SafeLite Windshield
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2022 AMG GT 53, 2020 Sl450. Did drive 2018 S450
SafeLite Windshield
I have a crack again from a stone chip. Last time, less than a year ago, I put in a Mercedes windshield - it was expensive. This time I was thinking SafeLite - it's a quarter of the cost. I don' have heads-up display. Anyone have a SafeLite one? Any noticeable differences?
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
What SafeLite quoted you is likely aftermarket glass. Even w/o the HUD, aftermarket glass may cause issues with the cameras due to the optical quality not quite being at the same level. Everybody will try to tell you that the aftermarket glass is the same, just w/o the logo, but in reality it's the glass that didn't quite meet the standard for OEM and is sold cheaper. Not sure why you'd cheapen out. Insurance generally covers windshield replacement, minus your deductible and they usually cover factory glass as soon as they know that you have cameras, because they know that the aftermarket glass may end up costing them more if the systems don't work properly and the windshield needs to be replaced a second time. Windshields fall under the comprehensive coverage, so they don't affect your insurance premium and in some states they even wave the deductible, because it's a safety item. I only have a $100 deductible for comprehensive claims, so that's all it costs me to replace the windshield. Many people don't know this, and also don't know that you can have a lower deductible for comprehensive and it doesn't increase the premium by much. The collision coverage is what makes insurance expensive, so a higher collision deductible can save you money, plus collisions are largely in your control whereas comprehensive covers things that are outside your control.
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
I got to replace the windshield in the S65 twice in a year. Zero deductible. “Not supposed to effect insurance rates.”
That proved to be a line of BS. At renewal time the SOB’s wanted three times the money for same coverage..... “Due to multiple comp claims over $1000.” Be sure you have it in writing that a run of bad luck doesn’t have the insurance carrier deciding you need that kind of surprise. Hint... they are always full of ish. “Other carriers won’t even write a policy for my High performance car.” Like they are doing me a favor. It’s a four door sedan FFS.... not a Corvette or Mustang that gets crashed by those drivers.
That proved to be a line of BS. At renewal time the SOB’s wanted three times the money for same coverage..... “Due to multiple comp claims over $1000.” Be sure you have it in writing that a run of bad luck doesn’t have the insurance carrier deciding you need that kind of surprise. Hint... they are always full of ish. “Other carriers won’t even write a policy for my High performance car.” Like they are doing me a favor. It’s a four door sedan FFS.... not a Corvette or Mustang that gets crashed by those drivers.
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
I suppose depending on the state and specific situation there could always be gotchas. Especially in states that have questionable consumer protection laws and let businesses get away with stuff. But yes, you have to read your policy. Specific situations could or could not increase one's rate. Some states also have accident forgiveness, so one collision will not increase one's rate. We don't have accident forgiveness in California for example. I've been with Geico for over ten years and had several windshields replaced. A few years ago I had particularly bad luck and went through several windshields in a short period. Never affected my premium, but as often is the case, the devil is in the detail. You wanna pay attention to how they classified your car. If you use your car for commuting, you are automatically a much higher risk. I only use my cars for leisure, so insurance is cheaper and I'm a much lower risk. I also do under 5000 miles annually, so that puts me in a much lesser risk category. Never had an issue getting my high performance cars insured and they are cheaper to insure than some other cars. Particularly, electric cars. Those are currently high up on the list.
Last edited by superswiss; Jul 4, 2023 at 08:59 PM.
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W222 S550 4Matic and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
SafeLite replaced my windshield two years ago and they installed an aftermarket windshield made by Fuyoa. Fuyoa is a Chinese company that manufacturers automotive glass and is the OE provider for some automakers. Initially, I was concerned about not replacing with a genuine Mercedes product, but then I read on here that W222 owners were having genuine and aftermarket windshields replaced often, so I thought it best to not pay double for a Mercedes windshield that I may have to replace in a year or sooner.
There were zero fitment issues with the Fuyoa windshield that SafeLite installed. Calibration of the front cameras is mandatory and included with the cost of installation. The windshield reportedly retains the same UV blocking protection as the genuine Mercedes windshield since it has the same unblocked sections to allow for toll readers and other devices. I have my doubts about the UV protection, but my car is garaged at home and work, so it's rarely in direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
As far as quality, a number of pebbles and rocks have struck the windshield and it hasn't cracked. I have a couple of surface scratches that I suspect will eventually turn into cracks, but they didn't do so immediately, which left me pleasantly surprised.
