Windshield OEM BMW or OEM Mazda

For my X5 M comp I go with the ultimate tire/wheel, windshield, ext maintenance (5 not 7). Curb rash one rim and you make it back… WS replacement from crack is the same. BMW glass has gotten softer and more prone.

My Model S plan went from $15->$20 monthly and I’m keeping it. I had to replace a windshield on my BMW earlier this year at $1300 out of pocket.

I had my ND windshield replaced back in 2019 and they brought a genuine Mazda replacement. Not sure why, as the installer said it was unusual to use OEM. It is an involved process due to all the sensor reconfiguration required. I am not aware of an improved windshield replacement, but FWIW my replacement has been fine since 2019.

I will say my chilliest experience last January in the mountains of CO at night tested the defrosting ability of the windshield. I wish it had some extra heater wires because we had to rely on the heated air which made for a very toasty experience inside the car.

People have experiences with a garbage windshield installation

https://www.reddit.com/r/CX5/comments/1nj1wb4/windshield_rattle_from_hell/

My CX50 windshield cracked in June, started out a few inches at the top of my windshield but past the point of fixing. In those few months it completely spread to the bottom of the windshield.

In over 20+ years of owning BMWs, and 35 years of owning other brands, I’ve never had a windshield crack. Then yesterday my 2024 M4 X40i with 7000 miles got hit by a people and bam, not just a chip, it cracked halfway across. Unfortunately, mine is on the driver’s side, right at my eyeline.

I’m going to need a new windshield soon, that will be my 4th one.

I had a scratch on the windshield a few weeks in, then realized I’d have the same issue as I did in my previous Mazda: poor glass quality that scratches even with the windshield wipers.

Mazda windshields are extremely soft, they scratch and crack easily.