mis3

While it looks like my transmission issue has been fixed by replacing the conductor plate, my windshield was cracked today by a rock chip on the highway.

I do have a windshield who does works for the local dealership. He replaced my windshield (with rain sensor) twice before and both times were faultless. I called him and he offered 2 choices of windshield: MB or OEM. I opted for MB glass both times before and they were perfect.

I have no doubt on his workmanship. I should get the quotes tomorrow for both glasses, he said the price difference even is about $150-$200.

Does anyone know the OEM of MB windshield? I am concerned if the OEM glass is the same as the MB glass. Do they have the same thickness, the same chip resistance, more importantly, the same specs as MB glass?

I did my research and many members here recommended Safelite but I could not find this locally.

Yidney

MB doesn't make glass. At least on my car, the maker of the factory glass is called Sekurit. Second, to me OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer" and so OEM and MB glass are synonyms to me. What he means by OEM is OEM Replacement, which is a synonym for aftermarket. But all glass has to pass the same standards, so pretty much a windshield is a windshield so long as they check it for any defects in the manufacturing.

Glyn M Ruck

Just make sure that the screen they use accomodates the rain sensor & other sensor mask properly & you will be fine. These cars have a hell of a lot of windscreen sensors or at least mine does.

My glass is also Sekurit. Make sure the tint matches your car. Some cars have a blue tint & some greenish. Elegance vs Avantgarde.

mis3

My car has rain sensor and has black strip on top (not blue nor green).

The guy called me back, MB windshield is $700 and aftermarket is $600. Both are made by Seikrut. Prices in Canadian funds.

Someone told me for newer car, the windshield, original or not, could depreciate the car in resale value. This probably does not apply to my older vehicle.

On the other hand, the price difference is only $100.

Glyn M Ruck

All windscreens on these cars have the black masking on the front & rear windows but the glass has a constant tint that is either blue or green. It is not absolutely clear.

mis3

My rear window as well as all the side windows are tinted.

I just went to look at my windshield, I did not see any tint on it (2004 CLK320). I did see some MB have a light blue tint on the windows but I don't think it's legal here in Canada to have tint on the windshield.

Would you guys get the aftermarket (but OEM) windshield to save the $100?

Glyn M Ruck

Just get the correct windscreen for your VIN. It's one way to make sure you get the right thing. I would save the $100 if your insurance is not paying.

Rudeney

I had mine replaced by Safelite. They use XYG, which has a reputation for being crappy, but mine is fine - no problems at all after almost a year.

mis3

My insurance deductible is $500 so there is no point to claim. The guy has ensured me that the OEM windshield is identical to the MB windshield, without the logo. He also said that he uses only MB rubber seal.

To be sure, I gave him my VIN.

Glyn M Ruck

Great! Then save a hundred bucks!

Rudeney

Wow, you guys get some cheap windshields up there in Canada! When I called for the "cash price" all of my quotes were over $1000, and I only have a $250 deductible, so it was a no-brainer to let insurance handle it. As for the rubber seal, something doesn't sound right - there is no rubber seal on the windshield - they use a polyurethane caulk. The only other things they may need are extra plastic clips that might break when removing the trim.

In all the other glass I've had replaced, the they used knives to cut through the old urethane, prying on the edges of the glass causing it to break, and I'd dig glass out of the carpet for the next month. Last year on the CLK, the SafeLite guys used this really cool tool. They put suction cups on the inside and outside of the glass, then installed a winch system on them that pulled a razor wire around the perimeter of the glass, making a clean cut - no broken glass. The only problem was they almost cut through the rain/light sensor wiring but "we" caught that before it happened.

Glyn M Ruck

I hope they meant genuine Benz Sealant.

mis3

Yes, I meant the MB sealant, it is basically a tube of black caulk for windshield.

I did call the dealership. The MB windshield is $470 and the sealant is $80, then $390 labor. Including tax the total cost will be $990 CAN.

The labor cost is outrageous. My guy changed my windshield in less than an hour. Why would the dealership changes me close than 3 hour labor (hourly rate is $140)? Funny thing is my guy is the same guy they contract out the work!

Rudeney

Well, the Safelit guys took about 3 hours on mine. It took almost an hour just for the prep an removing therm trim, then an hour to remove the glass, then another hour to put all the trim back and clean up. BTW, my dealer doesn't do glass - they subcontract with a local company.

mis3

The guy will replace my windshield once he receives the parts. I will observe the process and report back.

mis3

The guy replaced the windshield today at my work. The new windshield is a Sekurit and is identical to the MB one without the MB logo. He did use MB sealant, 2 tubes.

The whole job took only 40 minutes. He asked me to let the car sat under the sun for at least an hour. Like I said, he replaced my windshield twice already and the job was perfect every time. I drove home and so far so good. I will check the rain sensor when it rains next time.