alexander stemer

Driving home on I90 late last night, a piece of steel got kicked up by a truck, crossed the center divider, and hit my windshield. Fortunately, no mdamage other than a central crack and a radiating series of cracks measuring about 8' across.
Given the construction of our cars, can this be best handled by a glass shop, body shop, or is the dealer the best choice?
Thanks for your input. AS

JDB

If you have a service advisor at the dealership that you know, I would ask him (or her) where they send their cars when they need a windshield replaced. Where I live, the dealers subcontract the replacement work out.

The major concerns that I would have would first be that the company would be using factory replacement glass so that the car appears exactly the same as it did when it left the factory with its Mercedes sticker affixed to the lower passenger-side corner, secondly, that they thoroughly test the installation for water leakage, and finally, that they have replaced Mercedes windshields before due to the electrical connections involved.

It really shouldn't be a big problem (other than it is YOUR can, and that it is your Black Series, to top it off). Your insurance company deals with this all of the time.

Sorry to hear that this has happened, thank goodness that you didn't get injured in the accident. Was there any other damage to the vehicle, than just the windshield?

JDB

alexander stemer

Fortunately, no other damage. Northwest Indiana is a very industrial area, with a tremendous amount of truck traffic and all kinds of crap falling off. I was very grateful that nothing came thru, as I was moving along pretty well (at least 70).
I like to use my cars, so I expect that they can't stay perfect. Your suggestions are much appreciated. AS

Jim Brady

Sorry to hear about the windshield. Which go me to thinking and I checked to see if our windshield had any etchings to designate the mfg. Appears that the factory only has the G. Diamler sticker as the only identifing piece for a factory windshield.
European windshields are softer glass than the counterparts mfg in the US. Since the CLK series is pretty common you should be able to get a replacement at a decent price, unless you want the $200 G. Diamler sticker.

JonMBZ

I would just take it to the dealer windows usually run around 500 and 150 to install they subcontract the work usually, but at least you will know you are getting a factory window with the proper rain sensors and sun filters. That sticker doesn't come from the factory and can be purchased for $5 so even if an outside company puts an aftermarket windshield they still can put that sticker on.

user z478747

One on fleabay......

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...Q5fAccessories

Doctodd33

wow strong work chuck

user z478747

...... always looking for Black Series stuff on fleaby and happen to remember seeing this.

jrcart

Chuck ain't lying about the ebay hunting...I still remember when unbeknownst to him he came across his own car for sale on ebay, now that was some funny s#!t.

user z478747

.....and it still holds the record for the highest priced CLK63 BS!

alexander stemer

Dealer referred me to a local glass place (US Auto Glass) that gave me a price of $440 for aftermarket glass installed, or $580 for the factory glass. I will let you know how this turns out. AS

LZH

I'd go with factory and have it dealer installed considering the minimal price. Do you really want some minimum wage guy at US auto glass anywhere near your car with a utility knife ?

DFW01E55

That's called putting things into perspective.

alexander stemer

The Dealer is Napelton in Schererville, Indiana, and they say that they send the cars over to this place. Yes, I'd rather have it done at the dealer, if they actually did the work.
All the advice is appreciated, so I will double check with the dealer. But it seems that they may not have anyone better. Again, thanks. AS