Bmw OEM windshield-dealer says NLA

[Bonsaibacker]

My limited experience with Schmiedmann is that they're a class act. I'm not surprised they're following up.

Agreed.
I would imagine they don't like the loss due to poor packaging and handling but want the sale.
Congrats Hayek and good luck Boom.

[HayekFan]

Awesome! IT worked! I sent them a couple of krellboy's photos and told them there are a few of us on a forum ordering the same windshield. I didn't or couldn't share any of his personal information, as I do not have it nor did I mention mye28.com. So, kudos to Schmiedmann for finding the thread and ensuring we are taken care of properly!

Yep, they are being attentive. Incidentally, yesterday they sent a follow-up email checking if mine had arrived OK and in it they mentioned that they had added the slotted spacer boxes to my packaging. I was thinking I saw remnants of spacers in your and krellboy's pics but I went back and looked and, nope, this was a new thing. Certainly could have been a factor in my windshield surviving the trip.

[boomvader]

Awesome! IT worked! I sent them a couple of krellboy's photos and told them there are a few of us on a forum ordering the same windshield. I didn't or couldn't share any of his personal information, as I do not have it nor did I mention mye28.com. So, kudos to Schmiedmann for finding the thread and ensuring we are taken care of properly!

Yep, they are being attentive. Incidentally, yesterday they sent a follow-up email checking if mine had arrived OK and in it they mentioned that they had added the slotted spacer boxes to my packaging. I was thinking I saw remnants of spacers in your and krellboy's pics but I went back and looked and, nope, this was a new thing. Certainly could have been a factor in my windshield surviving the trip.

That is cool they care enough to improve the process. Can you post a photo of your box and the spacer boxes?

[HayekFan]

Here's how mine looked:







So they improved a couple of things. They added the slotted spacer boxes around the edges. And they added rolls of plastic air bags to form cushions. Both were taped in place rather than being loose.

I should mention that I removed the windshield from the box to inspect it and then returned it to take the pic. So the arrangement of stuff isn't exactly how it looked when the box was first opened but it's close.

[boomvader]

Awesome. Let's hope the other 2 windshields have the same fate as yours. Let us know how it goes with the paint and install. Do you have a build thread?

[Bonsaibacker]

Here's how mine looked:

I'm sorry but that looks like a crap packing job. No styrofoam? Some type of padded protection bound to it? I have sent pieces that were less fragile and less expensive within the same state with more protective measures than that! I think you got lucky...

[HayekFan]

You might be right. To my eyes it's an improvement but still seems on the lightweight side for an international shipment of a fragile glass windshield. I stated this to Schmiedmann. OTOH there's a point of diminishing returns and it may come quicker than you think. I'd like to hear more opinions on the packaging job from people reading this thread.

[boomvader]

You might be right. To my eyes it's an improvement but still seems on the lightweight side for an international shipment of a fragile glass windshield. I stated this to Schmiedmann. OTOH there's a point of diminishing returns and it may come quicker than you think. I'd like to hear more opinions on the packaging job from people who are reading this thread.

None of their packaging on these windshields has impressed me. Bottom line is they need to double box it and limit any movement of the product inside the box.

1. My windshield had a few layers of thin bubble wrap, but didn't have the blue protective edge like it did on Krellboy's or Hayek's.

2. My windshield was single boxed with some clear plastic pillows that was simply the wrong tool for the job.

3. I think Krellboy's would have survived if it was double boxed, but we'll never know.

4. Hayek, was there no protection in the middle of your windshield save for the thin box?

Like Bonsai, I have shipped many things less expensive and within the country with double the protection. If I had to ship one of you guys any type of glass, I would take necessary steps to ensure I did all that I could to ensure it arrived intact. Bonsai lives just a few hours from me and has shipped me plastic parts that could have survived a fall off the Empire State building!

[HayekFan]

No, it was just the single layer of cardboard and some plastic pillows protecting the glass in the center. Frankly I'm torn over whether this is adequate or not. It's clearly inadequate if you want intact arrival 100% of the time. But it might be fine for 90% of the time, and maybe 90% is an acceptable real-world success rate. Two layers of cardboard isn't going to stop a forklift penetration any more than one would, etc.

