Windshield chips very easily
 

Took delivery of a 2018 C43 AMG May 31 and now have 3 windshield stone chips . Not cracks as my auto glass shops call then 'pits'.

Pits as they say are not repairable as a crack is. Now, they are tiny and fit within (just barely) the MB lease end windshield chip tool measuring guide.

They are not in driving vision but I see them enough to annoy me.
I drive in the city and very little highway. Had two E550C's before and not one chip and had times when a good sized rock would be flipped up onto the windshield with a loud crack thinking it was coming through - and not a mark.

Now with the C43 AMG - In the city and a pebble and I do mean a pebble would make a slight tick sound and voila I see a chip.

I do recall a while back in one of the other forums I think , members were remarking on the same issue -

Are MB windshields softer, lighter . thinner now and more susceptible to damage?

At this rate, I'll be surprised if I make it to lease end without replacing the windshield.

Thanks all.

yep same here, when the sun hits it at the right angle its shocking. I do alot of freeway driving but new motorways try to avoid trucks etc but still little pits everywhere.

Yeah, mine looks terrible as well. I know you can put a protective film on the windshield, I'm gonna try it once my C63 arrives..

i have a 12" crack line on passenger side on C450. I still haven't replace the windshield yet. probably costs me $1000+ I have distronic. I dont want to claim AAA insurance, I worry they going to jack up my premium for next year.

My 2017 c300 coupes windshield had around 30 "pits/chips"...very annoying and does seem like a very soft windshield . My 2002 intrepid r/t had less chips and pits and that's 16 years old.

When I bought my 2018 c43 coupe, I had ClearPlex film installed on the windshield. Had it ond for about 5 months so far and has been great. Has prevented all chips so far! Well worth the investment!!

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5cc60a11ab.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...91429f636b.jpg

C7Chris- I have had my '19 E450 Wagon for three weeks and already have the "pits." Rocks on the road are a way of live in Colorado, but it is frustrating to have this happen on a new vehicle. I usually count on a new windshield every 18 months here, but just learned of this ClearPlex film and was very interested. It looks like you haven't had it long, but it appears that you are pleased with performance. My question is- are you located in a wintery location that leaves your windshield covered in snow/ ice at times? Although I garage my cars, there are obviously times when it will be outside and get snow covered. I would imagine that hitting the ClearPlex with a brush or ice scraper would not end well. Just interested in your thoughts.

Hello!
​​​​​​I live in Southern New Jersey and we do get a decent amount of snow/ice .Since I got the ClearPlex in May for my Z06 and my C43, I have not experienced any snow or ice yet. The car is always in the garage so I will never experience the overnight ice/snow, but I will experience when it snows at work when we see our first significant snow storm .

The stuff is very strong and the research I've done is that is stands up to ice scraping. I would just take it easy when scraping. I will report back here once I get snow and have to use my scraper on it. But I can tell you from May until now, it has saved me big time with pits and chips - and barely any scratches. Just tiny little scratches here and there (barely noticeable) .Well worth it!

I haven't had any problems with my windshield and it has been 9 months.

Wipers have been fine - but I have had issues with wiper chatter before and after the ClearPlex. I purchased Brooshoo wipers from AliExpress and they've been much better than the OEM Bosch's.

No distortion at all...Crystal clear can't even tell there's a film on there. You have a slight effect when wearing polarized sunglasses (extremely minor, but you see a small effect)

Installation price will vary by installer - typical price I've seen is around 300-350 installed.

Well worth it!

I have extreme light sensitivity and have to use polarized sunglasses. This may sound weird, but could you take a photo with polarized glasses between the camera and the windshield to try and post what the affects are- I am very interested in this film, but the polarization effect on rear windshields bug me (the dots).

Agreed - windscreen glass pits wayyy to easy these days. I bought a 5 year glass package when I bought my car. I'm hoping for a nice big chip/crack soon so I can get a free replacement.

I'm on my 2nd windshield, first one got a full crack from a stone - this new one already has a few very small chips...super annoying because they are right in my line of sight.

up in michigan here. yep had to have a star fixed already. and multiple little dings on windshield. and paint. its annoying for sure. clear ppf on whole front of next car. lol

just got a quote from a Mercedes dealer. my c450 has distronic, so they have to calibrate the camera too. 1774$ to replace the windshield ! parts: 1051$ labor 636$.

Gees. and I thought a heads up display windshield was bad! Now you've got me wondering... If the windshield has the Distronic components, could someone retrofit distronic to their vehicle?

Hey AC-

I tried taking a pic and nothing is showing up/showing the effect .

It is extremely minor...it's a tiny rainbow effect that you see every once in a while at certain angles. Does not distract at all and barely noticeable. Just wanted to give heads up. It's totally worth it!

It is no where near the dot effect like the factory windshield tint.

Hey C7C,
Where in SJ did you get this done? I'm in the Philly/SJ area, as well, and may want to get this on my windshield.

Thanks!

https://tintdontsquint.com

All Pro Window Tint, LLC...

Not sure if he has any ClearPlex at the moment. he's located in Wilmington & Middletown, DE....(Dorian) he really is the best! I have been going to him for years now. If you reach out to him let him know Chris Q recommended you.

Awesome thanks, and I will mention you recommended. Have you gotten regular tint from him, as well? I will probably get my fronts done to match the rest of the car sometime soon. I'm pretty OCD so it usually takes me forever to decide on something, so recommendations are always appreciated. :y

Had my C450 for 3.5yrs, no chips or cracks yet, although there's been a few times I swear I would get a crack because I take this thing up to 140mph on the jersey turnpike when the coast is clear and sometimes I get a this loud CRACK!! from road debris and I would swear my windshield is cracked but no...all good, so far..