82_930

I bought my '06 C4 in May and just got a pebble in the windshield.

Should I go to an autoglass place or should I have the dealer change the windshield?

On one hand, the autoglass place changes windshields on a regular basis, but on the other hand the dealer knows the car.

My local autoglass shop says they had done 997's in the past but the dealer is the dealer. Insurance will be paying so cost is not a factor.

sbpsu354

In my experience, Porsche dealer's outsource this work to auto glass installers such as elite, safelite, or something similar. My 996 needed a new windshield as part of the purchase, and while the dealer provided the factory glass, the installer was from Elite, I believe. I watched the process. You don't want to watch, trust me.

Spokane5150

Dealer outsources the work. Agree...don't watch. You'll get stomach cramps. I was OK until the brought out the sawzall with a knife on it. I asked for a mature installer that had experience doing Porsche's.

Edgy01

Keep in mind that even the factory has a robot to do that work--they found that even their specialists couldn't install them consistently and satisfactorily enough. I would go to the guys who do it for a living. Just be sure and go with an OEM windshield and ensure that the installers are aware of all the hookups that your windshield may require (e.g., radio antenna, GPS...)

82_930

I think you guys are right Safelight it is.

Spiffyjiff

had mine done by safelight last year. very professional job. my advice - play dumb on your prelim convo with them to see if they hit the right points without you prompting. i.e. them mentioning they have to go thru porsche, them mentioning they know your glass has specific parts/sensors, etc.

my local shop had done a few of them in the past and even knew the part numbers (which i had looked up in advance just to see if they got it right).

good luck.

onedae

Be very careful with this. Many installers don't know how to properly set the new windshield in and you get wind noise. When I had my windshield replaced, it took 3 attempts (at the dealer's expense) to get it right. The dealer was great but the installer they used was incompetent. Have your dealer do the job so that if the installer screws up its their probelem; not yours.

Dr.Bill

If it's not in your line of sight and is still small, it could be repaired instead of replaced.

Depending on size and location I may just leave it alone as well. Wait until the next one and then get it replaced. Around here, I replace my windshield about once a year - between rock chips and the dust storms. Always with a company that only does auto glass. Never had a problem.

DMoore

I had a horror story with a replacement windshield on my GTS last fall. I would NOT, under ANY circumstances, take it to anyone other than my dealer or the trained, experienced glass contractor they regularly use. I went through 3 (!) replacement windshields before it was done properly.

Also - BEWARE of aftermarket windshields! A Safelight installer (God Bless him, he's an honest man) came out to my car but told me his aftermarket windshield is junk and I should not install it! He even showed me where the aftermarket glass was different from OEM, and why he wouldn't want it on his car.

I then went to a body shop, and they botched it. Repeatedly. Finally - the dealer made it right.

DMoore
'11 GTS
'10 Panamera 4S

CORSASCHNELL

Since most people have $250 or $500 deductible with their insurance, I recommend having your Porsche Dealer install it (and yes they outsource the labor but the part is OEM) since your out of pocket cost will be the same.

If something is not done right, you can always go to the Dealer instead of Safelight. Good luck!

Poshaman

I had mine replaced with OEM at a Porsche dealer back in Feb. They did it perfectly and I have no issues.

lvandermerwe

The manager of our local dealership told me that they only use a Porsche Certified installer to install their OEM windshields. Not exactly sure what that means other than the installer has to take some exams.

sclemmons

I had a pebble hit on mine and safelite just patched it with their vacuum rig and clear epoxy. Took 30 minutes and has been trouble free since. You may not need a new windshield and you won't be able to tell the difference, unless they screw up the installation of the new windshield and it leaks or worse. My recommendation would be to do something less invasive and patch what you have.

PTParks

I recently asked my dealer (a Porsche-Jaguar-Audi conglomerate) for their recommendations should ever need a windshield replacement. They had a glass service on speed dial that they highly recommended for all of the brands they represent. Factory glass was no problem.

O/T: Same for body work/repair. I looked at a friend's new Jaguar that had been hit at work (+$1500 in damages). I could not tell where the damage had been repaired, which included panel replacement and paint matching. Most dealers don't have time or space to deal with anything outside of regular scheduled maintenance or warranty claims for their customers and rely on outside vendors for other repair matters. To keep the return visits (and angry customers) to an absolute minimum they usually make sure they are recommending the best repair facilities they can find.

Verde

I just asked the dealer who they used. They were happy to tell me. Perfect job. End of story. And a new sheet of glass is a wonderful thing. I swear that Porsche OEM and spec replacement glass must be made of silly putty. Old one was totally micro-pitted which is most obvious when the sun is low or you get a new windshield.
V