2010 E550 Windshield heated? Other questions
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
2010 E550
2010 E550 Windshield heated? Other questions
I'm going to have to have the front glass in my W212 replaced due to a careless gravel truck driver that didn't properly secure/cover his load and spewed gravel everywhere, damaging the front of my car including the windshield. I called the police, but they were less than helpful stating that in FL it's a 0-deductable item to get the glass replaced. I guess I should just drive around throwing out gravel, it's acceptable.
Anyway, I have a few questions. I learned that my windshield may be heated, is this an option or included? How do you know?
What is the cost of OEM glass? Naturally insurance wants to use replacement glass, which I'm not having. I'm trying to get a gauge on how much I may have to pay to get it upgraded to OEM.
Finally, anybody with experience in this, in FL or outside of FL? I've got pics of the offending truck/license plate/gravel, phone records where I called the police (who told me I was one of many people reporting the idiot gravel truck driver). I know if the gravel hits the ground it's fair game, but the load was uncovered and I saw it come from the top. I have photographic proof that it was an uncovered load too. I don't want my premiums increasing because someone else is careless and has no respect for other peoples property.
Anyway, I have a few questions. I learned that my windshield may be heated, is this an option or included? How do you know?
What is the cost of OEM glass? Naturally insurance wants to use replacement glass, which I'm not having. I'm trying to get a gauge on how much I may have to pay to get it upgraded to OEM.
Finally, anybody with experience in this, in FL or outside of FL? I've got pics of the offending truck/license plate/gravel, phone records where I called the police (who told me I was one of many people reporting the idiot gravel truck driver). I know if the gravel hits the ground it's fair game, but the load was uncovered and I saw it come from the top. I have photographic proof that it was an uncovered load too. I don't want my premiums increasing because someone else is careless and has no respect for other peoples property.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
I'm going to have to have the front glass in my W212 replaced due to a careless gravel truck driver that didn't properly secure/cover his load and spewed gravel everywhere, damaging the front of my car including the windshield. I called the police, but they were less than helpful stating that in FL it's a 0-deductable item to get the glass replaced. I guess I should just drive around throwing out gravel, it's acceptable.
Anyway, I have a few questions. I learned that my windshield may be heated, is this an option or included? How do you know?
What is the cost of OEM glass? Naturally insurance wants to use replacement glass, which I'm not having. I'm trying to get a gauge on how much I may have to pay to get it upgraded to OEM.
Finally, anybody with experience in this, in FL or outside of FL? I've got pics of the offending truck/license plate/gravel, phone records where I called the police (who told me I was one of many people reporting the idiot gravel truck driver). I know if the gravel hits the ground it's fair game, but the load was uncovered and I saw it come from the top. I have photographic proof that it was an uncovered load too. I don't want my premiums increasing because someone else is careless and has no respect for other peoples property.
Anyway, I have a few questions. I learned that my windshield may be heated, is this an option or included? How do you know?
What is the cost of OEM glass? Naturally insurance wants to use replacement glass, which I'm not having. I'm trying to get a gauge on how much I may have to pay to get it upgraded to OEM.
Finally, anybody with experience in this, in FL or outside of FL? I've got pics of the offending truck/license plate/gravel, phone records where I called the police (who told me I was one of many people reporting the idiot gravel truck driver). I know if the gravel hits the ground it's fair game, but the load was uncovered and I saw it come from the top. I have photographic proof that it was an uncovered load too. I don't want my premiums increasing because someone else is careless and has no respect for other peoples property.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
that sux man: first WEEK I had my E63 the same thing happened to me.........
I ended up paying 1000 out of pocket
I was pissed, but what can you do?? not saying you were following to close.......but were you? just wondering
I ended up paying 1000 out of pocket
I was pissed, but what can you do?? not saying you were following to close.......but were you? just wondering
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
2010 E550
I wasn't close and I was in another lane entirely. The one that broke my windshield flew off the top of the truck into my path and hit right on the drivers side below the roof-line. The driver of that truck was being a jerk and I believe he knew it. At one point he swerved to get in front of me on a 3 lane highway. This was of course after the damage had been done. I was in the center lane and he in the right.
One thing that pisses me off about trucks/loads/companies like that is the disclaimer. STAY BACK 100 FEET. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES. Huh? So you're saying all I have to do is write a disclaimer? I'm going to put one on my car that says to stay back 100 feet not responsible for sudden lane shifts, braking or ramming. It's ok, I disclaimed it!
One thing that pisses me off about trucks/loads/companies like that is the disclaimer. STAY BACK 100 FEET. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES. Huh? So you're saying all I have to do is write a disclaimer? I'm going to put one on my car that says to stay back 100 feet not responsible for sudden lane shifts, braking or ramming. It's ok, I disclaimed it!
