Windshield Replacement
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2004 CLK320
Windshield Replacement
I have to replace my windshield and probably go with aftermarket this time. Is there any brand(s) I should avoid?
I went to an auto windshield place and he gave me 2 choices of urethane adhesives. One is MB and the other one is Betaseal 418-HV. He would charge me $40 more for the MB urethane. He said the Betaseal is as good or maybe better than the MB. Not sure if I believe this.
I went to an auto windshield place and he gave me 2 choices of urethane adhesives. One is MB and the other one is Betaseal 418-HV. He would charge me $40 more for the MB urethane. He said the Betaseal is as good or maybe better than the MB. Not sure if I believe this.
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2008 CLK550 Cab
He ought to know what adhesives are good - it's his business to know that. Unless somebody has glass shop experience, it would probably be a rare forum member that has an educated opinion on windshield adhesives. Any windshield has to meet DOT standards, so I don't know that any particular brand is bad. But do pay attention to color - not just of the sun screen band but of the glass itself if that sort thing matters to you. If you stick a sheet of white paper outside with you inside, or vice versa, you'll see the glass is not actually clear. Some are green and some are blue.
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2004 CLK320
I agree. Urethane adhesive brand is way too specific to ask in this forum.
Is the color of the glass important since all my other glass panels are all tinted?
Actually, I am kind of discouraged of my windshield. I owe this w209 for 11 years and this will be my 4th time to change it.
Is the color of the glass important since all my other glass panels are all tinted?
Actually, I am kind of discouraged of my windshield. I owe this w209 for 11 years and this will be my 4th time to change it.
Last edited by mis3; Jan 9, 2016 at 10:10 AM.
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My advice is to get good glass. I had Safelite replace the front windshield on my CLK about 3 years ago. They used Chinese glass and it's not held up well at all; it is covered with pits and scratches. When the sun hits it, it's like a Swarovski ornament. Pilkington used to be the OEM for MBZ. I'd get their glass or a comparable brand name not made in China. Some glass shops will agree to use genuine MBZ glass, even with an insurance claim, if you claim you've had issues with the rain and light sensors with other brand glass.
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2004 CLK320
My advice is to get good glass. I had Safelite replace the front windshield on my CLK about 3 years ago. They used Chinese glass and it's not held up well at all; it is covered with pits and scratches. When the sun hits it, it's like a Swarovski ornament. Pilkington used to be the OEM for MBZ. I'd get their glass or a comparable brand name not made in China. Some glass shops will agree to use genuine MBZ glass, even with an insurance claim, if you claim you've had issues with the rain and light sensors with other brand glass.
I called the dealership, it will cost close to $1,000CAN to replace the windshield there. The parts are $540CAN for the windshield and $60CAN for the urethane.
I was quoted $400 from an outside auto glass store. I asked for the brand of the windshield and am still waiting for an answer. I may go for the cheap route because like I said before, it seems that I have to change the windshield every 2-3 years. This is a daily commute mostly on highways so stone chips are not avoidable......
Last edited by mis3; Jan 10, 2016 at 07:38 PM.
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2004 CLK320
Got an response from the auto glass store:
1. Sekurit $425CAN
2. FY. $375CAN
I read the FY is OE for some Asian car manufacturers and they are the better Chinese brand. Based on Rudeney experience, I am now leaning to Sekurit.
For the past 3 windshield changes, I use the same trims (top, left and right) around the windshield. Should I buy new ones?
Thanks.
1. Sekurit $425CAN
2. FY. $375CAN
I read the FY is OE for some Asian car manufacturers and they are the better Chinese brand. Based on Rudeney experience, I am now leaning to Sekurit.
For the past 3 windshield changes, I use the same trims (top, left and right) around the windshield. Should I buy new ones?
Thanks.
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From: Austin, TX
2009 CLK 350 Grand Edition
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It doesn't do anything. It's just a little clear vinyl sticker with a white script signature - Renaldo Benz or whatever his name was. Personally I don't like stickers in my windshield, so even when I got a genuine MB windshield i told them to leave it off. It was like $4 extra.
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It doesn't do anything. It's just a little clear vinyl sticker with a white script signature - Renaldo Benz or whatever his name was. Personally I don't like stickers in my windshield, so even when I got a genuine MB windshield i told them to leave it off. It was like $4 extra.
Renaldo? Really? Yidney, we are revoking your driving privileges! You need to sell the CLK and get yourself a Hyundai! 
There are two versions of the sticker. The older sold white sticker has Gottlieb Daimler's signature. The newer clear sticker has "Mercedes-Benz" in script. Personally, I prefer Mr. Daimler's signature.
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[QUOTE=Rudeney;6706354] Renaldo? Really? Yidney, we are revoking your driving privileges! You need to sell the CLK and get yourself a Hyundai!
I was just making a joke. I know it was Groucho Benz.
Renaldo? Really? Yidney, we are revoking your driving privileges! You need to sell the CLK and get yourself a Hyundai! I was just making a joke. I know it was Groucho Benz.
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2009 CLK 350 Grand Edition
Have you got your windshield replaced? I'm curious what's the total cost and which brand did you end up using... Just got a used 2009 CLK, but the windshield is full of scratches... thinking about to replace it.
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The installer did a perfect job. As promised, they left my car inside a heated garage for a few hours so the urethane adhesive could cure.
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From: Austin, TX
2009 CLK 350 Grand Edition
I chose Sekurit which is supposed to be OE. I paid $425CAN for the job which is very reasonable. I also checked the price of the dealership, windshield was $540CAN and the urethane was $60. With labour and tax, the job would cost $1,200 CAN.
The installer did a perfect job. As promised, they left my car inside a heated garage for a few hours so the urethane adhesive could cure.
The installer did a perfect job. As promised, they left my car inside a heated garage for a few hours so the urethane adhesive could cure.
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Most dealers don't do windshield replacements themselves. They stock the glass, but they usually have a 3rd party company come and do the work. When replacing a windshield, the best thing is to do it on a dry, warm day (above 60F) and leave it parked for at least 4 hours after to let the urethane cure.
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2004 CLK320
Most dealers don't do windshield replacements themselves. They stock the glass, but they usually have a 3rd party company come and do the work. When replacing a windshield, the best thing is to do it on a dry, warm day (above 60F) and leave it parked for at least 4 hours after to let the urethane cure.
Back in December, I saw someone near my house replaced the windshield of a Toyota on an outside driveway. I passed by after an hour and the Toyota was gone. It was a typical winter December, maybe -10C. There was probably not enough time for the glue to cure.
Last edited by mis3; Feb 20, 2016 at 01:53 PM.
