ANGELO GIAIMO wrote:
Mike Canfield responds to my question:
May I ask WHY would you replace a windshield that is not cracked or broken?
Mike
====================
Well, Mike,
The windshield is so pitted and has many very small chips in it that it
makes it nearly impossible to drive in the rain. I've tried Rain-X, new
blades and even had the windshield "filled" by a glass shop (about a year
ago). No good.....Still get alot of glare at night, the windshield wiper
marks are still in the window and visibility in the rain is poor. Only
since I've been driving my wife's car ( '01 530i) in the rain, have I
REALLY noticed the lack of visibility.
The reason, Mike, why I mention it's not broken or cracked is that I cannot
get it replaced with my full glass coverage on my insurance. Even if I
mention that it's unsafe due to the glare, they say it's normal ware, not
broken. Some have suggested I purposely put a rock thru it to make a
claim, but I'd have a hard time doing that.
Checked with the dealer last night....my cost is around $400 just for the
windshield. Unless I hear of some overwhelming reason to stick to OEM,
I'll give Triumph a call.
Thanks for asking.....really......I personally think it's unsafe, and as
such, should be replaced under my full glass policy for free.
It is VERY common for the original factory glass to pit after 10+ years
on US roads. The original glass was MUCH softer than the glass commonly
used and available in the US.
The windshield glass in the 190D 2.5 turbo that Linda drives was so
pitted that you COULDN'T really safely drive into the sun! She insisted
that it be replaced and the markings on the window suggest it's made by
SCG. There is NO star on it. A friend (that does windows for two
Mercedes dealerships) of Linda's son replaced it and the total cost was
$200 (such a deal)! It been in for about 3 years now and is JUST fine
(no better or worse than the PPG windshields on MOST of my other cars).
Marshall
--
Marshall Booth (who doesn't respond to unsigned questions)
"der Dieseling Doktor" [EMAIL PROTECTED]
'87 300TD 181Kmi,'87 190D 2.5 199Kmi, '84 190D 2.2 227Kmi, '85 190D 2.0
159Kmi, '87 190D 2.5 turbo 234kmi