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
I wasn't close and I was in another lane entirely. The one that broke my windshield flew off the top of the truck into my path and hit right on the drivers side below the roof-line. The driver of that truck was being a jerk and I believe he knew it. At one point he swerved to get in front of me on a 3 lane highway. This was of course after the damage had been done. I was in the center lane and he in the right.
One thing that pisses me off about trucks/loads/companies like that is the disclaimer. STAY BACK 100 FEET. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES. Huh? So you're saying all I have to do is write a disclaimer? I'm going to put one on my car that says to stay back 100 feet not responsible for sudden lane shifts, braking or ramming. It's ok, I disclaimed it!
One thing that pisses me off about trucks/loads/companies like that is the disclaimer. STAY BACK 100 FEET. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES. Huh? So you're saying all I have to do is write a disclaimer? I'm going to put one on my car that says to stay back 100 feet not responsible for sudden lane shifts, braking or ramming. It's ok, I disclaimed it!
Hope you can get it resolved the way you want to man
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
I wasn't close and I was in another lane entirely. The one that broke my windshield flew off the top of the truck into my path and hit right on the drivers side below the roof-line. The driver of that truck was being a jerk and I believe he knew it. At one point he swerved to get in front of me on a 3 lane highway. This was of course after the damage had been done. I was in the center lane and he in the right.
One thing that pisses me off about trucks/loads/companies like that is the disclaimer. STAY BACK 100 FEET. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES. Huh? So you're saying all I have to do is write a disclaimer? I'm going to put one on my car that says to stay back 100 feet not responsible for sudden lane shifts, braking or ramming. It's ok, I disclaimed it!
One thing that pisses me off about trucks/loads/companies like that is the disclaimer. STAY BACK 100 FEET. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES. Huh? So you're saying all I have to do is write a disclaimer? I'm going to put one on my car that says to stay back 100 feet not responsible for sudden lane shifts, braking or ramming. It's ok, I disclaimed it!
A company needs to take reasonable care to protect the property and safety of others. For a supermarket this means increasing the amount of employees policing carts on windy days and for gravel trucks to properly secure and cover their loads.
Get your new OE windshield (just go to the MB dealer to get it replaced - I'll explain why if you want) and then send the bill for the amount not covered and a copy of your photos to the gravel company. If they refuse to pay then go to small claims.
Alright, I'll explain the "going to the dealer for a windshield" without being asked.
Most dealers farm out windshield installs to a glass company - but - by going to the dealer you will get the proper glass and any damage (cut headliner, broken mirror etc) is the sole responsibility of the dealer and there is no finger pointing about responsibility. Ask me how I know...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
2011 E550, 2008 SL55 AMG
AFAIK the windshield washers are heated, but not the windshield. That wire you (barely) see in the windshield is part of the radio antenna.
Send a letter to your state legislators and suggest they add a law requiring all trucks hauling dirt, gravel and other loose objects be required to have a cover over the load. That won't stop the occasional loose rock but it will cut down on incidents like the one that affected you.
VA passed a law like that and the number of broken windshield incidents went way down. The companies that owned and operated the local haulers screamed bloody murder but the law passed anyway. You might be able to enlist the help of your insurance company in moving the state legislature - I'm sure they're tired of paying to replace windshields.
Send a letter to your state legislators and suggest they add a law requiring all trucks hauling dirt, gravel and other loose objects be required to have a cover over the load. That won't stop the occasional loose rock but it will cut down on incidents like the one that affected you.
VA passed a law like that and the number of broken windshield incidents went way down. The companies that owned and operated the local haulers screamed bloody murder but the law passed anyway. You might be able to enlist the help of your insurance company in moving the state legislature - I'm sure they're tired of paying to replace windshields.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
AFAIK the windshield washers are heated, but not the windshield. That wire you (barely) see in the windshield is part of the radio antenna.
Send a letter to your state legislators and suggest they add a law requiring all trucks hauling dirt, gravel and other loose objects be required to have a cover over the load. That won't stop the occasional loose rock but it will cut down on incidents like the one that affected you.
VA passed a law like that and the number of broken windshield incidents went way down. The companies that owned and operated the local haulers screamed bloody murder but the law passed anyway. You might be able to enlist the help of your insurance company in moving the state legislature - I'm sure they're tired of paying to replace windshields.
Send a letter to your state legislators and suggest they add a law requiring all trucks hauling dirt, gravel and other loose objects be required to have a cover over the load. That won't stop the occasional loose rock but it will cut down on incidents like the one that affected you.