There were zero fitment issues with the Fuyoa windshield that SafeLite installed. Calibration of the front cameras is mandatory and included with the cost of installation. The windshield reportedly retains the same UV blocking protection as the genuine Mercedes windshield since it has the same unblocked sections to allow for toll readers and other devices. I have my doubts about the UV protection, but my car is garaged at home and work, so it's rarely in direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
As far as quality, a number of pebbles and rocks have struck the windshield and it hasn't cracked. I have a couple of surface scratches that I suspect will eventually turn into cracks, but they didn't do so immediately, which left me pleasantly surprised.
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From: Aridzona
'15 S550, '10 E350 P1/P2, '02 ML320
My advice is to find out who does the glass for the dealer (usually a local independent shop) and work with them. Just replaced the windshield on my W222 a couple of months back and was surprised that Insurance covered a Mercedes glass replacement for $0 deductible.
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2022 AMG GT 53, 2020 Sl450. Did drive 2018 S450
It's not going to cost me as in Florida there is no deductible for windshields..I treat the cost as if it was my cost...so is it worth the $2.5K for OEM vs $400 for SafeLite...Lots of opinions here but all I'm looking for is opinion from anyone who has used the safellite...
Last edited by Merserybenze; Jul 5, 2023 at 08:09 PM.
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
It's not going to cost me as in Florida there is no deductible for windshields..I treat the cost as if it was my cost...so is it worth the $2.5K for OEM vs $400 for SafeLite...Lots of opinions here but all I'm looking for is opinion from anyone who has used the satellite...
Not to mention an aftermarket windshield will reduce the cars resale value, MB won't certify a car with an aftermarket windshield...
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Safelite glass isn't by safelite it's usually pilkington which is OK for quality but it's not even close to the Saint Gobain units. They are the world's largest manufacturer of auto glass that safelite is always referring to, but that does not make them them Mercedes Benz Saint Gobain quality even if they're manufacturered for the car. The tint, contour, optical quality, and hardness isn't there which also contribute to it's longevity as I consider windshields and windows a consumeable where I live. However this is a big upgrade to dog-crap tier glass found on other cars. This is about Lexus-quality glass which is still not good enough, especially considering the S Class. There is far worse glass, it's usually found on Subaru/Nissan/Mitsubishi products, by the name of Carlex. Safelite also sells Carlex.
If you opt for the Pilkington EZ-Cool Ultra it's much nicer than the first piece I mentioned, but again it is not Saint Gobain glass. They're making way more money selling you the Pilkington and being able to warranty it locally than go through the OE parts supply chain.
Use ebay to buy a piece of OEM glass from the dismantlers, ship it to your guy. Make ABSOLUTELY sure they are careful about handling your door cards, you do not want them resting your stuff on a work table with dirt/broken glass with all the wood/leather there.
If you opt for the Pilkington EZ-Cool Ultra it's much nicer than the first piece I mentioned, but again it is not Saint Gobain glass. They're making way more money selling you the Pilkington and being able to warranty it locally than go through the OE parts supply chain.
Use ebay to buy a piece of OEM glass from the dismantlers, ship it to your guy. Make ABSOLUTELY sure they are careful about handling your door cards, you do not want them resting your stuff on a work table with dirt/broken glass with all the wood/leather there.
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The other thing is even if an aftermarket piece of glass is from the same manufacturer as OEM glass, the quality is not the same. OEMs reject a lot of glass from their manufacturers for clarity, and that rejected glass is acceptable for aftermarket applications.
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2015 E400 Sedan
where is everyone getting this windshield glass info about OEM and Safelite?
Cant find crap on web; like it is hidden or something.
Specially this OEM rejection thing...
Curious and a research hound here - I love the facts and supporting docs.
Cant find crap on web; like it is hidden or something.
Specially this OEM rejection thing...
Curious and a research hound here - I love the facts and supporting docs.
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
A couple links:
https://autotrends.org/oem-vs-aftermarket-windshield/
https://delawareautoglass.com/blog/2...dshield-glass/
From Mercrdes:
https://info.glass.com/mercedes-glas...d-replacement/
Recently, Mercedes Benz USA issued a statement in which it “strongly recommends” that drivers who need to get a windshield replaced only use Mercedes Benz products. Why is that?
The automaker says glass made by other companies does not meet the exacting specifications of Mercedes Benz glass, adding that aftermarket glass often does not contain the same technology. These include things such as as solar glass coatings, which provide protection from the sun’s rays and reduce heat levels inside the car. These also can optimize air-conditioning performance and improve fuel economy.
Mercedes says aftermarket glass also might not be as quiet as its Benz glass, either.
The automaker says glass made by other companies does not meet the exacting specifications of Mercedes Benz glass, adding that aftermarket glass often does not contain the same technology. These include things such as as solar glass coatings, which provide protection from the sun’s rays and reduce heat levels inside the car. These also can optimize air-conditioning performance and improve fuel economy.
