Windshield phobia
#51
Well, as I think I commented here previously, there are 2 windshields that fit the G -- a windshield that has already cracked, and a windshield that will someday get cracked. I transitioned from the latter to the former on Monday when a car traveling the opposite direction spit a stone across a separating lane and onto my windshield landing about 3 inches left of the camera/radar box lower edge (behind the rearview mirror). It certainly was not the largest rock I've been hit with, but its shape and velocity were on target to do the deed. The chip it took out of the glass was only rice grain size, and I was hoping to make it 3 miles to town and have a glass shop epoxy it, but no such luck. It hair-lined top to bottom by the time I pulled into the parking lot. Crack is only on outer glass layer, so there's no problem driving while waiting for repair. Glass dealer called my insurance company, got approval (full coverage) for OEM glass replacement. On order now from MB with a 4 week lead time. Glass shop is certified to do all the installation and calibration, and my insurance company guarantees my satisfaction as the glass shop franchise is one of its preferred installers. Will update this post with details after repair is finished.
Paranoid? I think not. A couple weeks ago in suburban Denver, 3 clowns were driving around at night heaving softball size rocks pilfered from Walmart's parking lot onto the windshields of cars driving the opposite direction. This was all great fun until one of the struck vehicles lost control, drove off the road and the 20-something woman driving the car was killed. Law enforcement correlated the times and and locations of 7 rock-tossing/busted windshield incidents that night with cell-tower pinging, and identified the three perps through their cellphones. All three are now sitting in the county jail charged with 1st degree murder and are facing life prison sentences. Unfortunately, low-lifes like these three stooges never watch the news, and so there are plenty of others hell-bent on personal property destruction on the loose, believing they can get away with whatever they do, and ignorant of the stupidity of other like-minded creeps.
Back to my windshield repair -- genuine MB replacement glass with
Last edited by streborx; 05-25-2023 at 10:05 AM. Reason: changed Otto to Gottlieb
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V8ray (05-24-2023)
#52
I think the heated windshield is standard -- it appeared in the equipment list of my 2019 G550. (but also listed was "full size spare tire", which was inaccurate). There's mention of a windshield heater on page 125 of the owner's manual in the section on climate control.
Good luck - let us know how it goes.
Good luck - let us know how it goes.
#53
I appreciate your input and wanted to share my experience with windshield repair in Denver. When I had a cracked windshield on my 2019 G550, I was concerned about maintaining the functionality of the heated windshield. That's when I discovered <!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->https://*******/maps/a2VPJ6ytVyk8Lmmx5. Their knowledgeable technicians were well-versed in handling luxury car models like mine. They assured me that they could replace the windshield while preserving the heated feature. True to their word, the replacement went smoothly, and my heated windshield continued to work flawlessly. If you're in a similar situation, I highly recommend reaching out to them. Their expertise and attention to detail will ensure a successful repair that keeps your vehicle's features intact. Good luck, and don't hesitate to share your experience with us!
#54
#55
Well, as I think I commented here previously, there are 2 windshields that fit the G -- a windshield that has already cracked, and a windshield that will someday get cracked. I transitioned from the latter to the former on Monday when a car traveling the opposite direction spit a stone across a separating lane and onto my windshield landing about 3 inches left of the camera/radar box lower edge (behind the rearview mirror). It certainly was not the largest rock I've been hit with, but its shape and velocity were on target to do the deed. The chip it took out of the glass was only rice grain size, and I was hoping to make it 3 miles to town and have a glass shop epoxy it, but no such luck. It hair-lined top to bottom by the time I pulled into the parking lot. Crack is only on outer glass layer, so there's no problem driving while waiting for repair. Glass dealer called my insurance company, got approval (full coverage) for OEM glass replacement. On order now from MB with a 4 week lead time. Glass shop is certified to do all the installation and calibration, and my insurance company guarantees my satisfaction as the glass shop franchise is one of its preferred installers. Will update this post with details after repair is finished.
Small chip from a rock hitting the windshield, didn't think anything of it, spider-webbed top to bottom and to the sides a bit more and more over a couple days
OEM replacement done with insurance, no problems so far on the new glass..
If I get hit again with a small chip, I will try to get it fixed/epoxy/patched fast since I've never seen a glass chip spread so quickly and furiously on a car
#56
x2 for posterity's sake to report the same thing happened to me on my 21 G63
Small chip from a rock hitting the windshield, didn't think anything of it, spider-webbed top to bottom and to the sides a bit more and more over a couple days
OEM replacement done with insurance, no problems so far on the new glass..
