My '82 300TD's windshield is pretty well damaged (beyond repair, big 14" crack) by an errant truck's gravel, and needs to be replaced. My comprehensive insurance at 100$ deductible will cover it (Progressive does not have separate glass coverage here in MO), but I've got a few questions that I haven't gotten good answers for from my search.

First, the seal around the windshield is leaking a little bit. Not gushing, but not perfect. In our last big rain storm I noticed a little moisture in the lower corners, and some goop in there (an unsuccessful attempt to fix the leak, apparently). Does this mean that the seal needs to be replaced as well? Do I need to buy and supply that part, or will the windshield company replace it if I let them know its bad?

Also, the shiny trim around the outside... Will that need to be replaced, or simply refitted? And again, is that something that the windshield company will do, or is it something I must do and provide?

Third, the leak... If I'm seeing water in the car, does that mean that there may be rust under that seal? Should I wait for a few nice clear days, have the windshield company remove the window and seal so I can clean it up and put on some POR15, and then have them come back the next day to install the new shield?

And finally, Safelite is the company Progressive uses for glass replacements. They seem pretty reputable, so should I just go with them? Or is it worth it to try to get a more specialized glass company to handle this replacement?

Thanks!
Sam

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"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)

REPLACE THE SEAL. Hopefully your insurance covers this (it should; it really isn't possible to replace the glass with such an old seal and have it not leak... it's an unavoidable, necessary part of replacing your windshield). The glass company should be able to supply it.

There might be rust under the seal, but then again... Mine leaked for years before I had it replaced last month and there was no rust. See if you can be there when they take the windshield out.

The chrome trim will be refitted into the new seal.

I can't say anything about Safelite. You might want to go to a local Benz dealer and ask who they use. My guess is as long as you get the seal replaced everything will go smoothly.

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'81 300TD Wagon 355k (Miss Diesel)
'83 300SD 180k
'84 500SEL 190k (Parting it out)

Make sure that the glass company has a replacement gasket and windshield. You can probably cut the old window out yourself with a razor knife and do whatever clean-up and prep work that you want to do. Then get them to install the glass. They will often come to your house and install it in the driveway, takes only minutes.

whatever you do, order a OE seal from the dealer. It costs a little more but is far better. One glass installer I know refused to use the seal that they sell aftermarket (like Worldpac sells). There IS a difference! the glass co. may be buying aftermarket seals, they want to maximize profit, not try to get the best product for the customer. Furnish your own seal, ask them to deduct the normal seal cost from what they normally quote and your car will be the better for it.

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

Make sure that the company knows how to install MB windshields. Ask them how they do it step by step. Two things are important to watch. One is that they remove the aluminum trim WITHOUT bending it, and secondly, that they install the trim into the seal AFTER they install the window in the seal and BEFORE they put the unit into the car. Don't just take their word that they can do it. Ask them to run through the proceedure step by step. The trim cannot be installed once the window and seal are installed. Be very careful with the trim. It is very soft aluminum. If bent too many times it will tend to work harden and perhaps break. The trim does not need to be replaced. Check the price with MB and you will see why you want to take care of it.

Take the window out at home. Then you can check for and repair any rust you find. You can also reglue the head liner where it wraps around the window opening. Remove the rear view mirror simply by pulling back on it. It is held in by 2 spring pins and should just pop out.

Good description of the proper way, but I have another suggestion.
Rather than trying to tell the installer how to do this properly (some won't listen and even if they do, if they don't have experience its going to be a real challenge for them to do it right!) try to find an installer that has MB experience.
The new window seals these glass places deal with come with adhesive already in place and all they do is press the glass on and its done wham bam thank you mam! The old style seals are very much demanding of skill.

My suggestion is call your local MB Indy (you do have an independent shop there in St Lois area that you have done business with, haven't you?) They usually know an installer that has done "older" Mercedes seals. Don't let them talk you into doing the job themselves at a shop unless you trust them. I saw a couple of mechanics at a shop trying to install a windshield in a 123 chassis break the customer's glass when they banged on the last corner with a hand to force it in
Good luck!

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

Ditto on all that stuff:

New genuine MB seal
Real MB glass (you'll get the sticker on the lower passenger corner, I think) or Sigla (if still available)

Given the age of our cars, if water gets behind the seal and into the car you probably won't find it until the rust appears on the outside.

I don't think the aluminum trim was very expensive. I just asked the dealer 2 weeks ago and I think it was $46 for each of the 3 pieces, and that was for a CD.

JMHO,
Craig

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1994 E420, Pearl Black/Black. 2.82 rear diff., AMG front spoiler, painted lower half. SOLD

1972 & 1974 BMW 2002tii's.

Phideax:

I had my 300SD's windshield replaced at Hutson Glass in Festus/Crystal City. They did a great job, even went and picked up a new MB seal from Plaza Motors free of charge. They did not damage the chrome trim whatsoever, and there has not been a single drop leaked since they did the job about 1 year ago. I highly recommend them.

SteveM.

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'93 190E/D 2.5 Turbodiesel 5-speed (daily driver)
'87 190D 2.5 Turbo rustbucket - parts car
'84 Dodge Rampage diesel - Land Speed Record Holder
'13 Ram 2500 Diesel
'05 Toyota 4Runner