VA passed a law like that and the number of broken windshield incidents went way down. The companies that owned and operated the local haulers screamed bloody murder but the law passed anyway. You might be able to enlist the help of your insurance company in moving the state legislature - I'm sure they're tired of paying to replace windshields.
Florida: Bureau of Motor Carrier Compliance, Tallahassee, FL 904-488-6289.
316.520. Loads on Vehicles
- A vehicle may not be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, shifting, leaking, blowing, or otherwise escaping therefrom, except that sand may be dropped only for the purpose of securing traction or water or other substance may be sprinkled on a roadway in cleaning or maintaining the roadway.
- It is the duty of every owner and driver, severally, of any vehicle hauling, upon any public road or highway open to the public, dirt, sand, lime rock, gravel, silica, or other similar aggregate or trash, garbage, any inanimate object or objects, or any similar material that could fall or blow from such vehicle, to prevent such materials from falling, blowing, or in any way escaping from such vehicle. Covering and securing the load with a close-fitting tarpaulin or other appropriate cover or a load securing device meeting the requirements of 49 C.F.R.s. 393.100 or a device designed to reasonably ensure that cargo will not shift upon or fall from the vehicle is required and shall constitute compliance with this section.
-
- Except as provided in paragraph (b), a violation of this section is a non-criminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
- Any person who willfully violates the provisions of this section which offense results in serious bodily injury or death to an individual and which offense occurs as a result of failing to comply with subsections (1) and (2) commits a criminal traffic offense and a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
- The provision of subsection (2) requiring covering and securing the load with a close fitting tarpaulin or other appropriate cover does not apply to vehicles carrying agricultural products locally from a harvest site or to or from a farm on roads where the posted speed limit is 65 miles per hour or less and the distance driven on public roads is less than 20 miles.
- (1) It is the duty of every owner, licensee and driver, severally, of the truck, trailer, semi trailer, or pole trailer to use such stanchions, standards, stays, supports, or other equipment, appliances, or contrivances, together with one or more lock chains, when lock chains are the most suitable means of fastening the load, or together with nylon strapping, when nylon strapping is the most suitable means of securing the load, so as to fasten the load securely to the vehicle.
- The Department of Transportation shall promulgate rule with respect to the type and suitability of nylon strapping to be used in compliance with this section.
- A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
History. – 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, 76-31; ss. 1, 2, ch. 80-229; s. 190, ch. 81-259; s. 236, ch. 99-248.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 576
Likes: 8
From: Placitas, NM
E550
My most recent experience; 2011 E550, loaded. Rock from a passing van on the Interstate popped up from the pavement.
My State Farm Comprehensive insurance has a $250 deductible. I let the dealer replace the windshield to ensure original MB parts. My insurance agreed (maybe there was no choice?). The dealer collected the $250 from me and billed $980 to the insurance company, as they showed me on the invoice.
Now, I don't know that the amount to the ins. co. wasn't further discounted, But I don't care. I contracted for $250 deductible, and that was a good decision.
I don't think there is any "heating" in the windshield, but there is a lot of stuff at the top center to support all the fancy features, e.g., rain sensing, lane keeping, etc.
I might add: there was no hassle or even inspection from State Farm. They took my word for it and the word of the dealer. (Of course, I've been with them for 30 years with no claims!)
My State Farm Comprehensive insurance has a $250 deductible. I let the dealer replace the windshield to ensure original MB parts. My insurance agreed (maybe there was no choice?). The dealer collected the $250 from me and billed $980 to the insurance company, as they showed me on the invoice.
Now, I don't know that the amount to the ins. co. wasn't further discounted, But I don't care. I contracted for $250 deductible, and that was a good decision.
I don't think there is any "heating" in the windshield, but there is a lot of stuff at the top center to support all the fancy features, e.g., rain sensing, lane keeping, etc.
I might add: there was no hassle or even inspection from State Farm. They took my word for it and the word of the dealer. (Of course, I've been with them for 30 years with no claims!)
Last edited by Live Oak; Jun 28, 2013 at 06:27 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
2010 E550
My ins company wanted to use non-OE glass, and are willing to pay 775 total. OE glass from the dealer is 780 or so, parts only. So I'm looking at paying 280 out of pocket for someone else's negligence. Always a pleasure!
I know they are in the wrong and I have a call to the police as well as photographs to prove it, but what I don't know is would it be worth my time in small claims to go after them. Likely not since it's a smaller claim and I'd have to take time (money) off from work in order to get what boils down to a small amount.
I know they are in the wrong and I have a call to the police as well as photographs to prove it, but what I don't know is would it be worth my time in small claims to go after them. Likely not since it's a smaller claim and I'd have to take time (money) off from work in order to get what boils down to a small amount.
