E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Front Windshield Replaced

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Old 12-11-2010, 01:07 PM
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'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
Front Windshield Replaced

My front windshield was badly cracked by a flying rock while driving behind a road construction truck on a highway the other day.
The broken windshield was replaced today by Safelite; my local M-Bz dealer does not do windshield replacement work. The repair was done at home and they used an OEM M-Bz windshield, which I insisted upon. The repair service appeared to be efficient and professional.
Old 12-11-2010, 01:21 PM
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My front windshield was badly cracked and replaced last week by MB Loal dealer at a cost of 885 Euros. Wiper blades replaced today as well.
Old 12-12-2010, 06:36 PM
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Safelite has oem spec windshields for less than half with life long warranty.
Old 12-16-2010, 03:37 PM
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First of all, if your insurance co offers it, you should have full glass coverage on your car. It only runs about $35/yr. Worth every penny IMO.
Old 12-17-2010, 06:56 AM
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I'm worried about (when the time comes) getting geico to pony up for a proper replacement considering the rain and light sensors are integrated into the windshield..
Old 12-17-2010, 10:04 AM
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Originally Posted by DubVBenz
I'm worried about (when the time comes) getting geico to pony up for a proper replacement considering the rain and light sensors are integrated into the windshield..
It's not integrated in the windshield. It's a panel behind (inside the car) the windshield.
Old 12-17-2010, 03:33 PM
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The sensors (all) for both rain and day or night illumination of the HVAC/radio and lights (if on auto) are located glued to the windshield "top" on the glass looking forward by the mirror.

Last edited by Barry45RPM; 12-18-2010 at 02:49 PM.
Old 12-17-2010, 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
The little dome behind the glass on the dash forward is a A/C load sensor. The sensors (all) for both rain and day or night illumination of the HVAC/radio and lights (if on auto) are located glued to the windshield "top" on the glass looking forward by the mirror.
Where is this A/C load sensor on the dash?
Old 12-18-2010, 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Mackhack
Where is this A/C load sensor on the dash?
I deleted/edited the reference to the A/C load sensor near the windshield. In my trance like state I put a feature that exists in another of our cars into the 211 in my head. Its NOT in the 211. Sorry.

Last edited by Barry45RPM; 12-18-2010 at 08:50 PM.
Old 12-18-2010, 04:08 PM
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I never saw anything on my dash board like that. If you have a picture I would like to see it though
Old 12-26-2011, 11:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Mackhack
It's not integrated in the windshield. It's a panel behind (inside the car) the windshield.
Can you replaced the windshield without changing the sensors?
Old 12-27-2011, 03:15 AM
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Windshield replacement is very critical man! The cracks spread like crazy if not treated early. I had a crack on my chevrolet windshield, which apparently spread to obstruct driver's view. Got it replaced asap.
Old 12-27-2011, 11:40 AM
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I had the windshield in my BMW replaced by safelite without issues. The BMW had a rain sensor integrated into rear view mirror and glued to the windshield. They replaced a clear double sticky pad between the sensor and the glass. Make sure your installer know they need to something like that. I have heard of cases where they use clear silicone, which works for a while then fails. Be sure to have them test the sensor before they leave. Good luck!
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Old 12-28-2011, 02:35 AM
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Had mine replaced by OBRIEN Glass with an OEM window.

The rain-sensor and light sensors aren't attached to the window as it can be removed.

However when they install the new window, make sure they don't get any air-bubbles infront of the sensor or it will not function correctly.
Old 12-28-2011, 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by anewbie
Can you replaced the windshield without changing the sensors?
No Problem! The sensor isn't part of the windshield! The sensor is mounted to a plate which is connected to the overhead control module and a cable from the rain sensor is connected to the OCU! When the windshield is gone the rain sensor stays!

If you got a different windshield (IR, green, blue, etc.) someone with SDS and knowledge has to adjust the sensor manually to function properly!
Old 12-28-2011, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Mackhack
No Problem! The sensor isn't part of the windshield! The sensor is mounted to a plate which is connected to the overhead control module and a cable from the rain sensor is connected to the OCU! When the windshield is gone the rain sensor stays!

If you got a different windshield (IR, green, blue, etc.) someone with SDS and knowledge has to adjust the sensor manually to function properly!
Thanks! There are 3 different windshields at Safelite. (green tint, blue tint and blue tint with Gray stripe on top). All three described as windshield with rain sensors. Not sure if that's real, then.
Old 12-28-2011, 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by anewbie
Thanks! There are 3 different windshields at Safelite. (green tint, blue tint and blue tint with Gray stripe on top). All three described as windshield with rain sensors. Not sure if that's real, then.
I got mine from safelite too! Good quality but I would go with oem next time again! With rain sensor means that it will work through the windshield I think!

Regular glass doesn't allow uv light to pass! Rain sensors use IR LEDs to determine water and the amount if water/rain on the glass!
Old 12-28-2011, 08:43 PM
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FWIW, as the OP of this thread I thought I should add the following:
I don't remember the exact price for the dealer-supplied M-Bz OEM windshield (covered by my comp insurance), but I did note that it was the same price that Safelite quoted me for one of their stock windshields. My windshield was described as having blue tint glass.
Old 12-29-2011, 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Sgooter
FWIW, as the OP of this thread I thought I should add the following:
I don't remember the exact price for the dealer-supplied M-Bz OEM windshield (covered by my comp insurance), but I did note that it was the same price that Safelite quoted me for one of their stock windshields. My windshield was described as having blue tint glass.
I paid for mine 360 - 20% discount b/c Safelite ****ed up and didn't appear on our appointment. But OEM windshields are 500 to 1000 bucks if I recall correctly.
Old 12-29-2011, 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Mackhack
I paid for mine 360 - 20% discount b/c Safelite ****ed up and didn't appear on our appointment. But OEM windshields are 500 to 1000 bucks if I recall correctly.
So, let's suppose OEM is 720, which is twice what you paid. Knowing what you know now, and suppose insurance won't cover anything. You said you would get the OEM glass next time, can you share why? Thanks, again!
Old 12-30-2011, 07:51 PM
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Safelite ****ed my appointment up. I had a shattered windshield (I covered it once here before, a guy threw a brick out of a pickup truck into my windshield on the freeway driving) and ever day I had to drive with this window it got worse. This isn't the way I like get treated as a paying customer. The window they put in wasn't the blue one and refused to change it out for the right one once it was in. The black rubber seal on the bottom part of the window they used dissolves itself which isn't cool either.

Last but not least I'm just someone who likes OEM parts over 3rd part parts. My insurance covers windshields if they are over $500 which is new in my policy since this year. So why not using it?

Overall, I'm just not happy with the service and the windshield either. My reasons are partly subjective/objective of course.
Old 12-30-2011, 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Mackhack
Safelite ****ed my appointment up. I had a shattered windshield (I covered it once here before, a guy threw a brick out of a pickup truck into my windshield on the freeway driving) and ever day I had to drive with this window it got worse. This isn't the way I like get treated as a paying customer. The window they put in wasn't the blue one and refused to change it out for the right one once it was in. The black rubber seal on the bottom part of the window they used dissolves itself which isn't cool either.

Last but not least I'm just someone who likes OEM parts over 3rd part parts. My insurance covers windshields if they are over $500 which is new in my policy since this year. So why not using it?

Overall, I'm just not happy with the service and the windshield either. My reasons are partly subjective/objective of course.
Sorry to hear what happened. Thanks for sharing!

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