platt-deutsch

I just discovered a crack in my windshield near top of Driver side. It starts at top edge and extends down and to the right with no physical damage. The windshield was replaced about 4 moths ago with a MB original . Can it be a bad windshield or install caused this? My insurance co will have a fit and fall in it if I put in claim for another windshield. Can it be warrantee? Ihad never heard of it before with no damage.

davidjohnbamber

M-B parts warranty is 12 months/12K.

syswei

If you haven't tried this yet...run a ballpoint pen along the crack...it you hit even a tiny dip (i.e., a chip of glass missing), the MB dealer will consider it evidence that the windshield was hit by a rock, and won't cover it under warranty.

Steinhart

I am on my 4th windshield in just over a year! All were cracked by rocks hitting the windshield on the freeway. All were MB original replacements. All were paid for by my car insurance, Liberty. Last one was replaced a few weeks ago and yesterday a small rock caused a chip in the lower center of the windshield, no crack yet. I am convinced their glass is defective.

jenz

Any Bray dealers by you?

Steinhart

not sure, I'll look, first I've heard of it... thanks

cost and your experience with Bray windshield skin?

Nice Ride

Here is some additional info I found on Bray...

MTrauman

I certainly don't know if the glass is defective.


Since the late 1990s on every S Class I have owned I have replaced windshields once every year on average. This is generally on interstate highways.


I can say on my '16 S550 4matic the glass is completely indestructible. Every time I think "here goes another windshield" there is no crack or chip when a rock hits and sounds like a bullet.


I have the glass with the heated windshield.


I have had the car about 1.5 years with large and small rocks hitting the windshield. They must have changed the design of the glass with the heated windshield. My '14 S550 4matic I had about 1.5 years before it was totaled by insurance and I replaced one windshield in that vehicle.

Steinhart

it may be just bad luck, but every time I hear something hit the windshield it causes a crack. Maybe the heated windshield is harder material?

jenz

Cost I don't recall, it was part of a lot of other work

Key is the skill of the installer - like tint - I've had no complaints, can't tell it's there

MTrauman

The heated windshield must be a harder material. This morning, again on my '16 S Class, I had a large rock hit and no chip or crack. On my '14 S Class I would be replacing another windshield since it was not the heated windshield.

Steinhart

the current chip is slowing getting larger, so I'll wait until it's large enough to be replaced by my insurance, then I'll try to find a Bray installer for the new one

this will be my 5th windshield replacement in 15 months, wow

Nice Ride

Just push on the glass near the crack from the inside, it will get to where you want it, to do the replacement. No need to wait......

Steinhart

I am afraid my insurance may not cover it so soon, again

Wolfman

Just curious how insurance coverage varies by states. In MN, insurance companies have to cover windshields with zero deductible by law.

So I t's a non-issue here

Steinhart

I also have zero deductible here in Arizona for windshield replacement, but at what point does it become an issue when it's being replaced so many times, like in my case? I am told it's a $2700 windshield. I am on my 4th replacement, soon to be 5th. Wondering if they will raise my premium...

Nice Ride

Dosent hurt to call and ask... They can't raise your rates for asking, or will they...

Steinhart

you're right, I will call!

BenzV12

Sorry to hear about that glitch OP and it must be another reason to go for heated windshield .

syswei

I have "full coverage" (i.e., zero deductible) for glass on my policy (in CT) and was told that anytime the insurer has to pay out $500 or more on a claim (such as for glass, or for a claim for something else that exceeds the deductible by >$500), it "counts" against the insured and may impact future premiums.

Steinhart

my windshield cracked again, 5th time in 18 months! It's a very big crack so I will have the insurance company replace it again. I called regarding potential premium increase and they could not tell me, only that my renewal is in November

I looked into the Bray windshield screen. However they charge $500 here for the single layer. It has a slight orange tint to it. I'm leasing the vehicle and turning it in another 18 months, so probably not worth it

Still think there is an issue with their glass.

Wolfman

In Minnesota windshields are covered 100% no matter which insurance and replacements can't be counted against the policy. There can't be any premium impact here.

Steinhart

Wolfman, once again you provide valuable information! THANK YOU!

So, I decided to check Arizona's laws:

"According to state law 20-263 of Arizona; a claim of “no fault” for auto glass repair or replacement will not hike the rates. Hence your insurance provider cannot raise your rates when the accident is due to vandalism, flying objects, kicked up rocks, natural disasters or extreme temperatures."

Germancar1

Where in the world are you people driving at to keep getting hit by large rocks?

M

Steinhart

I drive on the freeway here in Phoenix. Have been for 14 years. Rarely had a windshield crack until the past 18 months. This is why I question the glass on the S550. Everytime I hear a little ping from a pebble, it cracks the glass