E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Windshield Scratch - Replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 8, 2015 | 02:32 PM
  #1  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Windshield Scratch - Replacement

There's a arch shaped scratch in my windshield caused by the wiper. I'm not sure how the heck it happened but it did during my test drive of the vehicle before purchase. I guess there was something sharp stuck in the wiper blade. My luck!

I can go through insurance but I'm not sure if I want Safelite auto glass to handle this repair. Some of the guys at Safelite are sloppy per my experience, and I don't know if I want them handling my Mercedes.

So i called the dealer and they gave me these costs:

Windshield - $796.50 - My insurance company should cover this cost
Labor: 142/hour and they said it would take 5 hours so that's $710

Why in the world would it take 5 hours to replace my windshield? My insurance, GEICO, would pay $40/hr for the labor so I would have the pay the difference.

All in all, it would be $500 bucks out of my pocket.

I just purchased a product call CeriGlass this past week. I'm going to see if that works on the scratch. I'm amazed on the 5 hours of labor though.
Reply
Old May 8, 2015 | 03:18 PM
  #2  
rediesel's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 61
2006 E320 CDI 2014 C63 507 Coupe 2012 E550 4M 2016 E63s Wagon
5 hours is too long, and frankly most dealers contract this work out to a specialist (safelight or the like) - I know mine did x2. I'd see if your insurance can arrange for their glass specialist to get the glass from the dealer and put it in. (my only caution is that the rain/other sensors can be difficult to seal in and if there is an issue later having everything on a dealer invoice makes it easy to determine fault)

Can't hurt to call another dealer for a quote

Of course all this would be after I tried the Ceriglass approach.
Reply
Old May 8, 2015 | 03:38 PM
  #3  
equetefue's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
17' C43 Sedan
I just had my Infiniti windshield replaced a couple hours ago and it took Safelite 2 hours at my home.
Reply
Old May 8, 2015 | 03:47 PM
  #4  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Originally Posted by rediesel
5 hours is too long, and frankly most dealers contract this work out to a specialist (safelight or the like) - I know mine did x2. I'd see if your insurance can arrange for their glass specialist to get the glass from the dealer and put it in. (my only caution is that the rain/other sensors can be difficult to seal in and if there is an issue later having everything on a dealer invoice makes it easy to determine fault)

Can't hurt to call another dealer for a quote

Of course all this would be after I tried the Ceriglass approach.
Good tips. Thnx. I hope the Ceriglass works. ::Crossing Fingers::
Reply
Old May 8, 2015 | 03:49 PM
  #5  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Originally Posted by equetefue
I just had my Infiniti windshield replaced a couple hours ago and it took Safelite 2 hours at my home.
How did they do? Did you watch them? I watched them do my Nissan a couple of months ago and I wasn't too happy with how the tech went about the replacement. He didn't seem as careful as he should have been. There was no real "damage" per say, but I don't know, it could have been a cleaner job I guess..of course if you ask anyone to "be careful" they get a pissy attitude while doing the job..hate when that happens..

I'm afraid to have them touch the Benz.
Reply
Old May 8, 2015 | 05:25 PM
  #6  
Wales1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
From: Fort Worth, TX
2016 E350 sport
I had my windshield replaced by Prestige Auto Glass of Louisville a few weeks ago. I requested OEM glass which was supplied as I was informed there are no other alternatives for the 2014 E350 at this moment in time.

