Acoustic Glass - First impressions
#1
Acoustic Glass - First impressions
Outside the Pre-production test cars, my car is probably one of the first assembled with the Acoustic Glass option. (Windsheld and the two front side windows)
It became available in Europe for cars assembled after dec. 1st. 2014.
There has been a lot of questions for his option so here is my first impressions.
NB: I will try to get some photos later. At the moment it is raining all the time and it is dark outside working hours.
The Laminated Acoustic side windows are made by Pilkington. The windshield is not from Pilkington, I cant really see any manufacturer name outside MB. (I'll check this further at some later time)
So far, I have to say that i am quite impressed. This car has easily the most quite cabin, of any car I have previously owned. The sound of the engine is still there. (I imagine not different from cars with normal Glass)
From the MB info, the Acoustic glass option is designed to reduce wind noise at the relevant frequency for this type of noise. This is I am sure, far from the lower sound frequency of the engine.
Probably the best example i can give, is from driving in the rain. Here the sound of water passing through the tires, come across much more clearly, then wind noise.
Usually i find wind noise filters out some or most of the tire noise. In this car, you clearly hear the tire noise isolated.
But only in the wet. In the dry there is not much noise at all, other then the dampend engine noise and a slight wind noise, which by the way, appears to come from "further away" then usual from my left ear (I drive a left hand drive car)
All the above is just based on my car. The test cars i drove, with normal glass also seemed very quiet, so I am not saying in any way that normal glass is not enough to satisfy most owners.
So in conclusion, I am happy with getting this option. The car is very relaxing and pleasantly quiet to drive. If you are the type (like me) who can easily get annoyed with wind noise, then this is an option worth getting. If nothing else, then to reduce a potential annoyance.
It became available in Europe for cars assembled after dec. 1st. 2014.
There has been a lot of questions for his option so here is my first impressions.
NB: I will try to get some photos later. At the moment it is raining all the time and it is dark outside working hours.
The Laminated Acoustic side windows are made by Pilkington. The windshield is not from Pilkington, I cant really see any manufacturer name outside MB. (I'll check this further at some later time)
So far, I have to say that i am quite impressed. This car has easily the most quite cabin, of any car I have previously owned. The sound of the engine is still there. (I imagine not different from cars with normal Glass)
From the MB info, the Acoustic glass option is designed to reduce wind noise at the relevant frequency for this type of noise. This is I am sure, far from the lower sound frequency of the engine.
Probably the best example i can give, is from driving in the rain. Here the sound of water passing through the tires, come across much more clearly, then wind noise.
Usually i find wind noise filters out some or most of the tire noise. In this car, you clearly hear the tire noise isolated.
But only in the wet. In the dry there is not much noise at all, other then the dampend engine noise and a slight wind noise, which by the way, appears to come from "further away" then usual from my left ear (I drive a left hand drive car)
All the above is just based on my car. The test cars i drove, with normal glass also seemed very quiet, so I am not saying in any way that normal glass is not enough to satisfy most owners.
So in conclusion, I am happy with getting this option. The car is very relaxing and pleasantly quiet to drive. If you are the type (like me) who can easily get annoyed with wind noise, then this is an option worth getting. If nothing else, then to reduce a potential annoyance.
Last edited by Eilers; 12-19-2014 at 12:07 PM.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Sunshine State
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
2015 C300 RWD
Great review, thanks! The acoustic glass is not very much more expensive from suppliers, maybe $30/window, and included standard or many more basic cars in U.S., unsure why Mercedes didn't include it standard or have it as an option. It cuts the noise right around 1k-4k Hz. Where wind is.
#3
Senior Member
From what i know, acoustic glass can make your car delayed for weeks. I had also as option but after that information i decided not to take it.
#4
Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Romania
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
W205 250cdi 4matic, amg ext/int, 485 suspension
Thanks for the review. I have also ordered my car with this option and I can't wait to test it myself
No information regarding a potential delay due to that option but I will report in case it will happen. I do expect my car in feb .
