SL/R231: "Gritty" effect on windshield
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
"Gritty" effect on windshield
My 2017 R231 windshield has the appearance that I can only describe as sandblasted. It is only visible when facing directly into the sun. Thousands of mini "nicks" that are equally distributed over the entire windshield. I have tried every type of cleaner imaginable with zero improvements. I asked my MB Service Manager about buffing the windshield but he immediately advised against it; told me whenever buffing was done it usually resulted in the distortion of the windshield view. Wondering if others have experienced this and if so, how it was resolved. Have read multiple posts of extensive (half a year or more) waits for MB replacement windshields. Definitely prefer an MB windshield, not a third party.
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Joined: Jan 2016
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Both my 2008 and 2017 SL’s had that same effect to the windshields. The 2008 in bright sunlight looked like it had been through a sand storm. Must be the type of glass. My cars are kept inside and babied.....
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
My 2017 is currently at the dealer having several unrelated services being performed. When I mentioned the windshield to the Service Manager, it was apparent this was not the first time he had heard this same problem. He said he was going to try to "work this out" with MB; indicated it could likely be replaced. Will follow up on this post after I pick up the vehicle.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
You know, this is a timely thread, as I just noticed this problem a couple of days ago and it is not seen, unless the sun is low in the sky and right in front of you. I am going to visit my dealer today. The windshield in my 2019 has a pinpoint bubble in the passenger side, lower corner. Definitely not a rock chip, but a bubble in the middle of the glass layers. I want to get it noted in the MB system, so if it ever gets bigger or a crack starts, they won’t be able to tell me that it was from a rock chip. I am also going to complain about the “sandblasted” look when in low, direct sunlight.
Last edited by Streamliner; Sep 27, 2019 at 12:50 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
As I stated in a post above the windshield on my 2008 SL looked like I was looking at millions of stars on a moonless night. This is nothing new and is probably the type of glass MB uses.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
No similar problem on my 2018 S560. Appears to only be in the R230 & R239. Seems absurd to let something like this go on for 7 model years unless no one has been reporting it.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
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