Rear Sunroof "Shattered" Effect
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 287
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From: New York
2012 GL350
Rear Sunroof "Shattered" Effect
I noticed the rear sunshade was open the other day and went to close it. Upon looking through it, it looks like the glass is shattered/frosted. Is it supposed to look like this or should it be clear like regular glass?
I found this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post4988095 that talks about the exterior plastic degrading, not the actual "see-through" portion. The exterior looks fine.
Thanks for any input.
I found this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post4988095 that talks about the exterior plastic degrading, not the actual "see-through" portion. The exterior looks fine.
Thanks for any input.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
I haven't looked through the rear sunshade from the inside, but the topsides looks like that. It "should" be clear.
Recent thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...udy-faded.html
Recent thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...udy-faded.html
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 286
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e320
wow, i better open my shade and see if mine looks like that
yours looks like this on the inside but is shiny and perfect on the outside? very interesting
wonder what it cost to replace this plastic panel...
yours looks like this on the inside but is shiny and perfect on the outside? very interesting
wonder what it cost to replace this plastic panel...
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From: Chattanooga, TN
Currently shopping
I see that effect on acrylic cruiser (boat) windshields baked in the Florida sun occasionally, but hadn't seen it on a car in a while. Not an expert by any means, but suspect it is a function of a ton of heat.
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
If it can be seen from the underside, it's gotta be noticeable from the topside, too. But it might just not be as obvious since the inside of the car is dark, as opposed to having a bright sky as the background.
Jedi - if you didn't already, take a look at my link. You're right that it's definitely an effect of the UV rays. But in this case, it's not the actual panel - it's an overlay.
My "guess" is that the overlay was used in an attempt to keep the plexi panel, itself, from being damaged (like what you are referencing with boats).
Jedi - if you didn't already, take a look at my link. You're right that it's definitely an effect of the UV rays. But in this case, it's not the actual panel - it's an overlay.
My "guess" is that the overlay was used in an attempt to keep the plexi panel, itself, from being damaged (like what you are referencing with boats).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 287
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From: New York
2012 GL350
I'm assuming this should be covered under CPO warranty?
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 287
Likes: 24
From: New York
2012 GL350
Just took some photos in the garage, so they aren't the greatest or sunlight. The vehicle hasn't been washed in about a week either. Maybe I'll wash the car tomorrow and take a few more in the sunlight to see if anything is visible on the exterior.
I don't see any defect on the outside, do you?
I don't see any defect on the outside, do you?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
No, from those pictures I can't see anything, either. Believe me, I'm not saying that the issue CAN'T be only in the plexiglass and not the overlay/film. But it just doesn't make sense, you know? If the overlay is the top layer, then that should be the thing that is getting damaged by the UV. Maybe once you see it in better light it'll be more noticeable - and try looking at all different angles. Mine is really bad, so it's quite easy to see that it's the top film. Don't worry about washing the whole car - just wipe an area off.
Let's hope it is the top layer - it should prove easier and less costly to repair. Either the way I'm going about it, or possibly removing the film and re-applying a new one. A quick Google search for UV Protective Film returned some possibilities, with a few products made by 3M, among other results.
I suppose there's also a possibility that a PO had the film removed, but didn't continue to protect the (now vulnerable) plexiglass.
Of course, if you've got a warranty (and assuming this would be covered) I certainly wouldn't waste any time searching for replacement products or fixes, as I am. At that point, it really doesn't matter what side it's on - let MB take care of it.
Let's hope it is the top layer - it should prove easier and less costly to repair. Either the way I'm going about it, or possibly removing the film and re-applying a new one. A quick Google search for UV Protective Film returned some possibilities, with a few products made by 3M, among other results.
I suppose there's also a possibility that a PO had the film removed, but didn't continue to protect the (now vulnerable) plexiglass.
Of course, if you've got a warranty (and assuming this would be covered) I certainly wouldn't waste any time searching for replacement products or fixes, as I am. At that point, it really doesn't matter what side it's on - let MB take care of it.
Last edited by DennisG01; Nov 8, 2015 at 09:41 AM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 247
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From: Lawrence, Kansas
GL320
Mine developed long cracks along the sides and started to leak water in to the rear wheel wells inside. Luckily my glass insurance took care of it. Its a dealer only replacement item to the tune of about $4500 parts and labor.
Last edited by dhurley; Nov 7, 2019 at 12:38 AM.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
One of my 07s has this - mini cracks/crazing caused by UV rays in the polycarbonate sunroof. Doesn’t leak, which is the most important. I’ve tried polishing it up with a three stage Perspex polish to no avail. It’ll last as long as the car but it isn’t pretty. On the other hand, I don’t care because no one notices it.
