseries wrote: Oct 25, 2020 11:39 AM
Preacher's 5 wrote: Sep 17, 2020 3:18 PM Hey guys, I purchased a new windshield through www.atlantabmwparts.com (Global Imports Atlanta). Ordered directly from the website, $290, local pickup only. Took about 10 days to get it. Windshield - BMW (51-31-1-848-431). Got the locking strips and seals from ECS; the Windshield Seal for $40, URO brand. Locking strip is $113. Wayne Lins (Lins Specialty Automotive, Lawrenceville, GA) did the install for me. Turned out real nice.

I can’t find the locking strips on ECS? Do you happen to have a link? Also, how did the URO seal fit? Any leaks so far?

So did you not buy the trim (polished) that goes all the way around the window (and that I think is 2 pieces), and just bought the locking strips (the small bottom corner pieces)?

The locking strip is the 'trim' you speak of. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 311820622/

travisj · Post by **travisj** » Oct 25, 2020 1:19 PM

sixseries wrote: Oct 25, 2020 11:39 AM
Preacher's 5 wrote: Sep 17, 2020 3:18 PM Hey guys, I purchased a new windshield through www.atlantabmwparts.com (Global Imports Atlanta). Ordered directly from the website, $290, local pickup only. Took about 10 days to get it. Windshield - BMW (51-31-1-848-431). Got the locking strips and seals from ECS; the Windshield Seal for $40, URO brand. Locking strip is $113. Wayne Lins (Lins Specialty Automotive, Lawrenceville, GA) did the install for me. Turned out real nice.

I can’t find the locking strips on ECS? Do you happen to have a link? Also, how did the URO seal fit? Any leaks so far?

So did you not buy the trim (polished) that goes all the way around the window (and that I think is 2 pieces), and just bought the locking strips (the small bottom corner pieces)?

The locking strip is the 'trim' of which you speak. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 311820622/

stuartinmn · Post by **stuartinmn** » Oct 25, 2020 2:16 PM

travisj wrote: Oct 25, 2020 9:44 AMYou were actually able to fit one in the back seat? I've always heard that it was impossible to fit an E28 windshield inside an E28! Is it secure enough to transport in the back seat?

When I bought a new windshield ten years ago, I brought it home in my e30.

I had to take it out of the box of course, along with reclining the front passenger seat. It was still a tight fit, but you could do the same in an e28. I don't think you'd want to get in an accident though, with that big piece of glass pointed at the back of your neck.

sixseries · Post by **sixseries** » Oct 25, 2020 2:27 PM

travisj wrote: Oct 25, 2020 1:19 PM
sixseries wrote: Oct 25, 2020 11:39 AM
Preacher's 5 wrote: Sep 17, 2020 3:18 PM Hey guys, I purchased a new windshield through www.atlantabmwparts.com (Global Imports Atlanta). Ordered directly from the website, $290, local pickup only. Took about 10 days to get it. Windshield - BMW (51-31-1-848-431). Got the locking strips and seals from ECS; the Windshield Seal for $40, URO brand. Locking strip is $113. Wayne Lins (Lins Specialty Automotive, Lawrenceville, GA) did the install for me. Turned out real nice.

I can’t find the locking strips on ECS? Do you happen to have a link? Also, how did the URO seal fit? Any leaks so far?

So did you not buy the trim (polished) that goes all the way around the window (and that I think is 2 pieces), and just bought the locking strips (the small bottom corner pieces)?
The locking strip is the 'trim' of which you speak. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 311820622/

Gotcha. Preacher, did you get the lower strip and the corner strips too? Or just reuse?

Preacher's 5 · Post by **Preacher's 5** » Oct 25, 2020 11:13 PM

travisj wrote: Oct 25, 2020 1:19 PM
sixseries wrote: Oct 25, 2020 11:39 AM
Preacher's 5 wrote: Sep 17, 2020 3:18 PM Hey guys, I purchased a new windshield through www.atlantabmwparts.com (Global Imports Atlanta). Ordered directly from the website, $290, local pickup only. Took about 10 days to get it. Windshield - BMW (51-31-1-848-431). Got the locking strips and seals from ECS; the Windshield Seal for $40, URO brand. Locking strip is $113. Wayne Lins (Lins Specialty Automotive, Lawrenceville, GA) did the install for me. Turned out real nice.

