Windshield Pilkington or OEM Volkswagen

almost 4 years under my belt in this car only one crack (sustained in what can only be described as windshield death valley on I-80 in WY)

Not only is Subaru (Carlex) glass not required, you don't even want it if given a choice. Go for aftermarket glass, Pilkington if you can. Zero issues with eyesight after calibration.

Figured I should close out this thread by saying I did order the windshield after spending some time with the dealer and their computer. They told me no returns on it if I am wrong about it being the windshield. So $975 (before install costs) later it came in this week and is indeed the windshield.

Went to the local glass shop. Bought the pilkington as it’s a hair thicker and I know other OEMs use them. Night and day. Pilkington glass appears way clearer with less distortions. I’ve driven about 1.5 k miles since replacement and eyesight is dead on- about 500 miles local, 1k highway. No issues, works great in rain, and no random stops or the dreaded eyesight disabled logo.

OP I was just in the same boat. BMW Seattle wanted $3,000. I went through Safelite, paid $500, and got an OEM Pilkington windshield. They even calibrated everything for me and I haven\u2019t had a single issue in the 3 weeks of having it.

When you get it replaced see if you can get Pilkington glass. It is supposedly much more durable. I've had my Pilkington windshield take a few rocks and she is still going well so far.

If I was paying for it out of pocket, I would run with a non OEM windshield from Pilkington. They are a premium auto glass manufacturer with better performing glass for UV protection, cooling, sound and durability.

Still getting the runaround on trying to find a replacement. In my experience, the VW's windshields tend to chip & crack so easily. the aftermarket lasts so much longer.

Just search windshield in this sub and you'll find many like minded souls. The OEM windows are paper thin and prone to chips, cracks, and tiny chips that turn into 3 foot cracks.

I would rather buy the original BMW/Pilkington windshield from the junkyard and get it installed than get one replacement Chinese sh*t from insurance coverage. Replacements are not as thick, they are wavy and yep in general - crap.