windshield replacement by Safelite
 

I have full glass coverage and Safelite, a national chain will be replacing a cracked windshield on my 300D. They said the windshield is made specifically for them and they will also install a new moulding, which they said they get from the dealer. How likely is that? Anyone had a windshield and moulding job from them? Good or bad? Thx

I always specify OE glass. The E-code stuff has a higher impact rating, usually a thicker outer-laminate and thinner inner laminate.

I just had a windshield replacement (non-MB) and a chip repair done by Safelite. I was 100% satisfied with the entire evolution. Both technicians arrived on time and did a very professional job. Safelite even emailed me the name of the technician in advance, along with a photo.

Where I live, Safelite is the USAA preferred glass installer. USAA is not known for its low standards.

where are you located? i got the windshield on my 300sd replaced by safelite in concord, CA and the guy did an excellent job. i read a lot of negative and mixed reviews but you just need to find a place where they have experience with mercedes. ended up costing me $188 or so.

Interesting. Look forward to hearing more. Want to get mine all done on two cars, but am quite concerned. I trust nobody at this time...

Check out my Safelite ordeal here: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vintage-mercedes-forum/230973-new-off-brand-windshield-leaks-2.html?highlight=aftermarket+windshield+leaks (read all of my posts). In short, I had to go back about 5 or 6 times (after supplying a $130 OEM seal which they tore up), and it STILL leaked so I had to fix it MYSELF.

When I needed a windshield on my '83 300D, I did some research here and talked to people in the business, then bought an OEM (Pilkington) windshield and OEM gasket from MB of Huntington. When I found out they do the installs themselves, I had them do it. Total cost was about 1K, but that included a loaner car which they had to rent from the Toyota dealer across the street, and of course, their first class service. Couldn't even tell the car was touched, and of course, it doesn't leak.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/240187-w126-windshield-replacement-mishap-pls-help.html

thats what happened to me... id avoid them. im the end they paid bigtime to have it fixed but talk about a run around...

Safelite did a good job on my TD.

Broke the windshield on my ex jetta changing wiper blades if you can believe that! had Safelite come to the house to replace it and the one in my 91 2.5 at the same time, the first guy was not too careful and the windshield in the MB did not get seated right and the right lower corner was out at least 3/8in farther than the left and after he left i noticed a star shaped flaw in the lower part(black area). When i called their office to complain ,they said we will take care of it,are you going to be there in the morning? The second guy they sent was much more careful and did a good job.
I was a little disapointed in that they didnt leave either car as clean as they found it,a small thing i suppose,but the windshields are OK and do not leak! those guys had some great stuff to touch up spots where the sealant for the glass seats if there were a little rust spot or scratch from removing the old glass,made by Sikaflex,black thicker than paint and hardened quickly ,i got the number and thought i would order some until i saw the price,if i remember right it was like $90 for about 8oz. Don

From the replies it seems it's luck of the draw on whether you get a good tech or not. For those who had a good windshied job, can you describe the sequence of the install?

Last year, I had a local glass shop that has experience with Mercedes replace the cracked windsheild on my '82 240D, and based on reccommendations on this forum, they used a new OE Mercedes gasket. Fit is fine and no leaks after a year BUT - the gasket is already showing some dry-rot. Many years ago, I replaced the windsheild in my '61 Ponton 180 and the new Mercedes gasket also deteriorated rapidly. In the space of three years, it looked like it was 20. I'm thinking that the OE Mercedes gaskets availible have been sitting on the shelf too long and exposure to weather/sunlight results in accelerated deterioration.
So now my dilemma facing any future older Mercedes gasket replacement is -
Try a (hopefully) newer aftermarket gasket that may last, but not fit well, or use an OE Mercedes gasket that may be so old that exposure causes rapid decay!
Meanwhile I'm hoping to find some product (Silicone spray or paste? Something else?) to treat my 240D gasket and stall, or at least slow any futher deterioration. Any thoughts?

Happy Motoring, Mark

I would avoid anything involving silicone. I have had good luck with 303 Aerospace Protectant.

Just like with doctors, dentists, pilots, barbers etc. They have all been to school and all hold a certificate. But some are better than others. And some are better on one day than they are the next.

Had my 96 done by them, and it came out great. In and out of their service center in 1 hour, and you could not even tell the windshield was even replaced. Everything including all the stickers were back in place, and not a thing out of line. That was 3 years ago, and have not had any problems what-so-ever.