paulmj1

The windshield on my 2020 GLE350 suffered a crack and needs to be replaced. I have zero deductible glass coverage with AAA Insurance. There seems to be some issue whether it is replaced with OEM glass or aftermarket. If I insist on OEM, I may have to eat the cost differential, an amount yet to be determined. The question is what am I giving up using aftermarket glass other than the etched signature in the corner? I should add that I don’t have acoustic glass.

MBguy013

I would never go with a non-OEM windshield. I had one replaced in my previous Cherokee and due to the cameras/radar stuff, Safelite said it had to be OEM so I didn't have to argue with them or my insurance company. I don't have AAA though but still had zero deductible.

Ninja_Ryan

I have had my windshield replaced TWICE already. One with the MB dealer and the other with Safelite. I never had any issue requesting OEM glass but FL has different rules on windshield repair. I have a few windshield repairs on cars/trucks both OEM and Non OEM and overall OEM always seems to be a better glass (color of glass, clarity, etc..).

Futbol

I have had several windshields replaced over time in BMWs and MBs. BMW with HUD had both OEM and non-OEM replacements. No difference in performance. Nice to have the manufacturer's name etched on the corner but functionally, it makes absolutely no difference - at least in BMW. If you have to eat the total cost it will be well over $1000 to replace a windshield with OEM compared with most insurances that may have a $500 deductible. On the other hand, if you have a car that is almost six figures, you probably don't have to worry about the extra $500 or so!

mikapen

A couple of points - I have found, twice, that the OEM glass is about the same or a little cheaper than Safelight's (if you source online then price-match), much to the surprise of my insurance company and dealer as well. This was for an '03 C240 and a '14 ML350. This may be different with the new glass on my '21 with acoustic package, but we'll see.

Second, when I inquired with USAA about replacement glass for the '21, they said that they will not use aftermarket glass for at least two years after model intro, because the aftermarket suppliers don't spend the development money to make a comparable windshield. They said that, with special glass such as the IR glass, they may never accept the aftermarket versions.

The CPO '14 ML350 had a no-name windshield when we got it, and the auto-high beam never worked right. Replacing with the OEM glass fixed the situation.
There are other reasons to insist on OEM, one of which is safety - they are engineered to stay put in an accident or impact. See this, which is pretty accurate - https://www.carwindshields.info/wind...nd-aftermarket

A windshield installer friend will use nothing but OEM, PPG or Pilkington, because other brands have too many comebacks.

edit to add that, at least in the past, PPG and Pilkington had different grades of windshields - good better best.

paulmj1

My AAA insurance ended up paying for OEM glass. Herr Benz etched signature in the lower right corner.

marchgroupinc

My dealer told me they look for OEM windshield necessary for CPO warranty to be added on used vehicles.

Mcfancy14

Speaking of the signature in the lower right corner, what the heck is it's significance?

nextmilenium

My 450 has HUD and I'm wondering if OEM glass will make a difference if and when I need to have it replaced? My AAA insurance has OEM parts coverage (OEM parts will be used for all repairs) for a $95 per year and I'm trying to see if that is worth it.