Recently acquired a 2006 XKR with fractured windshield. It came with rain sensor and automatic headlight photocell, as I interpret it. My buddy with a Ziebart undercoating franchise has replaced a few windshields for me in the past, but could not locate a replacement from any of his sources. He was going to check with the dealer but Safelite said they had them. Even though it was explained to the lady that scheduled the appointment about the sensors, she quoted a plain windshield. My first trip was a waste as the mechanic knew right off the bat it was the wrong glass. They couldn't get an aftermarket so informed me the dealer was my only hope. The dealer in Farmington, Michigan quoted me $2,124 for glass only, no shipping nor installation. I prefer not having rain and light sensors anyway, so I pulled off the rear view mirror and the sensors, then had Safelite put the tint only windshield in for $400. I could chase down a Jaguar rear view mirror to match the mount, but the quickest and cheapest way to add a mirror is stick one up suction cup mounted for under $10. I've glued tabs to windshields for mirrors before, but I'll see how well the suction cups hang on, or pic up a Jag mirror later.

A lot of purists and scientists out there would cringe at such a shortcut, but as an engineer, I say it is close enough for all practical purposes. If the owner, me, is satisfied, it's all good.

 

Interesting conundrum. This is my personal take. I don’t think that it is necessary to slavishly retain originality, and one can only work within one’s own financial envelope, even if this degrades originality to a degree. To follow slavishly the original specs may be something for the distant future.

i like the idea of a vehicle with working features, even if I don’t use them, and my approach would be to try and source a used windscreen. However, the one you have found will not change the appearance of the car. I am assuming, by the way, that the rain and light sensors won’t work with the non standard glass? Is this definitely correct, as the sensors themselves are mounted in the mirror support.

But a suction mirror? Please don’t go down that route! They are really ugly. A nice Jaguar mirror with self dimming function and perhaps a compass will be so much more useful, more satisfying, and much, much more elegant.

 

Jmsr, you did a lot of research tracking this down, congratulations.

In the spirit of helping each other, I just wanted to gently point out that folks should probably not use this as a price reference.

JMSR please do take this in the spirit intended, bet it's a regional thing or something. It's just that many do quick searches and don't dive too deep.

BTW, this is similar to the price Safelight quoted me 2 months ago. So red flag on Safelight. I went back to the company that installed it 3 yrs ago, they stuck to original price.

Thanks for sharing your story.
John

 

I, unfortunately, had to replace my windshield twice in a 4 day span several years ago, and Safelight did it both times for about $225,00 as I recall. Outside of missing an appointment, I was generally satisfied.

 

Hate to point this out now you have actually done it but dont you have windscreen/shield cover on your insurance that would pay for the 'real deal'??? We do in the UK and I have just checked they will replace like for like.............. Cost to me £0 uk. Which if my calculations are correct is equal to $0 in US dollars. Though through some policies you have to pay a small excess on the policy. Not much though less than $100 US.

 

frankc,
It arrived with badly cracked windshield and a long list of other problems. Windshield and rear view mirror were down at the bottom of that list and quickly resolved with just a credit card without having to remortgage the house. I wish the electronic problems were that simple.

I could have waited until spring and then made a claim but I'm too honest.

 

This is curious. Safelite replaced my windshield for around $350 about 2 or 3 years ago. Rain and light sensors work as they should.

 

Johns55, think you got lucky. Rain sensor adds a lot $$$ to the price from what I've seen.

John

 

Looks like list in the US is $705 for supply only but several dealers are discounting:





Graham

 

johns55,
Did you wind up with the black frit pattern on the glass at the sensors? Did Safelight obtain the glass with the rain sensor or did Safelight glue the original back? Either way, you got a deal. As Johnken points out, when the rain sensor comes preattached on the factory glass, the price here is what I was quoted, $2124. You'd expect the sensor would require the frit to stick successfully considering the mirror hangs from it and constant adjustments might eventually detach it.

Personally, I'd rather not have wipers come on if they're frozen down or I'm moving through a car wash.

 

Just got the car and I'm already sick and tired of "the other automatic wiper system".... every time I turn the key, the wiper stalk is bumped up and the wipers turn on!

 

Happens a substantial fraction of the times I interact with stuff I've put in the car. Also, getting in and out with stuff, can get the wiper, boot opening, gas cap opening trifecta. It's worse in the car with the fewest miles (seat sits higher).

I take it as a gentle hint from the car that I should aspire to more elegant movement.

Edit: Frankly the 'second automatic wiper' system is better than the first. Seems like the first was calibrated with the logic "If driver can no longer see at all for some disturbing amount of time, wait a while and then turn on."

 

Yes ther is the black pattern on the glass and my recollection is that they glued the original sensor back on. I went to Safelight to have the windshield replaced because it had a crack. When they removed the windshield they found rust in the windshield channel which had caused the windshield to crack. The metal bubbled out from rust and put just enough pressure on the glass to crack it. Now they couldn't replace the windshield because of the rust so I had to have the car towed back to my place to fix the rust issue.

After I did the fix, they sent a tech out to do the install in my garage. He was very good and did a great job.

 

I had this rust issue with my windshield,
But not as much,
I repaired the rust there and then as the fitter came to my home to change the windshield.
If anyone is having there windshield replaced at home my tip would be to have some basic rust repair/primer etc at hand..