New Windshield
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
New Windshield
Took a rock from a Circus Truck leaving a 6 inch crack in my windshield. Any opinions on Safelite vs the dealership? I kind of suspect the dealer will send it out to Safelite anyways. I have the HUD and Safelite says I can expect a Mercedes original windshield. I plan on checking with the dealer on Monday.
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Scottsdale AZ
Posts: 1,564
Received 448 Likes
on
357 Posts
2015 CLS 550 2015 ML 400 Previous 2020 GLB 250 2019 A 220 2005 ML 350 1989 300 E 2001 SL 500
Took a rock from a Circus Truck leaving a 6 inch crack in my windshield. Any opinions on Safelite vs the dealership? I kind of suspect the dealer will send it out to Safelite anyways. I have the HUD and Safelite says I can expect a Mercedes original windshield. I plan on checking with the dealer on Monday.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,912
Received 1,627 Likes
on
1,198 Posts
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
My dealer uses their body shop for window installation, then takes it to the shop to calibrate cameras and sensors.
I think that's the best route.
Once I saved $250 compared to Safelite (Benz Club discount} and another time it cost me $70 above Safelite's price.
Make sure you get the Daimler sticker in the right lower corner!
I think that's the best route.
Once I saved $250 compared to Safelite (Benz Club discount} and another time it cost me $70 above Safelite's price.
Make sure you get the Daimler sticker in the right lower corner!
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks, my one concern is whether or not Safelite knows how to deal with the cameras and sensors. My insurance covers it all except for a $50.00 deductible.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,912
Received 1,627 Likes
on
1,198 Posts
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
I took a rock in the lower right quarter of the windshield, and it split into a big 'Y' that spread 6 to 8" in each direction, including down to the edge of the glass.
While deciding what to do, I watched some YouTubes and decided to try Rain-X windshield repair. Not only did it stop the spread, but it filled the chip and made the rest of the crack virtually invisible except for the bottom two inches.
Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit - Quick And Easy Durable Resin Based Kit for Chips and Cracks, Good For Round Damage Below 1" In Diameter And Cracks Smaller Than 12" In Length, BLUE,YELLOW https://a.co/d/fJGGR0u
At time I had just had my windshield replaced and it had no sand rash, so I figured it if it could get me through another winter of sanding season, I'd get it replaced in the spring.
It worked a lot better than expected and I keep forgetting that I have a crack.
While deciding what to do, I watched some YouTubes and decided to try Rain-X windshield repair. Not only did it stop the spread, but it filled the chip and made the rest of the crack virtually invisible except for the bottom two inches.
Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit - Quick And Easy Durable Resin Based Kit for Chips and Cracks, Good For Round Damage Below 1" In Diameter And Cracks Smaller Than 12" In Length, BLUE,YELLOW https://a.co/d/fJGGR0u
At time I had just had my windshield replaced and it had no sand rash, so I figured it if it could get me through another winter of sanding season, I'd get it replaced in the spring.
It worked a lot better than expected and I keep forgetting that I have a crack.
The following users liked this post:
kvelez (07-30-2023)
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Boise
Posts: 3,377
Received 1,032 Likes
on
700 Posts
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Took a rock from a Circus Truck leaving a 6 inch crack in my windshield. Any opinions on Safelite vs the dealership? I kind of suspect the dealer will send it out to Safelite anyways. I have the HUD and Safelite says I can expect a Mercedes original windshield. I plan on checking with the dealer on Monday.
I took it back and the Manager and tried to convince that it was tree sap. Typical deal…good company crappy local staff! Price doesn’t matter if you have an insurance deductible.
#7
I just had a windshield replaced. It was a MB authorized Collision Center right next to the dealer.
They told me with all OEM Mercedes windshields, they are self calibrating. All sensors and systems worked as expected. And Yes, that's exactly what happened as I was there when it was done. I was impressed and they did a great installation. The cost wasn't cheap. The windshield was $3000.00 plus extras and labour and taxes came to $4500.00.
This was in Canada. Insurance company was having a bird on the cost.
Toban
They told me with all OEM Mercedes windshields, they are self calibrating. All sensors and systems worked as expected. And Yes, that's exactly what happened as I was there when it was done. I was impressed and they did a great installation. The cost wasn't cheap. The windshield was $3000.00 plus extras and labour and taxes came to $4500.00.
This was in Canada. Insurance company was having a bird on the cost.
Toban
Last edited by toban; 07-29-2023 at 10:46 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,912
Received 1,627 Likes
on
1,198 Posts
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
I just had a windshield replaced. It was a MB authorized Collision Center right next to the dealer.
They told me with all OEM Mercedes windshields, they are self calibrating. All sensors and systems worked as expected. And Yes, that's exactly what happened as I was there when it was done. I was impressed and they did a great installation. The cost wasn't cheap. The windshield was $3000.00 plus extras and labour and taxes came to $4500.00.
