Windshield glass replacement - third party vs OEM?

[GPDC]

Does anyone have experience in using a third party glass windshield to replace the original? Just wondering if there is a real difference compared to the OEM? Also, does anyone have an opinion on whether recalibration that's necessary after the windshield is replaced can be performed by third-party auto glass companies who aren't using Porsche software? I'm getting conflicting advice since I have to replace my windshield and my insurer is unwilling to pay Porsche prices.

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[BjörnfromHamburg]

I'm in the process of having exactlly that done at Porsche dealership.
Porsche quotes two devices to be reprogrammed/ calibrated:
The front cam and some other controller (total time: 1 hour 10 min)
Furthermore they check the car allignment as necessary part of the cam calibration.

Third party here claims they do it exactly like oem. Now you can ask them about their process.

Porsche charges a total of around € 4200,-, which indeed is close to ridiculous.

 

[FlyingPoint]

Search it, I have several first hand experiences (3 or 4 replacements, I forget).

 

[Tucson_Jim]

Same experience in the states. Noise/heat reducing glass option. Porsche was 40% more. Went aftermarket and they recalibrated without a hassle. Can’t tell the difference and saved $1,100.

 

[MHC]

Do you have the thermo insulated glass - an option on models below GTS - if so use OEM not third party.

 

[Albeeww]

I had mine replaced by Car Crafters of Albuquerque, and it was paid for by USAA insurance. Don't know how it was calibrated, but it was done correctly.

 

[tonysmart]

I had it replaced at my local Porsche dealer. Insurance covered a part of the cost (which I actually do not know) and I payed the remaining 800€. So for me it turned out to be not that bad. At the end of the day I always prefer to have things done by Porsche so I am sure everything will be alright

 

[Dave Birch]

In the Uk I had my windscreen on a CT4S replaced and recalibrated successfully and professionally by Autoglass. No issues with insurance or Porsche dealers. No idea of total cost.

 

[Pope]

If you are in Warranty a non-OEM screen may be noticed as a third party installation and need to be rectified before renewal or cited as causitive for any related issues.

Quite sharp of your insurance company to baulk at original parts when they ask if your car has any modifications/non standard parts installed that'd affect your cover (in UK) when you took out the policy.

 

[KLHubb]

I recommend Porsche do it with OEM glass of course.
I had Safelite do my Cayenne and it was a disaster...had to go to Porsche to get it right.

 

[FlyingPoint]

Same experience in the states. Noise/heat reducing glass option. Porsche was 40% more. Went aftermarket and they recalibrated without a hassle. Can’t tell the difference and saved $1,100.

Its all about luck. I had two non OEM windshields and neither would calibrate using PIWIS. The glass installer could not even perform the calibration. Granted, this was a couple of years ago - things may have improved.

 

[gatorfast]

I have had several windshields replaced on various cars, including Porsche, all done by Safelite using OEM glass and never any issues. That is what they do all day every day.

 

[JaseH84]

In the Uk I had my windscreen on a CT4S replaced and recalibrated successfully and professionally by Autoglass. No issues with insurance or Porsche dealers. No idea of total cost.

Did they fit Saint-Gobain glass, or another manufacturer? I have just booked a glass replacement with Autoglass. I have used them many times in the past with no issues, however my main concern is that my current screen has the VW6 (thermally and noise insulated) option, and I'm not sure they will replace it with the same optioned screen.

 

[Dave Birch]

Did they fit Saint-Gobain glass, or another manufacturer? I have just booked a glass replacement with Autoglass. I have used them many times in the past with no issues, however my main concern is that my current screen has the VW6 (thermally and noise insulated) option, and I'm not sure they will replace it with the same optioned screen.

Don’t know about your first question but their look up system on vin (?) showed the exact glass needed. Mine too was the thermal and noise insulated option on the car from new.

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