[krellboy]

You might be right. To my eyes it's an improvement but still seems on the lightweight side for an international shipment of a fragile glass windshield. I stated this to Schmiedmann. OTOH there's a point of diminishing returns and it may come quicker than you think. I'd like to hear more opinions on the packaging job from people who are reading this thread.

None of their packaging on these windshields has impressed me. Bottom line is they need to double box it and limit any movement of the product inside the box.

1. My windshield had a few layers of thin bubble wrap, but didn't have the blue protective edge like it did on Krellboy's or Hayek's.

2. My windshield was single boxed with some clear plastic pillows that was simply the wrong tool for the job.

3. I think Krellboy's would have survived if it was double boxed, but we'll never know.

4. Hayek, was there no protection in the middle of your windshield save for the thin box?

Like Bonsai, I have shipped many things less expensive and within the country with double the protection. If I had to ship one of you guys any type of glass, I would take necessary steps to ensure I did all that I could to ensure it arrived intact. Bonsai lives just a few hours from me and has shipped me plastic parts that could have survived a fall off the Empire State building!

I couldn't agree more with EVERYTHING that is being said about their notion of how to pack for international shipping. Heck when I said "pay extra attention....to avoid breakage" I'd even have been willing to pay a surcharge to have gotten it....this whole process has become a miniature career.

Yesterday I spent a good bit of time responding to DHL's phone call about making a damage report, narrative and photos (again)....only to have gone thru 5 different people only to get no answer on the last transfer....finally just sending off a blind email. Then more time contacting Schmiedmann.....Thomas was at lunch...3 PM their time...but apparently they are aware of who I am at least, as they knew right away there was an issue about the claim....I think they must have what they needed as this did prompt the DHL call. There may be a ripple in the force in Odense Denmark....lol

I hope when I finally order my windshield they have the whole shipping/packing thing better planned. It better be soon....this second career isn't very rewarding.

And all you who are trolling/posting on this thread be aware that I am going to update my claim ticket with a link to this forum/thread....reminding Schmiedmann that a Google search will have this show up....ironically it may even be good for their business... I'm not trying to punish them...just tell them we want to do business, help us out.

[Bonsaibacker]

Not even "help us out", just pack it like you want it to arrive in one piece and have happy customers! Help them help themselves cause at this point the rest of us will wait to give them our money til they get this figured out.

This is a VERY real opportunity for us to incite positive social change! Mye28.com is changing the world!

[boomvader]

Brief update:

Still no windshield. First one shipped on July 4th and showed up broken, so I refused the order at the driveway of my home. Driver was nice and agreed. Took photos for records.

Contacted Schmiedmann the day it arrived, but didn't hear back for 3 weeks due to their summer vacation. Once I did, I sent them the photos and they told me they would have to close the case with DHL before they proceeded. They suggested I order another windshield and when the case closed, they would refund back the money. I agreed.

Ordered second windshield on August 9th. As of today, that order is still 'processing'.

Heard back from Schmiedmann a couple of days ago:

----

"Dear Richard!

We have the glass here now
We will be making a special effort to send this damage free as expected !

Our warehouse manager Tomas, is overseeing the packing and dispatch

Again sorry for the delay so far
We have the situation almost at a close for you now"

---

Still no tracking number or refund for first transaction. However, at the end of the day, if I receive the OEM windshield intact and they process the refund for the first one, I will be happy.


Krellboy: What is your current status?

[krellboy]

Still nil heard from Denmark.....

I did post up the link to this forum thread in the hope they'd take a peek....maybe some sort of comment. Like... "we'll try harder next time"....or "this is a learning moment for us"

I'm not a very patient type but don't see much use to bug them as I'm just next in line for DHL to handle things, either paying them or contacting me. I guess someone let me know how to handle the return. I'll give them another week or so....

Boom....keep us posted on your progress.

[boomvader]

Still nil heard from Denmark.....

