azncarjunkie

Anyone have any specific insight as to why it might be better to go with a "Mercedes" Windshield? I heard that many dealers will outsource this work to a 3rd party anyway. I heard that many of newer benz's with rain sensors and garage door opener stuff on the rear view have a special metal film on the windshield?

I got a call back from Manhattan Beach Mercedes that quoted a laughable $1500. Used to have simple oil change work done there, but after they quoted that, I'm doubtful that I even want to go there for anything else anymore.

Any other windshield replacement company recommendations around los angeles would be much appreciated.

DucatiGuy

Although most of these automotive glass replacement companies such as safelite claim that the glass they install is OEM equivalent, I can honestly say by my own personal experiences, they rarely compare to that of the glass that originally came on the vehicle from the factory.

Just with most any aftermarket components, there's always going to be different quality grades and level of craftsmanship. With the so called aftermarket OEM "equivalent" grade glass, and once again this is through my own personal experiences, the replacement glass was much more prone to chipping and scratching.

While the true OEM glass showed slight chipping and stone marks after lets say 4-5 years of normal use, the aftermarket glass showed the same wear and tear after just 1-2 years.

MB glass is always pricey, and unlike other makes that may have dozens of aftermarket manufactures (as well as price ranges), there's not that many companies out there that produce the pricey MB glass, but that's not to say they don't have a lower and better grade substitute.

When you shop around, ask them for the better grade stuff. You'll be pleased to find out most will in fact tell you they do have such options. Find out who the glass is made by and check that source with MB. If its a true OEM supplier then you're good to go. You may also need new seals and in some cases trim, so that will add some $$$ to the total bill.

As for the installation, as long as it's being performed by an experienced tech, and you follow the what to do and what not to do instructions after the install, you should be good to go.

azncarjunkie

Interestingly it seemed like the insurance adjuster said that "i was legally allowed to use anyone to perform the repairs and I'd be reimbursed" but it did seem like she was pushing towards going with one of their contracted services.

Thanks for the heads-up on glass types. After doing a little more research it does seem like there are definitely different grades of glass (some from China, some that are better).

It's likely true that Mercedes doesn't make their own glass, but it does seem that they use the higher quality glass.

JonMBZ

Who cares what the adjuster wants, they are not in your best interests. That law is there to protect you from guys like that. Take it to the dealer.

azncarjunkie

That's exactly what I was thinking as she was telling me.

MBtech1098

Some do, and some don't, you gotta ask. After seeing aftermarkets do a glass vs' a dealer, I will never let one of those butchers install a glass in any of my vehicles! It would definitely be done by me.

azncarjunkie

care to elaborate as to some of the specifics that you would/can do that us joes wouldn't be able to tell from a safelite butcher?

Esleeper

If you are going to have the glass installed at the dealer, get it done at the Torrance location and not the M.B. location. The service (maintenance) is way better at the M.B. location but the specialists for specific problems are in Torrance. They may even send you to Ron's Body Shop which would be even better. Those guys are the best.

MBtech1098

The way they cut the glass out(incorrect tools) the sealer they use any way they lay the bead, partial removal of trim pieces-causing damage to trim, laying tools and trim pieces on painted surfaces, no way to recalibrate rain sensor, etc.

azncarjunkie

Thanks for the heads up. Talked to them and the guy was honest in saying that they outsource to National Auto Glass but use all mercedes 'stuff' to do it. What do you think?

Might just go that route since the Manhattan Beach location quoted me like 650 for install + parts! hahaha.

Esleeper

As long as National uses Mercedes glass I wouldn't worryt about it.

KC61

Had my wife's replaced on her 2013 GLK 350 and it was right at $400 and they came to her work and did it. They also picked up the top seal at a local Mercedes Dealer and brought it with them. They did a great job and the wind noise we had prior to the replacement is all but gone. I think the windshield that was in it was a replacement and installed wrong.

DZ111

I got a quote for about 1200 from a local MB dealer on my old cls55. Which was actually outsourced labor, however it was the correct blue colored UV glass and OEM, if you want to match the other windows. Watch the cheapies as your rain sensor may not be 100% right afterwards which I did experience on an older e55 after a windscreen replacement. Just my 2 cents

vvrjrlaw

RRnelcheeze

I had mine done at the dealership in Anaheim Hills thinking i was getting OEM glass, it has the Benz sticker and everything, then i saw some papers on the floor of my car and some protective stickers that were removed, SAFELITE, it was a Safelite windshield. I didnt make a big fuss, it seemed to fit will and i didnt have any issues and this was 4 years ago.

ChazThePhoenix

I am dealing with this issue at this very moment. State Farm estimate was cheap glass, Fletch Jones SAYS they are going to use OEM glass. Now State Farm and Dealership are far apart on the cost... so much for full cover ease. I will have to fight this one, which I should have to do being a State Farm customers since I was 16

Yuille36

So how much is Fletcher Jones quoting you compared to Safelite? Or vice versa? I remember years ago, when i had to replace the windshield on my W211 E350, it was like $400+
So I just paid out of pocket, since my deductible is $500.

CharlyE500

I have Safelite installed Mercedes windshield in my E55 6 years ago. They asked me which brand and I wanted Mercedes. It came with Mercedes logo same as my OEM.

hvacdude

My OEM ,original, windshield on my 2006 CLS55 AMG is badly pitted. I really notice it when I'm driving into the sun. I have a '05 S55AMG with the original windshield, and it's perfect. Mercedes must have "cheaped out "on the glass with the CLS.

Tirgoman

An outside shop like Safelite can get an OEM MB windshield and then it's up to the quality of the installer. Many long time independent glass shop have top notch installers. In fact sometimes the MB actually has an I dependent shop cone to the dealership. The rain sensors and headlight stuff that is mounted to the windshield is another issue, and again the quality of the work. Before you take the car to anyone make sure everything works properly so if it doesn't when you get it back you'll be able to argue about it and know you're right, otherwise they'll give you the story about they didn't do it. As for insurance, most states law says you have the right to OEM parts and can choose the shop. Bottom line is get an OEM MB windshield and a top notch installer.

s550hollywood