If I get hit again with a small chip, I will try to get it fixed/epoxy/patched fast since I've never seen a glass chip spread so quickly and furiously on a car
Small chip from a rock hitting the windshield, didn't think anything of it, spider-webbed top to bottom and to the sides a bit more and more over a couple days
OEM replacement done with insurance, no problems so far on the new glass..
If I get hit again with a small chip, I will try to get it fixed/epoxy/patched fast since I've never seen a glass chip spread so quickly and furiously on a car
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#58
When it comes to protecting your windshield, you might want to look into windshield protection films. They can add an extra layer of defense against rocks and debris. As for where to find these films and get them professionally installed, Dr. Rock Chip Repair specializes in windshield repair and could offer some guidance. Here's their link: https://www.coloradochip.com/.
Hopefully, that film can help you enjoy your G63 without those windshield woes! 🌟🔧
Hopefully, that film can help you enjoy your G63 without those windshield woes! 🌟🔧
#59
#60
Great in theory , but they dont work great and the scratch as well. I got one installed professionally in April of this year 2023. There is a definite almost haze on the windshield, it's not as clear as the glass with out the film. It also scratches pretty easily. In addition... today got a nice rock chip that instantly spidered across the windshield, even with the 500.00 film installed. Complete waste of money and wont be replacing the film when I get a new windshield. Was a fun 4.5 month run with a film that was basically a gimmick.
I am curious which brand of windshield film was it?
#61
I've had exoshield and now have clearplex.
Initially they do seem to make the wipers chatter more but at least with the clearplex that has been less of an issue as time went on. Visibility is okay but my clearplex does have scratches on it from install but I can live with them.
For the exoshield I had at least 2-3 good hits that only put am impact mark on the film but no damage to windshield.
Just like PPF though, if you have a hard enough hit, it will go through the protection and damage the paint or windshield underneath.
The only "solution" I've found reliably is to avoid driving the G on the highway. Even that's not perfect but every rock chip or windshield damage I can think of has happened above 60 mph.
Initially they do seem to make the wipers chatter more but at least with the clearplex that has been less of an issue as time went on. Visibility is okay but my clearplex does have scratches on it from install but I can live with them.
For the exoshield I had at least 2-3 good hits that only put am impact mark on the film but no damage to windshield.
Just like PPF though, if you have a hard enough hit, it will go through the protection and damage the paint or windshield underneath.
The only "solution" I've found reliably is to avoid driving the G on the highway. Even that's not perfect but every rock chip or windshield damage I can think of has happened above 60 mph.
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jamgolf (09-12-2023)
#62
https://www.ultrafitprotection.com/H...t_Nano_Ceramic
#63
I don't fully recall, but I THINK, it was this, I got this from the website of the place that installed it....
https://www.ultrafitprotection.com/H...t_Nano_Ceramic
https://www.ultrafitprotection.com/H...t_Nano_Ceramic
#65
If we drove on the freeway more, i'd probably opt for just a lower deductible in general, like 100-250.00 instead of the 500-1000.00 I have now, which would also cover the glass. But it's just a gamble wether the increased cost is worth it. If I had to replace the windshield 2-3x a year it would of course be worth it, but I kinda penciled it all figuring 1x replacement every 12-18 months which is about 2x more than we had on our escalade. I think we replaced that 1-2 times in 3-4 years.
Last edited by ffejnotrom; 09-12-2023 at 06:24 PM.
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dcarrer0 (09-14-2023)
#66
I don't fully recall, but I THINK, it was this, I got this from the website of the place that installed it....
https://www.ultrafitprotection.com/H...t_Nano_Ceramic
https://www.ultrafitprotection.com/H...t_Nano_Ceramic
I did research on the topic a few years ago and basically I’d stick to exoshield or clearplex.
#67
I don't know, but I have a hard time believing any of these companies products differ that much from brand to brand. Maybe some minor differences, but let's be honest we're talking about some clear vinyl with adhesive on it. The fact of the matter is there isnt a lot you can do to keep these from cracking when hit with a rock.
#69
quick question.... Do all G63 2019 + have the heated windshield ? It's difficult to find accurate information, but if not all 2019+ G63 have heated windshield, how would one know if you do or dont have heated? IF they all are obviously it doesnt matter. But wondering if anyone knows.
#70
two rocks hit my windshield and bounced off last weekend. slight indents in the windshield protection but no damage to the windshield. a couple more marks, will replace with new protection film! its a must have.