I did post up the link to this forum thread in the hope they'd take a peek....maybe some sort of comment. Like... "we'll try harder next time"....or "this is a learning moment for us"

I'm not a very patient type but don't see much use to bug them as I'm just next in line for DHL to handle things, either paying them or contacting me. I guess someone let me know how to handle the return. I'll give them another week or so....

Boom....keep us posted on your progress.

Will do. What state are you in?

[boomvader]

Schmiedmann is backing down from shipping windscreens/windshields to US via DHL.

"Dear Richard
We still haven´t received any confirmation from DHL. We have a new windscreen in stock but,, we are not sure that it is possible to ship this again, without it getting damaged again. Apparently shipping with DHL Currier to the US shipments are handled more roughly that every else where.

We have had a period of damaged shipment to the US lately and have therefor decided to completely stop shipping windscreens with the DHL. If we should ship one it will only be possible via AIR to the nearest international airport for the shipment to be picked up there."

[Bonsaibacker]

Schmiedmann is backing down from shipping windscreens/windshields to US via DHL.

"Dear Richard
We still haven´t received any confirmation from DHL. We have a new windscreen in stock but,, we are not sure that it is possible to ship this again, without it getting damaged again. Apparently shipping with DHL Currier to the US shipments are handled more roughly that every else where.

We have had a period of damaged shipment to the US lately and have therefor decided to completely stop shipping windscreens with the DHL. If we should ship one it will only be possible via AIR to the nearest international airport for the shipment to be picked up there."

Not to speak for everyone, but...

Dear Schmiedmann-
Although I feel that partial responsibility lies with DHL, I ask that when you find an appropriate handler, YOU pack it like you want it to arrive in one piece.
With love and money,
Mye28.com

[krellboy]

Schmiedmann is backing down from shipping windscreens/windshields to US via DHL.

"Dear Richard
We still haven´t received any confirmation from DHL. We have a new windscreen in stock but,, we are not sure that it is possible to ship this again, without it getting damaged again. Apparently shipping with DHL Currier to the US shipments are handled more roughly that every else where.

We have had a period of damaged shipment to the US lately and have therefor decided to completely stop shipping windscreens with the DHL. If we should ship one it will only be possible via AIR to the nearest international airport for the shipment to be picked up there."

Not to speak for everyone, but...

Dear Schmiedmann-
Although I feel that partial responsibility lies with DHL, I ask that when you find an appropriate handler, YOU pack it like you want it to arrive in one piece.
With love and money,
Mye28.com

Obviously Schmiedmann isn't listening to My28.com.....because if they were they'd understand that the problem lies squarely with them. They need to own it. I expect their claim with DHL would be rejected due to poor packing and not rough handling. I wouldn't have packed a windshield like they did and expect it to make it across town in the back of a pickup truck intact, let alone in the belly of a jet or the bowels of a ship.....I wouldn't be surprised to learn it was broken even before DHL picked it up.

I'm going to sit on my hands for awhile longer and see how this settles out....at least I can go back to my bank and get my charge reversed if need be. I'd rather just have a nice OEM windshield....

Maybe we should just press the issue and strongly assert them to do the right thing with us both.....and then change their company policy after they've done what they promised the three of us....after all, we did ask ahead of time about shipping to the United States.

Richard.... do you have a plan you want to share??

[HayekFan]

Boomvader and Krellboy -- any news on the windshields?

Just wondering how things are working out for you guys.

[boomvader]

Boomvader and Krellboy -- any news on the windshields?

Just wondering how things are working out for you guys.

Over 2 months...

63 E-mails sent

4 International calls placed

200 mile round trip from Asheville to Charlotte.

I finally have an OEM windshield for my 535is.

I could complain, but I won't. I know WKohler has waited MONTHS for parts for some of his projects. In the end, Schmiedmann stood behind and made good on their mistake. They packed that second windshield VERY well. It took me about 15 minutes to carefully open it! They also shipped it to me, the end customer, in a very unorthodox manner because they couldn't guarantee DHL wouldn't damage it. (I think if you send something, you have to assume the worst and take proper precautions, so I don't agree them on this) They ended up swallowing a lot of excess fees and we both had to jump through a lot of hoops for the CBP in order to make it happen. There was also a third party broker that went above and beyond to help.

