Windshield Replacement

[meeksy5]

Has anyone with the Innovation Package (HUD, night vision, etc) ever replaced their windshield? If so, was it way more expensive due to these features? I bought my A6 pre-owned and it has several nicks and chips that are a little annoying. The dealer sealed them, so they shouldn't get worse, so just wondering what I would be in store for.

[Audibot]

I don't have night vision, but I do have a HUD and am literally having the my windshield replaced on Monday. I had a rock chip that was sealed, but it is apparently not sufficient for MD state inspection.

The windshield itself is more expensive, but you should be able to order it online to be picked up at your dealer (or have someone like Safelite install). It is definitely more expensive than without those features (MSRP of $1130 vs $960), plus you have to factor in the ~$500 (dealer dependent) "alignment" where they do a normal 4-wheel alignment and align the camera systems (which tie into the rear toe IIRC).

You can get the windshield for much less here (again you'll need to have it picked up, or installed at the dealer).

I know Safelite charges $60 for install, and then $90 or more for supplies, between the sealant, the rain sensor gel pack, etc. All told, it's going to cost ~$1400 for my car, but fortunately the dealer I bought the car is taking care of it for me out of good faith. They've been amazing.

[meeksy5]

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll be living with it for a while until something happens that warrants an insurance claim.

[jazzyjay18]

I just had my windshield replace 3 times in two month, I have all the features. Although it was paid for by tne insurance company, the receipt from Safelite was $568 charged. I would go talk to some one face to face at Safelite. There are two different windshields for our cars one with a circle rain sensor and the other is teardrop, look at your rearview mirror from the outside to find out.

[Audibot]

There are actually 3 different windshields--one without driver assistance or heads up display, one with drivers assistance and but without heads up display, and one with both driver assistance and heads up display.

I didn't have to do the ordering for any of this, so hoping for the best here. But having talked to Safelite directly, they said it would've been about $1400 installed for, which is $100 less than the dealer was asking. Since I'm not paying for it, I didn't handle any of these.

[Laserrs]

I've not heard great things about Safelite. That said do your own research and choose for yourself. I've had mine replaced 3 times unfortunately, no issues due to the Audi glass the first time or the Pilkington (sp?) the last two.

[meeksy5]

Did you pay full out of pocket or did insurance take care of yours?

[jazzyjay18]

Insurance paid for mine

[Audibot]

I've not heard great things about Safelite. That said do your own research and choose for yourself. I've had mine replaced 3 times unfortunately, no issues due to the Audi glass the first time or the Pilkington (sp?) the last two.

The dealership (Audi Silver Spring) uses Safelite here, and apparently they are the only ones around certified to do it. So I figured why not. It's supposed done today for me (since the windshield was delivered to the BMW dealership two doors down, not Audi for some reason). If it gets installed, then calibration will be tomorrow, as it supposedly takes a few hours to setup and another couple to complete.

Cannot wait for this to be done.

[Laserrs]

All of mine were done by insurance, no deductible and doesn't count as claim in my state. Check the DOT# printed on the lower corner of the glass to see who made your glass. http://www.carwindshields.info/dot_db

[jrsAudiA6]

I had my windshield replaced by safelite a few months ago. They used the OEM windshield specified for my 2012 A6. I have ACC, night vision and side assist. I did not have any calibration performed following the replacement and everything is functioning normal.

[Audibot]

I had my windshield replaced by safelite a few months ago. They used the OEM windshield specified for my 2012 A6. I have ACC, night vision and side assist. I did not have any calibration performed following the replacement and everything is functioning normal.

Hopefully it stays that way then!!

According to the Safelite rep I spoke to, all the glass is OE from Audi because they are unable to get it anywhere else. She may or may not be wrong, but her pricing and everything was spot on. Mine was discounted through one of the several online Audi stores, but still not cheap.

Insurance would usually take care of it, but like I've said for my case, I was supposed to be purchasing a car that was "perfect" that cannot pass inspection, so the dealership I purchased from agreed to handle it.



Btw, on an unrelated note, I noticed you have tint on your windshield listed in your sig. Once I pass inspection, I was planning to get the car tinted. Do you find the tint interferes at all with the HUD? I already cannot see it when wearing my polarized sunglasses unless I move my head, so I was wondering if the tint impairs vision w/o sunglasses.

[jrsAudiA6]

Hopefully it stays that way then!!

According to the Safelite rep I spoke to, all the glass is OE from Audi because they are unable to get it anywhere else. She may or may not be wrong, but her pricing and everything was spot on. Mine was discounted through one of the several online Audi stores, but still not cheap.

Insurance would usually take care of it, but like I've said for my case, I was supposed to be purchasing a car that was "perfect" that cannot pass inspection, so the dealership I purchased from agreed to handle it.



Btw, on an unrelated note, I noticed you have tint on your windshield listed in your sig. Once I pass inspection, I was planning to get the car tinted. Do you find the tint interferes at all with the HUD? I already cannot see it when wearing my polarized sunglasses unless I move my head, so I was wondering if the tint impairs vision w/o sunglasses.

The tint I had on the windshield did not interfere with HUD but since replacing the windshield I have not had the tint replaced. I do not wear polarized sun glasses when driving, so can not say if the tint had an affect.

[Laserrs]

Glass shops tell you its OE but if you ask they'll change their tune to OE quality or OE spec, it is not however OE glass unless it has the 4 rings in the lower corner. Straight up, they lied. I've had 2 Audi windshields (DOT number confirmed German plant) and most recently a Pilkington windshield made in the US, again confirmed by DOT# on glass.

[Audibot]

The tint I had on the windshield did not interfere with HUD but since replacing the windshield I have not had the tint replaced. I do not wear polarized sun glasses when driving, so can not say if the tint had an affect.

Awesome! That's probably going to be my first move after I get back from vacation in late May.

Glass shops tell you its OE but if you ask they'll change their tune to OE quality or OE spec, it is not however OE glass unless it has the 4 rings in the lower corner. Straight up, they lied. I've had 2 Audi windshields (DOT number confirmed German plant) and most recently a Pilkington windshield made in the US, again confirmed by DOT# on glass.

Oh, I was adamant on an assurance that it would have the 4 rings on it. Regardless, however, the cost discount from a place like audiusaparts.com is too much to pass up, which is also convenient from a OE perspective.

Just got word the windshield was installed late last night and they plan to stay as long as it takes to complete the remaining work (4-wheel alignment w/ driver assistance and re-inspection).

[Audibot]

As an update on me, picked up the car yesterday. Amazing how much clearer the windshield looks than when I had it before. Total to me was $197 for MD Safety Inspection and wiper blades. Extra $91 for the rain sensor film/gel pack was picked up by the other guys.

Thankfully if I need to do this again, it'll be via my insurance ($0 deductible). Now to lose a few grand on taxes when I register the car.

[meeksy5]

How much damage was done to the windshield? I’m not sure if mine is bad enough for insurance to cover.

[Audibot]

Barely any, as far as I was concerned. It was a small chip that had been filled, but apparently under the repair it had decided to splinter out left and right by maybe 1/4". Nothing major and I didn't even notice it until it was pointed out. But apparently too large for what MD considers safe, and since it was repaired already, that warranted replacement