Visibility issue with new windshield
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 795
Likes: 189
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
Visibility issue with new windshield
I replaced the windshield on my W204 with a new, factory Mercedes windshield and I'm having a hard time cleaning it up. It's not really an issue in dry weather but we've had some heavy rains here in SoCal lately and the water seems to stick to the glass like molasses. Water runs down in sheets which makes it very difficult to see.
There are marks on the windshield which the best way to describe them are as oddly-shaped water spots and streaks. Very hard to see, unless I look at just the right angle, or when I moisten the surface. If I were to guess, I'd say that some of the chemicals or particles of the plastic sheet that the windshield came wrapped in have adhered to the glass. I have tried cleaning it with lots Windex, alcohol, and various other glass cleaners to no avail.
I am considering a protective coating on the windshield - either aquapel or ceramic but I figure it's best to remove whatever is on there first so I don't risk making it worse.
Any suggestions on how to clean it?
There are marks on the windshield which the best way to describe them are as oddly-shaped water spots and streaks. Very hard to see, unless I look at just the right angle, or when I moisten the surface. If I were to guess, I'd say that some of the chemicals or particles of the plastic sheet that the windshield came wrapped in have adhered to the glass. I have tried cleaning it with lots Windex, alcohol, and various other glass cleaners to no avail.
I am considering a protective coating on the windshield - either aquapel or ceramic but I figure it's best to remove whatever is on there first so I don't risk making it worse.
Any suggestions on how to clean it?
Last edited by EuroDriverSD; Apr 3, 2023 at 09:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 795
Likes: 189
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
Here's what I did this morning
I took steel wool# 0000 to all my windows, followed by a good scrubbing with invisible glass glass stripper. Good rinse and dry, then applied Aquapel.
I'm quite impressed with the results
I took steel wool# 0000 to all my windows, followed by a good scrubbing with invisible glass glass stripper. Good rinse and dry, then applied Aquapel.
I'm quite impressed with the results
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Joined: Sep 2013
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
I would have been afraid to do this. Auto windshields are made from a special soda glass which is not particularly scratch resistant. Glad to hear it worked out for you.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 795
Likes: 189
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
Worked great. That glass stripper is for automotive winshields. All my windows look flawless and with Aquapel, water beads up and glides off instantly
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 795
Likes: 189
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
I didn't consider it an installation problem. There was something on the windshield when it came from Mercedes. By taking care of it myself, I got it done they way I wanted and made sure it got done right. To me, well worth the effort.
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Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 39
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From: Arizona
2010 C300
Just curious on if you paid out of pocket for the windshield. I want to replacement mine and I don't have it a policy with my insurance, so I'm going to do it out of pocket.
Overall my windshield is fine and it has one small chip, but there are so many small micro whatever's, that I know new glass will make things clearer when looking out when driving.
Overall my windshield is fine and it has one small chip, but there are so many small micro whatever's, that I know new glass will make things clearer when looking out when driving.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 795
Likes: 189
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
Just curious on if you paid out of pocket for the windshield. I want to replacement mine and I don't have it a policy with my insurance, so I'm going to do it out of pocket.
Overall my windshield is fine and it has one small chip, but there are so many small micro whatever's, that I know new glass will make things clearer when looking out when driving.
Overall my windshield is fine and it has one small chip, but there are so many small micro whatever's, that I know new glass will make things clearer when looking out when driving.
You can probably get an aftermarket for about half the price - I'm just OCD about having factory parts. Many are the same manufacturer but just don't have the Mercedes stamp. You can buy the signature sticker for another $12 if you want to have that on there. Just stay away from Chinese glass. It's thinner, much lower quality and much more prone to scratching and pitting.
After cleaning up the new windshield and applying Aquapel, the difference in visibility is amazing. I had never heard of Aquapel until now and the reviews do not exaggerate: you hardly need to use the wipers with it - the water just beads up and glides off! My other cars have ceramic coating on the windshield but this stuff is just as good if not better for much cheaper.
