Windscreen replacement - as close to OEM as possible?

So following the post above, they replaced the Fuyao 'OEM equivalent' screen with another one from a different batch. The problem was even worse, it was clearly distorted with a ghosting effect.

From there, I contacted my insurer again and explained that their agent, Autoglass, are not able to correctly repair the car - therefore they would need to pay for OEM BMW glass. After many phone calls, and a lot of frustration, Direct Line agreed to pay for the glass and communicated this to Autoglass.

That wasn't the end of it though, Autoglass made a few mistakes and booked in the non-OEM glass again, but I eventually got through to someone senior who managed to sort everything out. In all of this I haven't been able to fault the technicians, they seem to know what they are doing and find it equally frustrating as they know these replacement windscreens likely won't solve the issue.

Anyway, today they've just fitted the BMW OEM glass and everything is perfect. The HUD is flawless with no distortion. I can say with 100% certainty that OEM windscreens are not just 'branding' - they are built to a far higher standard with much stricter tolerances. Although this is perhaps only made obvious if you have a car with more advanced features.

What a complete pain though, it must have taken 5+ hours of phone calls! Just about worth it to save £900, I suppose.
 
I bust a windscreen on my old AMG GT R and ensured I had a full Mercedes screen fitted, which I am glad I did and it was the only one they could find sitting in a Mercedes dealership. The install of the screen was relatively simple . They then had to download a 1 use licence (circa £150 I think) from Mercedes to calibrate the screen/systems and this took circa 4 hours. It involved multiple calls to Mercedes in Germany who helped them through the process but it was complex. I know as I stood with them as they did it and involved lots of plugging in laptops, resetting and calls but Mercedes were helpful and that chaps in Stafford really good. AMG in Germany could access my car via the software and I appreciate my car was somewhat specialised but not all screens are the same.
 
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All that just to install a windscreen, crazy.

The "programming in" gets me. Obviously done just to make a bit of profit as they are all exactly the same. Needs a law change.
 
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Robbo said:
So I've finally had this done - by Autoglass. They've fitted a Fuyao 'OEM spec' Sunless Acoustic HUD screen. Fuyao do supply factory windscreens for BMW, but of course they aren't all of equal quality.

It looks near on identical to the factory one with the same distinctive blue tint and generally speaking it seems very good. No creaking or anything and the fit looks bang on. The guys at the Autoglass site seemed to know their stuff and I can't see any issues with all the various things they've calibrated.

However, there is one problem: The HUD is just not quite as clear as before, it almost seems a little distorted and your eyes don't focus on it quite as easily. I've spoken to them and they're happy to fit another screen and see if that improves things... if it wasn't for that I'd be pleased. I might give it a week and see how it goes first...

After speaking to the guys on site about how their processes work, the mrk method above might be the best option. Let them try another screen (or two) and then demand OEM.
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I have just had the exact same experience with National. Same problem with HUD otherwise fine. National offered to replace with another after market but I asked about an OEM and he said I was wasting my time « no insurer would pay for OEM »
I phoned LV and they agreed immediately..even said I should have been offered the choice at outset. They even phoned the manager @ National to tell him order in a BMW screen..at no extra cost to me. It sounds like LV are the exception here…but also reinforces my dealings with them in the past
 
the farmer said:
I have just had the exact same experience with National. Same problem with HUD otherwise fine. National offered to replace with another after market but I asked about an OEM and he said I was wasting my time « no insurer would pay for OEM »
I phoned LV and they agreed immediately..even said I should have been offered the choice at outset. They even phoned the manager @ National to tell him order in a BMW screen..at no extra cost to me. It sounds like LV are the exception here…but also reinforces my dealings with them in the past
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That's good to hear - LV definitely seem excellent when it comes to replacement windscreens. I'm going to try and insure with them next time, although previously the prices have been fairly restrictive. :(
 
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