Regards
Amo
No information regarding a potential delay due to that option but I will report in case it will happen. I do expect my car in feb .
Regards
Amo
#7
it is SA code 851.
If you also ordered SA code 463 (HUD) option 851 should cost about 1/3 less. But then this combination might only be available from Q1 2015.
Edit: Head Up Display - HUD
If you also ordered SA code 463 (HUD) option 851 should cost about 1/3 less. But then this combination might only be available from Q1 2015.
Edit: Head Up Display - HUD
Last edited by Eilers; 12-21-2014 at 02:53 PM.
Trending Topics
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Sunshine State
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
2015 C300 RWD
In some regions (not USA where MBUSA elected not to give this option at all), side windows of acoustic glass are a very inexpensive option, and even less expensive if packaged with the HUD. The side glass with acoustic makes a 10db difference...huge. That said, the W205 has an increasingly documented issue with wind noise near mirror, window/door seal which has yet to be addressed which unlikely completely accounted for with this glass. Also worth noting, many US cars now come standard with acoustic side glass....even the $20k ones...this isn't a US-DOT issue.
Worth noting, the first car reviews with this car in Europe had acoustic side glass for driver and passenger window, you know, the reviews where they mentioned how little wind noise there is in the car.
I'm unsure if the thickness is the same, that if you can get the acoustic it's a matter of ordering and changing out the windows. One can HOPE that MBUSA would change their ways and allow acoustic glass to be added to new builds, and retrofit. (obviously not under warranty...this would be all aftermarket)
Last edited by floridadriver; 03-03-2015 at 07:13 PM.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
MB W204, VW Polo, Audi R8 V10 - SOLD.
The windscreen in all the models is acoustic, with the HUD, it has an additional glaze.
In some regions (not USA where MBUSA elected not to give this option at all), side windows of acoustic glass are a very inexpensive option, and even less expensive if packaged with the HUD. The side glass with acoustic makes a 10db difference...huge. That said, the W205 has an increasingly documented issue with wind noise near mirror, window/door seal which has yet to be addressed which unlikely completely accounted for with this glass. Also worth noting, many US cars now come standard with acoustic side glass....even the $20k ones...this isn't a US-DOT issue.
Worth noting, the first car reviews with this car in Europe had acoustic side glass for driver and passenger window, you know, the reviews where they mentioned how little wind noise there is in the car.
I'm unsure if the thickness is the same, that if you can get the acoustic it's a matter of ordering and changing out the windows. One can HOPE that MBUSA would change their ways and allow acoustic glass to be added to new builds, and retrofit. (obviously not under warranty...this would be all aftermarket)
In some regions (not USA where MBUSA elected not to give this option at all), side windows of acoustic glass are a very inexpensive option, and even less expensive if packaged with the HUD. The side glass with acoustic makes a 10db difference...huge. That said, the W205 has an increasingly documented issue with wind noise near mirror, window/door seal which has yet to be addressed which unlikely completely accounted for with this glass. Also worth noting, many US cars now come standard with acoustic side glass....even the $20k ones...this isn't a US-DOT issue.
Worth noting, the first car reviews with this car in Europe had acoustic side glass for driver and passenger window, you know, the reviews where they mentioned how little wind noise there is in the car.
I'm unsure if the thickness is the same, that if you can get the acoustic it's a matter of ordering and changing out the windows. One can HOPE that MBUSA would change their ways and allow acoustic glass to be added to new builds, and retrofit. (obviously not under warranty...this would be all aftermarket)
However I remember reading (on here I think) that the HUD gives the front screen the acoustic screen and then if you wanted acoustic for the sides too then this is at a reduced cost as you're effectively charged for the side glass only. Again, I'm no expert so I may be wrong...
Edit: it was actually this thread that mentioned the cost reduction. See post 7. The reasoning for the reduction was explained elsewhere as being due to HUD using acoustic on the front...
Last edited by Mr Enigma; 03-03-2015 at 07:21 PM.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Sunshine State
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
2015 C300 RWD
Thanks for the clarification. I'm probably wrong in my original comment.
