Don't you think these two statements contradict each other? It's almost like you're confused and arguing with yourself.

Obviously if Lexus uses Pilkington windshields and allows them to put the Lexus logo on them, it's going to be quality product, and I would argue an OEM replacement.

The Lexus factory in Japan probably uses Asahi because it makes more sense because they don't have to ship the windshield from the US to Japan when they have a domestic alternative, it's not because it's necessarily a superior product.

If you want to pay $2,000 for a windshield on your $12k car because you're concerned about resale, go for it, but I would argue that's a dumb financial decision. If there's a replacement that Lexus/Toyota uses as their OEM, I'll skip the 1,000% markup. I don't believe for a minute that the Asahi glass is 10 times the product.

 

No contradiction. As I stated in a previous post, the Pilkington windshield was a replacement. I for one don't want a cheap replacement, non-OEM glass in my car. That's not what I paid for when I bought my insurance.

 

Actually...they do.

Pilkington is one supplier of OEM glass for Lexus. If you sit in a Canadian built RX you will see all the glass says "LEXUS" with "Pilkington" underneath it just as you describe. Japan-built Lexus vehicles have Asahi glass. I'm sure once ES production starts in Kentucky those cars will also use Pilkington glass.

So while your LS did not come with Pilkington glass, they do make OEM glass for Lexus...and if your windshield does say "LEXUS" on it, its an OEM branded windshield. I am also picky about OEM glass and insist upon it. If I was given Lexus branded Pilkington glass I would accept it. If it has the Lexus logo, its OEM. Pilkington glass without the Lexus logo would be another story, as would Asahi glass without the Lexus logo.



Here is the etching from my 2013 GS with Japanese made Asahi glass (AGC Automotive). This etching is identical to what was on my 2010 ES350, the OEM replacement I had put in the 2010 ES350, 04 LS430 and 03 ES300.



Really want to blow your mind? This is OEM US made Asahi glass on a Toyota from their US plant in OH. Note the black lettering as opposed to the etching on the Japanese Asahi glass



Like Kansas said, all the glass on Lexus vehicles said "TOYOTA" originally. My Dad's 98 LS400 had glass that said "TOYOTA" from the factory. They used an OEM windshield for your replacement.

 

This finally turned into a useful thread. Thanks guys.

Any idea what the Lexus branded Pilkington glass costs vrs the very expensive imported glass from Japan?

 

No problem. I added to the thread above, check out the rest of the info. I've replaced several Lexus windshields in my 15 years of ownership and I've done a lot of research into what manufacturers supply their glass.

Hard to say...if you look at Sewell's site for the RX, there are two part numbers for glass that seem to be the same part (same tint, rain sensor, etc). One is MSRP $1,894.24 and the other is MSRP $1,341.84. My guess (and it is just a guess) is that the $1,894.24 is the Japanese Asahi glass and the $1,341.84 is the Canadian Pilkington glass.

 

On my '97 LS400, I had two replacement windshields. One was OEM Lexus from the dealer and the second was an aftermarket Pilkington from a local body shop. Both were ok but the Pilkington was exactly the same as the OEM with less wind noise. The OEM lasted about 2 years before it developed a long lateral crack for no apparent reason. The difference may have been the installer but if I had to do it again, I would feel comfortable with the Pilkington that lasted about 5 years.

 

When I bought my car it had a cheap HY windshield. It still has it and I'm positive it lets in more road noise than an OEM. I need to get it replaced with a pilkington soon!

 

me too... i'll check mine tomorrow as I am sure is not OEM.

I get this noise at about 75/ 80 MPH that drives me crazy

 

I have a replacement Pilkington on my LS430, and my wife's Sienna XLE. Both appear to be fine replacements, and rain sensors unaffected; however, they both make the VIN unreadable due to little window not lining up perfect with factory VIN location...

 

Is this on the "what to look for when inspecting a used LS430" thread, because I'm definitely making a note of it on my inspection list...

 

I have USAA also. I just replaced my windshield with the PGW and it is FANTASTIC. No flaws and a perfect replacement, rain sensor and all. Had it done at the Lexus dealer for my deductible.

 

just make sure your using Lexus.com for your scheduled maintenance when searching for the LS. I recently looked up about 4 LS's that I stumbled upon and one had the glass replaced was well as other parts. one LS had 77k 2005 or 2006 and 10 pages of service history

 

Just replaced mine for new owner

Great service
Used oem chrome moulding
Rain sensor working perfect

 

Depends if you have the ultra or not, the ultra has thicker glass to limit wind noise and minimize fog build up.

 

We caught a rock (right in the middle of driver line of sight) from a jacked up pickup truck on the interstate last weekend. Having the windshield on the LS430 replaced for the second time tomorrow.

I have driven approximately 600k miles in my lifetime on multiple cars and never had to replace any windshields until I got this LS430. It is a rock magnet.