Mercedes says aftermarket glass also might not be as quiet as its Benz glass, either.
You will also find some people saying they are the same, those people sell aftermarket windshields.
I have been dissatisfied with EVERY aftermarket windshield I have ever had in a car. Insurance companies will try and pressure you, don't let them. The last time I literally said "I will reject every aftermarket windshield you install. So you can install 3 aftermarket windshields and THEN pay for OEM glass or you can just pay for OEM glass now" and they paid for OEM glass now.
Last edited by SW20S; Jul 9, 2023 at 09:46 AM.
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2024 S580
I actually also always buy OEM wipers. I have tried every type and brand of aftermarket wipers and they all skip and stutter at some point. Just replaced the wipers on my Pacifica all with OEM.
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There are no aftermarket windshield wipers for the W222 unless you get chinese knockoffs from Alibaba. True of most german cars actually.
I actually also always buy OEM wipers. I have tried every type and brand of aftermarket wipers and they all skip and stutter at some point. Just replaced the wipers on my Pacifica all with OEM.
I actually also always buy OEM wipers. I have tried every type and brand of aftermarket wipers and they all skip and stutter at some point. Just replaced the wipers on my Pacifica all with OEM.
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2024 S580
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I had a GL550 in the past, and used RainX fluid as well as RainX wiper blades and they worked as good as factory for the 1 year I tried them. I lived in NC at that time, and as you can imagine, it rains a lot, so I've used them a lot during the 1-year. I have never RainX on any of my BMWs given the amount if reported issues on BMW forums, but also since my GL550, I never tried them again on any Mbenz I had/have.
For washerfluid, I currently use the BMW OEM fluid concentrate "Link") along with distilled water for both the MBenz and BMW washer-fluid. For wipers, I use Mbenz OEM blades for the Mbenz, and FCP Bosch "OEM-quality" for the BMWs. Somehow I continue to be naturally biased to BMW products, much easier to maintain as a car, and easier to find maintenance/replacement OEM-quality parts for.
Last edited by S_W222; Jul 9, 2023 at 01:36 PM.
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From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
There are no aftermarket windshield wipers for the W222 unless you get chinese knockoffs from Alibaba. True of most german cars actually.
I actually also always buy OEM wipers. I have tried every type and brand of aftermarket wipers and they all skip and stutter at some point. Just replaced the wipers on my Pacifica all with OEM.
I actually also always buy OEM wipers. I have tried every type and brand of aftermarket wipers and they all skip and stutter at some point. Just replaced the wipers on my Pacifica all with OEM.
it helps if you don't use any "bug wash" wiper fluid , it gunks up the blades something fierce. It might get it off the windshield but it ends up on the blade anyway.
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yeah those were all web articles, not the tech stuff from OEM etc.
they did not provide sources to back up their opinions
the last one was trying to get my info to quote me glass installers - yeah I am gonna trust that one.
All of them make it sound like the only glass company MB chooses is because it met spec and did not mention they probably went with the CHEAPEST that met spec and the others met spec but were more costly.
The geek engineer in me... skeptical and would love to see the specs MB comes up with not the marketing crap.
Not trying to be jerk - just an engineer wanting to read the engineering specs, drawings etc to see ACTUAL differences not speculated ones.
Oh and this UV protection is (COULD) be different how would I know I do not have UV measurement device....
I Will say this is out of my pocket then SAFELITE for me... if insurance will foot the bill OEM for me.
I bet hide all the labeling and markings and no one could tell difference on the car.
Glass is different thickness well yeah nothing is perfect there would be a tolerance on thickness and shape and curve etc - on the drawings MB creates.
I wonder if MB checks this stuff when received before putting on car or just blind faith in suppliers and let customer find mistakes??
they did not provide sources to back up their opinions
the last one was trying to get my info to quote me glass installers - yeah I am gonna trust that one.
All of them make it sound like the only glass company MB chooses is because it met spec and did not mention they probably went with the CHEAPEST that met spec and the others met spec but were more costly.
The geek engineer in me... skeptical and would love to see the specs MB comes up with not the marketing crap.
Not trying to be jerk - just an engineer wanting to read the engineering specs, drawings etc to see ACTUAL differences not speculated ones.
Oh and this UV protection is (COULD) be different how would I know I do not have UV measurement device....
I Will say this is out of my pocket then SAFELITE for me... if insurance will foot the bill OEM for me.
I bet hide all the labeling and markings and no one could tell difference on the car.
Glass is different thickness well yeah nothing is perfect there would be a tolerance on thickness and shape and curve etc - on the drawings MB creates.
I wonder if MB checks this stuff when received before putting on car or just blind faith in suppliers and let customer find mistakes??
