What the?!?!?!?! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ashman · #1 06-13-2002, 09:09 PM

I went outside to start installing my new rear speakers in my car. I sit int he passenger seat to get situated and organized before I start taking the rear speakers out and all.

I look up, and my windshield is cracked. It was not cracked a few hours ago, and the car hasn't left my driveway all day. This is completely a mystery to me.

I have no clue how it happened, there are no rocks or anything near the car, and there is pure open sky above.

The crack is in the bottom right corner of the windshield, spreading in all directions.

I cannot even comprehend how this happened. My mech says its a stres crack and it happens, but I have never seen nor heard of a windshield cracking for any other reaosn than something hitting it.

It was fine a few hours ago when I went outside to show my brother my new shift knob, and it wasn't cracked after that.

Could excessive interior heat cause it? The car is not warm inside at all, so I don't see how that is possible.

I am so bloody mad right now, I feel like taking a hammer and smashing the darn thing out to vent, but you all know I wouldn't actually do that. But... I do feel like breaking something because I am really mad.

I spoke to my tech, and he says that I can get it replaced for around $400-$600 max for OEM original glass. That is the price estimate installed.

Right now I have no idea if I should call the ins co and see if they will pay or if I should figure out something to do. I'm in no financial position to replace the glass at that kind of expense, and I will not use aftermarket glass made by any other company other than the OEM glass manufacturer that makes the glass for mercedes.

I have no idea if the windshield is covered by insurance, I hope it is, but I cannot believe how this happened. Its an absolute mystery to me.

AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alon

Cap'n Carageous · #2 06-13-2002, 09:52 PM

I was in Cumming Ga. (about 7 miles for MB Autowerks) today. I didn't do it!!

Actually , I know how you feel. My Falcon did the exact same thing once. What was so weird about mine was that only an hour before I had made the comment " You know, I'm amazed that my windshield is still intact after 30 years" One hour later it was cracked!!

I sympathize with you man.

#3 06-13-2002, 09:55 PM

Alon,

I've only seen this one time other than yours.... they say heat, humidity, and a little stress on the glass will make it pop.

The other car was a new '76 Pinto belonging to my neighbor.

I don't know about your state, but here in Kentucky windshields are replaced by the insurance company with no deductible. It is part of the 'safety' clause in all policies.

Call your agent tomorrow and ask if it is in your state's policy too. I hope it is because OEM glass is expensive compared to Safelite or another aftermarket brand, and the fit is not perfect either. I have an aftermarket in my 240D (installed by the previous owner) and it leaks a little in the bottom corners during heavy rains. It's not bad, but OEM would be a better fit.....

Make the call... what do you have to lose? If the insurance company will replace it for free, they may only cover generic glass. However, you should have the option to pay the difference for OEM if you choose.

jsmith · #4 06-13-2002, 09:58 PM

here in NJ, glass coverage allegedly does not affect your premiums. i just replaced my windshield due to a stone chip i got on the highway. i had the option of getting it repaired for free, getting a new cheap windshield just about free, getting a better quality replacement windshield for a little more money or OEM glass for the $250 deductible. of course i got the OEM. Bottom line - check with your insurance company. BTW, they did not give me the white MB sticker, but a call to MBNA fixed that - they sent me one for free.

Ashman · #5 06-13-2002, 10:04 PM

I spoke to my attorney/Father, and what I will do is call my insurance adjuster and explain to him that this must be part of the accident I had and the problem only cropped up now.

My father does not believe it is covered by insurance, so if it is part of the accident, which is the only explanation I have is that it got a hariline crack not noticable and finally gave a month later.

My insurance adjuster is a friend of my dad's, so I think he will just pay out for it.

I'll make the call in the morning when I have a price estimate from my mech as to the total cost.

I havent broken anything yet. I calmed myself down, had a beer, and beat up a cardboard box.

Alon

#6 06-13-2002, 10:15 PM

Yea, gotta keep that cardboard in line.....

I forgot about the accident.... I read a reference in another post. You could have a minor mis-alignment of the body around the windshield.... which caused the stress fracture.

Any good insurance company shoud take care of that without question!

You'll know about the body when you replace the glass. If it is out of alignment, it will show when they try to install the new glass.

Good Luck.....

Hmmmmm ... a beer does sound good....

#7 06-13-2002, 10:57 PM

ALON, I have never heard of winshields breaking by themselves. If it does happen, it is prob very very rare like .0001 out of 1 million cars or something. Either your driveway was paved over an indian burial ground or someone in the neighborhood is jealous of people with nice cars.

#8 06-13-2002, 10:57 PM

I know it can happen if you have a real hot windshield and poor cold water on it. ( did it to the suburban when I was little)
In Florida it is free like tkamiya said and they will have it replaced where ever you want and with whatever you want. I was getting ready to go to the MB dealer and have them fix my winshield

Ashman · #9 06-14-2002, 04:28 AM

well the car had no frame damage. My bodyshop guy put it on the rack and inspected it throughly, everything was within spec. I think it was some fluke. My mech says it just happens sometimes

I'm going to have it done right, with OEM glass done by an MB pro. Thats the only way I trust it will be done 100% right.

Alon

jsmith · #10 06-14-2002, 08:37 AM

start looking for a "daimler benz" sticker now. they only give you the "mercedes benz" ones that they put on the newer cars. there's still some of the original stickers floating around though

Jim Anderson · #11 06-14-2002, 11:17 AM

I had VW bug that had wiring problems with the ignition switch and was soldiering some stuff. While I was underneath I set the hot soldiering iron on the dash. Well those cars don't really have a dash, just a little ridge for the vents. After a bit I hear this "snap," then another "snap." I finally climb out, and see two cracks clear across the windsheild, both starting from where the tip of the hot soldiering iron was touching the glass

#12 06-14-2002, 11:20 AM

Search the archives for my post on window stickers I think you call joy at ext. 96 they gave me a Mercedes-Benz Sticker

Ashman · #13 06-14-2002, 07:11 PM

My car came with an A MErcedes-Benz Product Originally.

I spoke to my insurance company, and they do not cover the glass, nor do state regulations require them to cover it.

Price for repair is $365 installed, for OEM original glass.

I'm talking to my insurance adjuster, because its too coincidental that it would happen shortly after the accident. For all I know, there was a hairline crack that was unnoticable after the accident, and it finally gave way yesterday.

Essentially I believe the insurance will pay for it, but not if I try to just claim the windshield.

I'll keep you guys posted. I have an appointment on monday for the replacement of the glass.

Alon

drbrandini · #14 06-16-2002, 08:53 AM

Recently a tree branch broke off and landed on my dads windshield. IT wasn't a very large branch but it put a small crack in the glass. His homeowners insurance cover the repair bill 100%.