blittle

Got hit by a rock on the highway...... chip the size of a dime with 1/2 "spider legs" Insurance company will attempt repair.....more than likely that will not work. I've been that route on 3 previous cars, it only worked once. The next step will be replacement......here's where you have to be careful: many aftermarket winshields are fine BUTTT....this GL has part of the 360 cam system and the wiper sensor and headlight sensor all in the electronics at the review mirror.....A. im not sure they will have a windshield that meets the specs and B. the tech know how to remove the electronics . Anybody with experience on this?

mtrevelino

I haven't had that experience yet, but from my understanding, all the electronics behind the mirror are attached to the mirror, not the windshield.
I currently have a seven inch crack in my windshield (lower right area) and am going to wait until August when my cdi is due for inspection. Different forum members talk about getting a genuine OEM Mercedes windshield. The MB windshield has a little MB sticker in the lower left.
I have Progressive insurance and am wondering if they are going to approve the OEM Mercedes windshield through Safelite.

JoeMa

Sorry to hear about the stone chip. We received a very small stone chip as well but its barely visible (at this point). I had a similar thing happen with our Lexus RX350 a few years back and Erie Insurance was good enough to approve a genuine Lexus windshield rather than an after-market item. The man who installed it said that after-market windshields are not usually available for new models so you may end up with a genuine MB windshield anyway. But it wouldn't hurt to request one to be safe.

JimBarnhart

I'm agreeing with JoeMa the odds are good they won't have a non-OEM version yet, but even so I'd tell them you want to go through your dealer to make sure your cameras and sensors all get repaired properly.

fabbrisd1

I would go thru the repair attempt - as of 2 moths ago there was no "aftermarket" windshield replacement yet - was dealer item only at that point - front replacement glass parts inventory has been real tight - remember to get replacement decal for passenger lower right corner.. the signature thing... this is between you and your insurance co..

cookstar

If your insurance is footing the bill than I would 100% without thinking twice go the OEM route

BlownV8

Absolutely! My experience with the GL replacement glass is not good. I have a 164 GL so it's not really an apples to apples comparison but may help when the aftermarket windshield companies start making replacements. Anyway, the original windshield lasted for 4 years with many significant direct rock hits and no cracks. However, the OEM windshield finally met its demise when someone was hauling debris to a landfill but did not properly secure their load. A large oak tree branch fell off the truck. It was a two lane road and I was traveling the opposite direction so the branch hit my car at a 70+ mph. It dented my fender, dented my hood, completely destroyed my drivers side mirror, and scratched the entire driver's side of the car. It also broke my windshield but did not penetrate. There was no glass on the inside but the outside was shot. I think I would not have been so lucky if the windshield was an aftermarket replacement.

After the accident, the insurance company replaced it with an aftermarket one. In less than 6 months, it had to be replaced due to cracks from small rocks. Pretty much every rock hit caused a crack. They were going to replace it with another aftermarket unit; however, I wanted the MB glass but they did not want to pay the difference since the MB windshield was a few hundred more. They advised me that I would have to pay the difference. Of course, I did not really like that option. I told the insurance rep, given the past performance of the aftermarket windshield, they would have to replace between 6 to 8 times as often as the MB unit. They thought about it and they ended up paying the difference for the MB glass.

Im not the type that believes OEM is always the best. I know some aftermarket parts can actually be higher quality than OEM parts. The windshield is an exception. I recommend only replacing with original MB glass.

blittle

Thanks for the advice guys.... Since the hit was dead center of the windshield and not obscuring either the driver or passenger view, and again, quarter size...I think I will let them try the repair process and see how that looks. My insurance company said that if I am not satisfied with the finished product, they will authorize a replacement with factory glass. I think they are being decent.... If the repair looks relatively unobstrusive, I'll probably accept that rather than have them disconnect all the electronic stuff and replace the glass. The next hit will be a replacement, however. Will know next Thursday!

blittle

Update: determination by Safelite Glass is that the hit can be "structurally repaired" but cosmetically it will still be noticeable. A replacement will be done and coordinated with my MB dealer who will oversee the process at the dealership, provide me with a loaner car, do the removal and re-install of the windshield electronics. OEM glass will be used and covered by my insurance. So.....im satisfied that all will be done properly, really appreciate the dealership taking charge.....next Thursday.

JoeMa

As a customer myself I'm glad to hear that LCM stepped up for you.

blittle

Since 1968...... 20 new vehicles, 13 different dealerships...... none have been as accommodating, professional and customer oriented as MB of Lancaster. Rahal Toyota comes close......

fabbrisd1

It is very-very rare that a MB dealer does the actually "work" for windshield replacement - it's quite a specialized business - in general, the MB dealer supplies the part then reviews/inspects/approves the job done by a outside contractor.

With ML's a dealer will use a outsourcing that has their own shop.

A couple of things to note - to give the adhesives a good time to bond - they will advise you no car washes for 7 days - and from my side, after you get your truck back make sure you "crack" a rear window about 1/8" to prevent air pressure build up from inside the cabin - either due to sunlight or to "ram" effect inside the cabin when driving down the road.

That "cracking rear window" is kind of key so there is not a outward force from the cabin while the windshield adhesive is curing.

Keep the beat !

blittle

Thanks Fab...will do! ...and, my dealer does indeed bring in a glass guy who then does the work in MB shop....they will oversee the job and then keep the vehicle for 24 hours.

JoeMa

Request the SLS AMG convertible as your loaner.

blittle

Absolutely!!!

blittle

Window "surgery " tomorrow

blittle

Dealership just called......new windshield is in place, all is well and they reinstalled my good ole Pa. inspection stickers at no charge! The loaner I am driving is a 2013 C300...... I am spoiled by the GL450! I have never owned an MB sedan....BUTTTT....I'm thinking that to get what I'm used to in the GL, I would have to start with what, an E? The C sure does not do it!

fabbrisd1

Keep your rear window "cracked" about 1/8" 24/7 for about 4 days - until the windshield adhesive really cures - it makes sure that no positive pressure outward during sitting (thermal) and/or driving..

Keep the beat !

JimBarnhart

Yeah, the C is entry level, I kind of like to equate C, E, S in the sedans to GLK, ML, GL in the SUVs.

blittle

GL is back home..... new windshield with MB logo in the corner, all done properly...but do note this guys: reinstalling the plastic covers over the seniors, cam, and electronics behind the rearview mirror IS tricky.....the MB tech said the average "glass guy" will most likely not have encountered too many, if any as the 2013 config is a bit different from the previous gen.

Steve Maislin

So, exactly what are these seniors doing up there behind the mirror anyway? Shouldn't they be safely riding in the back seat with their seat belts on?

Glad to see all went well on this as I have thought about what I would do if I encountered the dreaded road stone?

blittle

Well....they are mighty small "seniors" and lost their way! Don't you just love the "auto correct" stuff!

Powerguy1

Working with State Farm on my chipped windshield claim now. Can you let me know what the dealer charged to replace your windshiled as a comparison? Thanks.

blittle

I worked with my insurance company.....they approved having the windshield replaced by Safelite and my dealership said they would have safelite come to the dealership and do the work there as they work very closely with the local Safelite guy. The only charge by the dealer was to replace the state inspection stickers......the charge for the glass and installation was from Safelite and paid for by the insurance company

raysmd

Do you guys know if the GL's windshield has any IR properties? I'd like to a avoid tinting the windows, but UV and heat rejection would be nice