I can’t find the locking strips on ECS? Do you happen to have a link? Also, how did the URO seal fit? Any leaks so far?

So did you not buy the trim (polished) that goes all the way around the window (and that I think is 2 pieces), and just bought the locking strips (the small bottom corner pieces)?
The locking strip is the 'trim' you speak of. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 311820622/

Yes sir. that is it!

Preacher's 5 · Post by **Preacher's 5** » Oct 25, 2020 11:15 PM

sixseries wrote: Oct 25, 2020 2:27 PM
travisj wrote: Oct 25, 2020 1:19 PM
sixseries wrote: Oct 25, 2020 11:39 AM
Preacher's 5 wrote: Sep 17, 2020 3:18 PM Hey guys, I purchased a new windshield through www.atlantabmwparts.com (Global Imports Atlanta). Ordered directly from the website, $290, local pickup only. Took about 10 days to get it. Windshield - BMW (51-31-1-848-431). Got the locking strips and seals from ECS; the Windshield Seal for $40, URO brand. Locking strip is $113. Wayne Lins (Lins Specialty Automotive, Lawrenceville, GA) did the install for me. Turned out real nice.

I can’t find the locking strips on ECS? Do you happen to have a link? Also, how did the URO seal fit? Any leaks so far?

So did you not buy the trim (polished) that goes all the way around the window (and that I think is 2 pieces), and just bought the locking strips (the small bottom corner pieces)?
The locking strip is the 'trim' of which you speak. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 311820622/
Gotcha. Preacher, did you get the lower strip and the corner strips too? Or just reuse?

I reused my original pieces.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Oct 31, 2020 4:00 PM

The new lower trim pieces do not fit so they’re a solid “Don’t Buy.”

iamcreepingdeath · Post by **iamcreepingdeath** » Jan 08, 2021 1:25 PM

benloveless1 wrote: Oct 24, 2020 5:46 PM To anyone following the status of these windshields:

I just called my local BMW dealer (Nashville, TN) and gave them the part number to the windshield. They said no availability now but Germany shows to have them November 3rd. We went ahead and put the order in so that BMW Germany would get it and I would be on the list. Because I work for a collision repair shop my cost was $255.82 and list was $370.95. I also asked if there was any special request for the windshield that she needed or would have to do and there were none yet.

Hope this helps someone!

Did this ever happen? I need a windshield, and BMW of Minnetonka, MN swears that there are zero in existence in the known universe.

John in VA · Post by **John in VA** » Jan 08, 2021 10:51 PM

iamcreepingdeath wrote: Jan 08, 2021 1:25 PMDid this ever happen? I need a windshield, and BMW of Minnetonka, MN swears that there are zero in existence in the known universe.

They were gone in the early fall. Not sure if a new batch showed up.

hellayego · Post by **hellayego** » Jan 09, 2021 12:21 PM

Relevant to this topic, my windshield was smashed by a rock last night while parked on the street.

I called Atlanta BMW Parts and the screens are on backorder until May he says. I can't wait that long to get a new screen as I need to use this car to get around. Are there any acceptable aftermarket solutions for front windsheilds?

I'm located in LA.

Thanks folks

Post by **tig** » Jan 09, 2021 12:41 PM

hellayego wrote: Jan 09, 2021 12:21 PM Are there any acceptable aftermarket solutions for front windsheilds?

No. Not unless you want water leaking in over time.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Jan 09, 2021 1:02 PM

cek wrote: Jan 09, 2021 12:41 PM
hellayego wrote: Jan 09, 2021 12:21 PM Are there any acceptable aftermarket solutions for front windsheilds?
No. Not unless you want water leaking in over time.

If it's done right with lots of 3M glazing and bedding I don't think that's a real problem. Almost seems like the pros don't know how to do gasketed windshields anymore, just us amateurs.

glowell222 · Post by **glowell222** » Jan 21, 2021 5:25 PM

Are the URO windshield seals good to use, or should I purchase a BMW seal? Any input on this from those who have used one?