[Adam W in MN]

Awesome result and it says a lot about their customer mindset to do all that. Now the question is, are they finished with windshield sales to the US?

[boomvader]

Awesome result and it says a lot about their customer mindset to do all that. Now the question is, are they finished with windshield sales to the US?

Adam! Love your car, BTW!

I hope not. I believe if they would've packaged it the first time, like they did this time, it would have survived the DHL treatment. As the seller, you have to assume the worst handling and prepare for it.

However, having me pick it up at a shipping company close to an international airport was not the best move for all involved. I didn't quite mind even though it took 5 hours out of my day, but everyone else involved had A LOT of drama behind the scenes for this one box!

[Adam W in MN]

Thank you!

Unfortunately my car has a cracked windshield already so I need to figure something out. I have one of the windshields from Ivo paid for and held until St Patrick's day 2020 in San Diego but that's a long time to wait!

[boomvader]

Thank you!

Unfortunately my car has a cracked windshield already so I need to figure something out. I have one of the windshields from Ivo paid for and held until St Patrick's day 2020 in San Diego but that's a long time to wait!

I would try ordering one online from Schmiedmann. Use the part number to find it: 51311848431

[krellboy]

Boom.....thank the powers that be that it worked for you.

As I've said before....I'm next in the que. It's my turn to leverage your result into a result for me.

Shoot me a PM....or post publicly on your recommendation to me. Order online...wishing for the best, contact a known source on the phone, work thru their claim portal, or what path worked for you....give me a tip. I've not heard anything from them regarding my claim questions in their portal thread.

[boomvader]

Boom.....thank the powers that be that it worked for you.

As I've said before....I'm next in the que. It's my turn to leverage your result into a result for me.

Shoot me a PM....or post publicly on your recommendation to me. Order online...wishing for the best, contact a known source on the phone, work thru their claim portal, or what path worked for you....give me a tip. I've not heard anything from them regarding my claim questions in their portal thread.

I would call them directly. Reference your order number. Ask the status and the plan going forward. Your case is different as you received the box and opened it afterwards. Do you still have possession of the broken piece or did you already send it back? Your case is different from mine in that respect. Part of the wait time with my case was the DHL resolution. They wouldn't ship another until that was handled. Be persistent! Offer to pickup at your nearest international airport if you are able. But, be forewarned, that process is cumbersome with all the customs red tape, etc.

[Bonsaibacker]

Resolution!!! Congrats!

Boom- (if you follow up wth them) let them know they packed it for survival and to just add $ on for their efforts.

Congrats again!

[garageboy]

I love MYE28.com because of notes like this that are very informative. Thanks very much for sharing your pain. It really does make life easier for the rest of us, and I for one appreciate your sacrifice!

I am about to call Schmiedmann and order p/n 51 31 1 848 431 for my 528e. It comes to $500 with shipping costing almost as much as the windshield! Yikes

Is there anything I should know to ask them before I pull the trigger? As I live minutes from JFK airport, seems that might be a better delivery point? (I can pick it up in the E39 with the fold-down seats or would I need to unpack it first)?

Thanks!!!

[garageboy]

Just got off the phone with Schmiedmann. They will complete current outstanding orders.

They are not shipping glass to the USA any longer. Period. No amount of schmoozing helped. Of course I offered airport pickup.... I offered to pay a packing-carefull surcharge... to no avail...

What now???

[HayekFan]

Well, that's great news about Boomvader's windshield. And not so great about Schmiedmann's apparent change in policy, although maybe not super surprising.

If you're in the northeast an option might be to drive across the border and pick up a windshield from a Canadian BMW dealer.

[boomvader]

Well, that's great news about Boomvader's windshield. And not so great about Schmiedmann's apparent change in policy, although maybe not super surprising.

If you're in the northeast an option might be to drive across the border and pick up a windshield from a Canadian BMW dealer.

Crappy cop out, in my opinion. Customer wants it? OK, let's figure out how to correctly pack it! Their policy may change over time.

Garageboy... if you are in NYC, going to Toronto is not too big of a stretch, right?