My buddy just bought an e34 with a cracked windshield that's beyond repair. What's the cheapest route to getting it replaced without getting a POS that's going to shatter at the smallest pebble?

-Evan

Just go to a glass place would be my bet.

They replaced mine when I hit the buzzard. EXACT same glass and everything as BMW. In fact I could have gotten BMW glass for $100 more. I guess I should have, the insurance company was paying for it. But, mine seems strong.....like theres a real great way to test that.......

Budget is a huge concern, and insurance isn't covering it. How much did you pay?

-Evan

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Well, a $200 deductable. I think the total was about $289 or something very close to that. I just remember the insurance ALMOST paid a $100.

You should shop around. Some places have that price beater guarantee thing. I could have had mine done a little bit cheaper(total), but that place was the only one my insurance would cover.

Other than a glass place doing it for you; obviously its a junkyard search or find a place that will ship your friend one. And then, y'all get to have fun putting it on.

And then, y'all get to have fun putting it on.

Is that terribly difficult?

Is that terribly difficult?

That work is litteraly an art not for the avg DIY. Just my 2 cnts

Is that terribly difficult?

Haven't done it myself. The process looks straightforward; but its one of those things I know I would F'up. Plus you need at least 2-3 people and one or two special tools.

That said, I have no idea the amount youll be saving. Youd have to see how much a new piece of glass is by itself....

Like I said, havent done it myself. Hope Ive been of some help.

If you want it to look pretty, have a shop do it. Too many things you can do wrong and have a really loud windshield (driving) or leaks... the such.

I got to put on a windshield for a 2003 xj8 at my shop and although the idea of how to do it is kind of simple.... doing it is a completely different task. I'd agree with the above statement ... not your average DIYer job.

If you want it to look pretty, have a shop do it. Too many things you can do wrong and have a really loud windshield (driving) or leaks... the such.

I got to put on a windshield for a 2003 xj8 at my shop and although the idea of how to do it is kind of simple.... doing it is a completely different task. I'd agree with the above statement ... not your average DIYer job.

"my shop" do you work at a shop? Thats cool, always wanted the opportunity to learn alot more about how to do stuff

Putting a windshield on an e30 is a DIY job, unless you are a nervous nelly. I have not looked that closely at my e34 to see how much different it would be.

"my shop" do you work at a shop? Thats cool, always wanted the opportunity to learn alot more about how to do stuff

I work at Indiana's OSJI which is a huge jaguar restoration shop. They also have a second shop right next to use that specializes in BMW and VW. So I get to touch everything from new m6's, and beautiful 8series, to XKR's and our neighborhood xj220 :drool: Working at a shop like this has huge advantages.

Putting a windshield on an e30 is a DIY job, unless you are a nervous nelly. I have not looked that closely at my e34 to see how much different it would be.

That brings up a good point. I've never looked at my e34's windshield. After doing the xj8 I'd just expect it to be a pain to. It might be easier that what I led it on to be.

I got mine done by safelite autoglass for ~200. I would say to go that wroute. I think windshields are like tint, they should be left to people who do it for a living. And you may want to think about picking up some new plastic clips for your cowl, mine were all brittle and broke upon removal.

just replaced mine for $300

A VW Beetle or early Mustang is a DIY for windshields. These days, there's glue involved, sealers, special tools and parts... I would leave it to the pro's. And most of 'em will come to your house or office and do it in under an hour. They'll do it right, and they'll guarantee their work won't leak.

Remember too, that like doctors/hospitals, glass installation places charge more when insurance is involved (this is how you get it done "free" at some places - they overcharge the insurance company to cover your deductible). Anyway, when/if you call for a quote, let them know it's coming out of your pocket. If the E34 windshield R&R turns out to be relatively easy, they'll likely work out a good price with you. Their only cost is the glass itself, so they have some wiggle room on profit and labor.

http://bmwe32.masscom.net/
theres a writeup under body and interior