I know needing to replace a windscreen on a MINI is normal but I'm trying to avoid the dealership as they have been worse than awful..... I know I want to replace with PPG glass rather than OEM, the question I seek advice on is who can install a MINI windscreen correctly so I don't have issues with leakage or trim flying off. I have been told to avoid SafeLight. Any and all advice appreciated! Thank you.
The dealer installed a MINI factory windshield in my R53, and I was less than happy with the result....and just so this isn't considered a dealer-bash, I like my dealer and they do great work. My reasoning is who will do a better job replacing a windshield, a dealer mechanic who does one a month or a guy who does nothing but windshields all day every day? Safelite replaced the one in the wife's Audi and did a spectacularly good job. Enough so that the next time I needed a new windshield in it and my R55 Clubby, I had them do both. Both turned out perfectly again. I'd go with Safelite......
I had one replaced by the dealer as part of the purchase agreement. However, they didn't do the work. They subbed it out to a local glass shop. Maybe ask your dealer who they use.
My local glass guy has replaced the windscreen 3 times and each time, perfect. Had a slight whistle one time, took it in, he shot some clear silicon sealant under the rubber, problem solved. Your local glass guy would love to have you for his own. Also, look into $100.00 deductible add on ins. to your existing policy, covers rock chips and such. Three replaced, $300.00, less than the price of just one.
I just had the windshield replaced by Safelite on my '06 mini just-a-cooper. They showed up with the windshield and both A pillar covers. Broke some molding clips for the bottom of the windshield, put all of them on order and are returning this friday to complete the job. Last month they replaced the windshield on my '14 Taurus in Cheyenne, Wy. while on the road. No problems.
My experience with Safelite DON'T use them. Had them install a windshield in my 4Runner. They did it at my wife's work. I couldn't believe the poor job, what a fark up job. Took them 3 tries do a passable, but still not great job. As far as dealers replacing glass, that is not there expertise. Use a glass shop, just not safelite. There is a local place that I have used over the years that is great. For local folks it is Guardian Glass. They installed a Pilkington windscreen in my MINI, great job good glass.
That's the consensus I have heard from some of the folks here locally. I think I have heard of Guardian Glass, will look them up....thanks. Also heard good things about Ryan's....but I have time, going to try and get one more MOTD out of the my nicely pitted windscreen. Oh crap.....just saw this looking for Guardian near me.....Safelite Group to Acquire Assets of Guardian Auto Glass **Updated | glassBYTEs.com
^^^ Git r done before they move/sack all the Gardian workers... Ryan's Family Steakhouse and Auto Glass..... Who knew... Grab a steak and brew while you wait...
That is sad news about Guardian Glass being absorbed by Safelite. If you find a good place let me know. Most anyplace, but Safelite.
My experience with windshields is that general repair shops, even dealers, sub-contract windshield replacement. I have just gone to an auto-glass shop in the past, and they do a good job, and bill my insurance company directly, so I just pay the deductible, and move on. CD