However I remember reading (on here I think) that the HUD gives the front screen the acoustic screen and then if you wanted acoustic for the sides too then this is at a reduced cost as you're effectively charged for the side glass only. Again, I'm no expert so I may be wrong...
However I remember reading (on here I think) that the HUD gives the front screen the acoustic screen and then if you wanted acoustic for the sides too then this is at a reduced cost as you're effectively charged for the side glass only. Again, I'm no expert so I may be wrong...
Last edited by floridadriver; 03-04-2015 at 09:12 AM.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Sunshine State
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
2015 C300 RWD
I believe it's same code wherever you're able to order this option. Acoustic glass also usually has a small notch on the top as opposed to being rounded. It may also state in the corner that is is laminated AG, or similar in the stamp.
#20
Junior Member
Have Acoustic Laminated Glass on the new E Sedan - a $300 option plus the $250 SPC adder.
My understanding is that this glass is much different than the safety rated laminated glass used in the windscreens. Have read claims of a 10 dB reduction in wind noise - and from seat-of-the-pants (ear) experience - it might be possible. The wind noise level with the laminated side glass seems much lower from my limited comparison driving.
However (and as expected) - the laminated glass side windows seem to have little or no impact on road noise transmitted through the tires/chassis or on contact noise radiating through the fender wells.
Have read that the MBZ acoustic laminated glass is 6 mm thick vs 5 mm for standard side window glass - have yet to measure it. And aside from the markings - the laminated glass is easily identifiable by looking at the edge of an open window - you can clearly see and feel the two glass layers sandwiching the transparent acoustic center material.
Would I recommend the option if available - certainly. Anything we can do to improve cabin noise is a plus.
J.
My understanding is that this glass is much different than the safety rated laminated glass used in the windscreens. Have read claims of a 10 dB reduction in wind noise - and from seat-of-the-pants (ear) experience - it might be possible. The wind noise level with the laminated side glass seems much lower from my limited comparison driving.
However (and as expected) - the laminated glass side windows seem to have little or no impact on road noise transmitted through the tires/chassis or on contact noise radiating through the fender wells.
Have read that the MBZ acoustic laminated glass is 6 mm thick vs 5 mm for standard side window glass - have yet to measure it. And aside from the markings - the laminated glass is easily identifiable by looking at the edge of an open window - you can clearly see and feel the two glass layers sandwiching the transparent acoustic center material.
Would I recommend the option if available - certainly. Anything we can do to improve cabin noise is a plus.
J.
Last edited by J.Raymond; 03-04-2015 at 10:35 AM.
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 0
Received 57 Likes
on
52 Posts
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
It bugs me that this is available in Ireland, right next door, yet in the UK not a chance. Why not for gods sake, the UK is a noisy place with crowded cities!
#22
I'm bummed my car came with noise on first drive before signing the dotted line, so I refused it, and dealer returning it. Hopes were high, but another on order if they fix it from there to here. I have other cars, so that's not the issue. That would be interesting if the acoustic glass made a difference on the sounds we're complaining of at the upper front corners of both front seats. Interesting if the 1mm difference with the same seals would explain a difference as well! Either way, a broken design at this point for those of use with wrong seals or glass options, or whatever the issue is. I don't think anyone knows.
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Given up on a S205 and ordered a S212
http://usedcars.mercedes-benz.ie/use...4224595873950/
Call 01 6656613 @ MSL Ballsbridge Motors. AMG Styling Pack, AMG 18inch Alloy Wheels, Avantgarde Interior Pack, Beige Artico Leather, Reversing Camera, Multi function steering wheel, Mercedes Me, Metallic paintwork, Isofix child seat anchor points, Heated seats, Immobiliser, Electrically adjustable seats, Climate Control, Cruise control, Automatic, Bluetooth, 3 Year Service Aggrement.
The following users liked this post:
galileopan (05-09-2016)
#24
acoustic glass
I have enquired to Mercedes Benz UK, but been unable to get any information from them.
Does anyone know if it can be had on a UK new C class?