This was in Canada. Insurance company was having a bird on the cost.
Toban
They told me with all OEM Mercedes windshields, they are self calibrating. All sensors and systems worked as expected. And Yes, that's exactly what happened as I was there when it was done. I was impressed and they did a great installation. The cost wasn't cheap. The windshield was $3000.00 plus extras and labour and taxes came to $4500.00.
This was in Canada. Insurance company was having a bird on the cost.
Toban
For reference, my last acoustic IR windshield cost $2,350 at the dealer - that was before labor rates went to $180 (year and a half ago). That was $200 over Safelite's price, which I had to pay, plus the deductible.
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
I just had a windshield replaced. It was a MB authorized Collision Center right next to the dealer.
They told me with all OEM Mercedes windshields, they are self calibrating. All sensors and systems worked as expected. And Yes, that's exactly what happened as I was there when it was done. I was impressed and they did a great installation. The cost wasn't cheap. The windshield was $3000.00 plus extras and labour and taxes came to $4500.00.
This was in Canada. Insurance company was having a bird on the cost.
Toban
They told me with all OEM Mercedes windshields, they are self calibrating. All sensors and systems worked as expected. And Yes, that's exactly what happened as I was there when it was done. I was impressed and they did a great installation. The cost wasn't cheap. The windshield was $3000.00 plus extras and labour and taxes came to $4500.00.
This was in Canada. Insurance company was having a bird on the cost.
Toban
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Southwest Michigan
Posts: 460
Received 210 Likes
on
137 Posts
2021 GLE450
If you have insurance coverage, ask your agent for recommendations. Insurance companies tend hear the good and bad stories after all, and they know all the local players.
I stopped using SafeLite after they snapped our Audi's wiper arm off. What a hassle fixing that became. Previous SafeLite replacements didn't go well, either, so I was glad to be rid of them. I switched to a local company recommended by my Allstate agent, and they've been great the three times I've needed their services. With my coverage, I pay just $50 for a new OEM windshield, and crack/chip repairs are free.
I stopped using SafeLite after they snapped our Audi's wiper arm off. What a hassle fixing that became. Previous SafeLite replacements didn't go well, either, so I was glad to be rid of them. I switched to a local company recommended by my Allstate agent, and they've been great the three times I've needed their services. With my coverage, I pay just $50 for a new OEM windshield, and crack/chip repairs are free.
#12
Super Member
Craked windshield last year on MB. It was only a few weeks old. Used dealership. The only issue I had with that was MB wouldn't deal with insurance. I also had only a $50 deductible. As a result, I had to pay upfront and then send a claim into insurance for reimbusrment.
On comparrison, Safelight is more convienent. I waited 2 weeks for MB replacement, after they told me to drop off the vehicle. Safelight came next day with OEM BMW and did it on location while I was at work. Took them about 45 minutes, including calibration.
Thank you for your service.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I stopped by the Safelite shop today. The manager told me they were waiting to find out when they can get the new windshield. He told me they had an S560 that still doesn't have a new windshield after 6 months.
#14
Super Member
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Just got informed by Safelite that a new windshield would take 5 - 7 weeks. They said it was coming from Germany.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Southwest Michigan
Posts: 460
Received 210 Likes
on
137 Posts
2021 GLE450
I never understand parts delays or backorders when the same items are currently used in manufacturing. How many of these windshields are in Tuscaloosa's inventory? I'm sure the issue is more complicated than it appears, but the optics aren't good.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,912
Received 1,627 Likes
on
1,198 Posts
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
A year and a half ago they had to special order my windshield, and it took a week and a half.
My guess is that it's a result of the 'just in time' manufacturing process, where parts are allocated when an order is placed.
Pretty much all manufacturers are learning the same lesson and going more vertically integrated.
Except Tesla, who started out that way, having seen the previous debacle in 07-08.
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Windshield arrived Wednesday and installed today by Safelite. Original Mercedes glass with the Mercedes symbol in the corner. Signature decal on the lower right side. Camera and HUD appear to work fine.
The following 2 users liked this post by BlueYonder:
FireRx Captain (06-22-2024),
Petersla (09-15-2023)
The following 2 users liked this post by BlueYonder:
djgiovanni (09-11-2023),
jaxslk (09-08-2023)
#23
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,912
Received 1,627 Likes
on
1,198 Posts
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
#24
Do yourself a favor stay away from Safelite. Do your research and read reviews. While they are the 800-pound gorilla in auto glass. It is not because of their quality of work. It is their marketing budget. Most of their technicians and use technician loosely are new to the industry. A windshield is more than a piece of glass. It is a structural part. It actually controls the trajectory of the air bags; it is also accounted for in roof strength in a rollover. Do yourself a favor and find an AGSC certified shop in your area. The auto glass industry is under regulated. The Auto Glass Safety Counsel "AGSC" Audit and holds certified shops to higher standards. The standards a MB should be serviced at.