I watched the whole procedure which took about an hour. Very satisfied, Prestige did a great job. They also informed me that, as I have the Lane Tracking Package, I would need to take the vehicle to my Dealer to have the Windshield cameras re calibrated. My Insurance (Allstate) picked up the total cost. Zero out of pocket.
Reply
Old May 9, 2015 | 12:55 PM
  #7  
Alex.currie44's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 66
From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Seems excessive to me even though they could be thorough. I have had 2 done and the shop my dealer uses is fussy. Make sure they touch any nicks in the paint around the window or you will get rust.
The idea of polishing it out is worth a try. The shop that does mine does this all the time.
Reply
Old May 9, 2015 | 03:23 PM
  #8  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
The polish did not work. I'm not sure if it's because I tried by hand or if the scratch is too deep. I did end up with a shiny windshield though..oh well.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 9, 2015 | 09:18 PM
  #9  
Alex.currie44's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 66
From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
My guy uses a machine to do this. I tried by hand as well and didn't gain much in 30 minutes on the same 2-3 inches. Stop by a glass shop and see what they can do.
Reply
Old May 9, 2015 | 09:40 PM
  #10  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Originally Posted by Alex.currie44
My guy uses a machine to do this. I tried by hand as well and didn't gain much in 30 minutes on the same 2-3 inches. Stop by a glass shop and see what they can do.
Any chance he is in New York? Lol. Any glass guy around here basically gives me a short "no" when I ask them about repair. They immediately say it needs to be replaced. I think it's because they are afraid they will damage it more via distortion and don't want to be liable. I have asked a few detailers as well and same answer.
Reply
Old May 9, 2015 | 11:27 PM
  #11  
Alex.currie44's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 66
From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
It maybe has to do with the depth. Hard for me to judge.
And no, my guy is in Nanaimo BC which is pretty much as far from NYC as you can get in Canada.
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 12:18 AM
  #12  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Originally Posted by Alex.currie44
It maybe has to do with the depth. Hard for me to judge.
And no, my guy is in Nanaimo BC which is pretty much as far from NYC as you can get in Canada.
Actually so far it's all through phone calls. The minute I tell them about the scratch they respond with replace.
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 12:30 AM
  #13  
pdeacon's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 342
From: Cape Cod
E450 wagon, C43 AMG Cpe, GLE AMG 63S
I've had three windshields replaced on my E. All done through the dealer. All were covered by insurance...no out of pocket expense. Also had Safetylight repair a severe rock chip on my SL. Came out perfect. Also covered by insurance. Maybe the issue is Geico?
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 11:14 PM
  #14  
aeroconfigs's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: OH
w212
A small rock attacked my car and cracked my windshield two days ago. I have GEICO and will try going for replacement thru them. I was just about to tint my windshield too, good thing I didn't waste my money.
Reply
Old May 11, 2015 | 08:39 AM
  #15  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Originally Posted by aeroconfigs
A small rock attacked my car and cracked my windshield two days ago. I have GEICO and will try going for replacement thru them. I was just about to tint my windshield too, good thing I didn't waste my money.
Let me know how it works out and what glass they give you. They will probably use SafeLite glass.
Reply
Old May 11, 2015 | 08:40 AM
  #16  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Originally Posted by pdeacon
I've had three windshields replaced on my E. All done through the dealer. All were covered by insurance...no out of pocket expense. Also had Safetylight repair a severe rock chip on my SL. Came out perfect. Also covered by insurance. Maybe the issue is Geico?
Yes, it could be GEICO. I will try someone else there to see if I get a better response.
Reply
Old May 11, 2015 | 01:45 PM
  #17  
rediesel's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 61
2006 E320 CDI 2014 C63 507 Coupe 2012 E550 4M 2016 E63s Wagon
Originally Posted by g4benz
Any chance he is in New York? Lol. Any glass guy around here basically gives me a short "no" when I ask them about repair. They immediately say it needs to be replaced. I think it's because they are afraid they will damage it more via distortion and don't want to be liable. I have asked a few detailers as well and same answer.
I'd try an auto-detailer for this work rather than a glass specialist. Save the specialist for the replacement.
Reply
Old May 11, 2015 | 02:00 PM
  #18  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Originally Posted by rediesel
I'd try an auto-detailer for this work rather than a glass specialist. Save the specialist for the replacement.
Tried those as well. They shy away from doing it.
Reply
Old May 11, 2015 | 04:40 PM
  #19  
starbrite's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
2004 E320
Over the years, I've had good luck with this polishing kit from Eastwood:

http://www.eastwood.com/pro-glass-polishing-kit.html

Requires a drill or low speed/variable speed buffer.
Reply
Old May 12, 2015 | 09:47 AM
  #20  
g4benz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 489
Likes: 9
2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Originally Posted by starbrite
Over the years, I've had good luck with this polishing kit from Eastwood:

http://www.eastwood.com/pro-glass-polishing-kit.html

Requires a drill or low speed/variable speed buffer.
Thanks. I will check it out. I guess it would be a good idea to learn how to use a buffer - lol. I tried the CeriGlass by hand, which is probably part of the reason it didn't work.

I noticed you are in LI. If you don't mind, where do you go for Mercedes stuff around here (i.e. repairs,accessories, etc), or are you a dealer guy?
Reply
Old May 12, 2015 | 03:16 PM
  #21  
starbrite's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
2004 E320
Only reason I go to the dealer is for the annual NYS inspection

I buy parts online from various source for my DIY projects. However, I have to say that my car has been super reliable, which is why I've kept it so long.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:52 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE