New rain-sensing windshield installed: $250... Good?

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Dec 2010, 09:36

We got quotes from $250 to $270, mostly, for this, "on site replacement." At that price I'm sure none of them are OEM glass (I didn't make the calls). Is there any glass-specific question I should ask before having this done?

2004 V70

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Dec 2010, 10:47

Just looked it up at MyVolvoPartsOnline.com -- OEM glass is $645.05 (list), $516.04 (actual). Ooof. I wonder what the replacement glass I'm going to get is going to be lacking... thickness? Strength? Sound insulation?

Or nothing at all? Sometimes non-OEM parts have no drawbacks.

Post by **JRL** » 13 Dec 2010, 10:55

The rain sensor may not work, or work properly.
This has been the biggest complaint about aftermarket windshields on P2 cars
Some have worked, many do not!

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Dec 2010, 11:00

Thanks, I'll talk to the business before the installation and find out their policy on this.

randyman · Post by **randyman** » 13 Dec 2010, 14:21

Is this out of pocket or insurance? If it does not work properly, and is insurance, they are required to put the OEM glass in.

Post by **matthew1** » 14 Dec 2010, 13:40

Out of pocket. I cracked it with cool water from the hose while the windshield was hot. The high altitude here allows loads of the sun's heat through, and cars get hot parked in the sun.

The guy's here now doing the work. Very pleasant, very experienced. So far so good. I asked him about replacements if the rain sensors don't work and he said they do it free, and that roughly 1 in 100 fail.

I need to buy 4 new blue clips at the dealer, the windshield guy said he'd stop by when he's in the neighborhood and fit them when I have them. Four of six broke (brittle). And the trim/moulding is crumbling, although the strips on either side I might live with -- they're painted, and thus are undoubtedly expensive.