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A ton of warnings, problems and discussions about RainX on BWM forums... Haven't seen much on Mbenz forums, but on BMW forums, there is a lot of stories about how RainX fluid destroyed the reservoir operation (specifically the fluid level sensor). I think they use some additives or silica that is not compatible with sensors inside the reservoir. Not sure how it may impact the wiper blades though.
I had a GL550 in the past, and used RainX fluid as well as RainX wiper blades and they worked as good as factory for the 1 year I tried them. I lived in NC at that time, and as you can imagine, it rains a lot, so I've used them a lot during the 1-year. I have never RainX on any of my BMWs given the amount if reported issues on BMW forums, but also since my GL550, I never tried them again on any Mbenz I had/have.
For washerfluid, I currently use the BMW OEM fluid concentrate "Link") along with distilled water for both the MBenz and BMW washer-fluid. For wipers, I use Mbenz OEM blades for the Mbenz, and FCP Bosch "OEM-quality" for the BMWs. Somehow I continue to be naturally biased to BMW products, much easier to maintain as a car, and easier to find maintenance/replacement OEM-quality parts for.
I had a GL550 in the past, and used RainX fluid as well as RainX wiper blades and they worked as good as factory for the 1 year I tried them. I lived in NC at that time, and as you can imagine, it rains a lot, so I've used them a lot during the 1-year. I have never RainX on any of my BMWs given the amount if reported issues on BMW forums, but also since my GL550, I never tried them again on any Mbenz I had/have.
For washerfluid, I currently use the BMW OEM fluid concentrate "Link") along with distilled water for both the MBenz and BMW washer-fluid. For wipers, I use Mbenz OEM blades for the Mbenz, and FCP Bosch "OEM-quality" for the BMWs. Somehow I continue to be naturally biased to BMW products, much easier to maintain as a car, and easier to find maintenance/replacement OEM-quality parts for.
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,141
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
yeah those were all web articles, not the tech stuff from OEM etc.
they did not provide sources to back up their opinions
the last one was trying to get my info to quote me glass installers - yeah I am gonna trust that one.
All of them make it sound like the only glass company MB chooses is because it met spec and did not mention they probably went with the CHEAPEST that met spec and the others met spec but were more costly.
The geek engineer in me... skeptical and would love to see the specs MB comes up with not the marketing crap.
Not trying to be jerk - just an engineer wanting to read the engineering specs, drawings etc to see ACTUAL differences not speculated ones.
Oh and this UV protection is (COULD) be different how would I know I do not have UV measurement device....
I Will say this is out of my pocket then SAFELITE for me... if insurance will foot the bill OEM for me.
I bet hide all the labeling and markings and no one could tell difference on the car.
Glass is different thickness well yeah nothing is perfect there would be a tolerance on thickness and shape and curve etc - on the drawings MB creates.
I wonder if MB checks this stuff when received before putting on car or just blind faith in suppliers and let customer find mistakes??
they did not provide sources to back up their opinions
the last one was trying to get my info to quote me glass installers - yeah I am gonna trust that one.
All of them make it sound like the only glass company MB chooses is because it met spec and did not mention they probably went with the CHEAPEST that met spec and the others met spec but were more costly.
The geek engineer in me... skeptical and would love to see the specs MB comes up with not the marketing crap.
Not trying to be jerk - just an engineer wanting to read the engineering specs, drawings etc to see ACTUAL differences not speculated ones.
Oh and this UV protection is (COULD) be different how would I know I do not have UV measurement device....
I Will say this is out of my pocket then SAFELITE for me... if insurance will foot the bill OEM for me.
I bet hide all the labeling and markings and no one could tell difference on the car.
Glass is different thickness well yeah nothing is perfect there would be a tolerance on thickness and shape and curve etc - on the drawings MB creates.
I wonder if MB checks this stuff when received before putting on car or just blind faith in suppliers and let customer find mistakes??
Does this meet your requirements? This is the direct statement from MBUSA:
https://rts.i-car.com/images/pdf/oem...ents/26699.pdf
The point is aftermarket glass does not meet OEM spec, if you want to replace the glass with something that you know meets OEM spec, you have to buy OEM glass.
The other side of it is resale. Maybe if the car is old it’s not that big a deal but I would never buy one of these used with an aftermarket windshield, I guarantee that will reduce its value my more than the cost of the windshield.
Anyways, like I said I have replaced plenty of windshields in my life and have never had an aftermarket windshield I was satisfied with or that was the same as an OEM windshield, if you want to roll the dice on such a high end car go right ahead. Even out of my own pocket I would pay for OEM.
Last edited by SW20S; Jul 10, 2023 at 01:37 PM.
