Current cost for W123 windshield replacement? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chasinthesun · #16 02-27-2017, 11:08 AM

The cost truly is pushed up by the seal ,I had an aftermarket seal sent to me thru amazon at the cost of $45 shipped.Once the installer tried to apply the seal to the windshield he was having issues in the extra slack the aftermarket had when doing the service.The seal is put on the windshield as its layed down on a windshield horse ,then picked up to go for the windshield insertion.Once layed onto the area for the placement ,a rope is pulled from at mid lower point of ws ,then worked around slowly while they apply pressure and light pounding on ws.If the factory gasket is a better fit and easier for the installer to use you will see the higher price ,they want the factory piece but wont give you an option .Glass with your gasket will be defining a lower cost but ask the installer will they do the install with an aftermarket seal. .Not their first rodeo around the windshield arena.Make sure you watch the job ,the chrome seam holder pieces that ride in the gasket are fragile if unexperienced hands are wiggling sharp tools around them ,let them now to replace them it costs north of $350 and will have to come from the factory ,bending them renders them usless ,that will slow them down abit while pulling the old glass out.

MagicBus · #17 02-27-2017, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

What was he chopping wood with? An ax? wood splitter? Hard to believe a piece of chopped wood could fly 20 to 30 ft over the 5' stockade fence and land on the windshield.

The fence is actually a couple of feet higher where the Mercedes is parked. I'd estimate it at 6 1/2 feet there. I also think that the total horizontal distance was closer to 15-20 feet. I believe he was using an ax.

Regardless as to whether you think it's believable, that's what happened. It matches up with the ruckus I heard, and my neighbor straight up admitted it.

BillGrissom · #18 02-27-2017, 02:57 PM

Interests me because my 1985's windshield was hit hard by a rock/asphalt thrown up by a semi a month ago when it was raining hard. I immediately tried the $8 "stop crack" plunger thing, but too big to stop the spread. I definitely won't go top dollar since not covered and may take another rock at any time.

Good your neighbor fessed up. Many would prefer to imagine, "act of God". But, with cameras ubiquitous today nobody wants to be lumber-shamed on youtube if one caught the errant wood in flight.

Maxbumpo · #19 02-27-2017, 03:11 PM

I had to replace the windshield on my '95 E300 sedan when I bought it, had an independent guy install a PPG windshield. I thought that was a reputable brand, but the glass almost immediately started pitting when struck by normal road debris.

After just a few years and several rock strikes that left pits, it finally started cracking. I checked with a dealer in Charlotte because their on-line price for the glass was $200, but they won't sell glass online (despite their website) and the entire installation in their shop would end up at around $500 IIRC.

I've managed to remove an original piece of MB glass from another 124 sedan that was going to the crusher, now I've got to get that cleaned up and find someone to install it for me.

My '87 300TD has the original windshield, and driving the same roads as the E300 (and absorbing just as many rock hits) it is holding up just fine. I think original glass is the only way to go, if you plan on keeping and driving your car.

MagicBus · #20 02-27-2017, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxbumpo

I think original glass is the only way to go, if you plan on keeping and driving your car.

I am kicking myself a bit... A few years back I junked a '79 240D parts car with the front and back glass still in. If I had it, I might attempt roping it in myself.

97 SL320 · #21 02-27-2017, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasinthesun

Make sure you watch the job ,the chrome seam holder pieces that ride in the gasket are fragile if unexperienced hands are wiggling sharp tools around them ,let them now to replace them it costs north of $350 and will have to come from the factory ,bending them renders them usless ,that will slow them down abit while pulling the old glass out.

Be sure to make the glass place aware of this when making the appointment. If not they will be expecting a standard install and might be pressed for time to get to the next appointment.

funola · #22 02-27-2017, 05:05 PM

Take close-up pics of your aluminum trims before they start. If they try to tell you the trims were already bent, you can show them the pictures.

97 SL320 · #23 02-27-2017, 07:07 PM

Even better than that, have them inspect and note trim condition on the work order before they take it apart. Tell them you are not being confrontational, it is that you want to have them understand the job has special considerations not found on many other cars. Be sure they understand you are willing to pay extra for the added labor.

MagicBus · #24 02-27-2017, 08:49 PM

I started calling around for quotes late today. Most places want to install brand new bright trim, and... it doesn't seem to add too much to the quote. I''ll keep you all posted on what I get done and what I end up paying.

MagicBus · #25 03-29-2017, 04:27 PM

Well, I finally had the windshield replaced this morning. Total cost - $258 (as per the estimate, but I have notes on that later) through JN Phillips, which included a new seal, but not new bright trim.

They actually had to make two trips. The installer first showed up on Saturday 3/18, but the customer service people had only ordered and sent him to my house with the glass. Normally, I'd be tempted to find someone else to do the job at that point, but the installer seemed knowledgeable. So, he called the customer service people at that point. Somewhere along the line, after I made the appointment, someone deleted the seal and the bright trim from my order. He apologized (the installer really was a nice guy), and promised sort everything out.

The next appointment I could get was for this morning. The same guy showed up with the glass and the seal. They couldn't source the bright trim, but he understood what needed to be done and how to be careful with it, so I wasn't worried.

It took longer than originally estimated (1 hour turned into 3 hours - it didn't matter much as I was able to work from home for the morning), and the installer had to call a second guy to come and help him. But, I don't fault him for that - we talked about the job beforehand, and the installer had absolutely done his research. In the end, the fresh glass is nice to have, the seal is brand new (brand unknown, probably aftermarket, but it looks/feels very heavy-duty to the touch - I'm pleased), and the bright trim, albeit re-used, seems to be sitting in the seal channel even straighter than it was before

My car is now on at least windshield #3, and I'll bet the bright trim is from the factory.

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

Take close-up pics of your aluminum trims before they start. If they try to tell you the trims were already bent, you can show them the pictures.

Thankfully, the installer understood the risks and pitfalls. He was able to do the job without a problem.

The only complaint I have is with the company itself, and not the installer. The original estimate I got on the phone explicitly indicated that the $258 would cover glass, seal, and new bright trim. (although, I doubt all of that can be done at that price) In fact, every company I spoke to insisted on using new bright trim, and quoted as such. Well, according to the installer, they couldn't get their hands on the trim. $258 still feels fair, but the customer service people really don't know what they're doing.

But, I'm happy with the job. The next step is to talk to my neighbor about paying for it. Bottom line, though, I can drive the car again. We had some rain this week, which rinsed salt off the roads. So, I drove the 240D into the office this afternoon for the first time since December.

ROLLGUY · #26 06-19-2018, 10:03 PM

I just had a new windshield installed in a 240 yesterday. My local place had the glass in stock, and I provided the URO seal. I have to say it looks awesome. The seal looks factory fresh, and the installer looked like he was able to do one of these in his sleep. Total job for windshield and labor- $160.

vwnate1 · #27 06-19-2018, 11:52 PM

I use All Star Glass Co. in So. Cal. ~ I always provide a new factory grommet from The Classic Center because over my career I've replaced many and the aftermarket ones always dry out, leak and crack in a couple years in the Desert sun .

In the 1970's a glass guy told me the markups were huge so always ask around .

I'll still do the rope install vintage cars, VW Beetles and so on but not this big Mercedes one .

You lay the glass face down and work the grommet on then flip it over and work the bright trims into place then flip it again and work a 1/4" or thinner nylon rope in the body channel in the grommet .

I like to use very flexible thin, plastic coated wire as it slips easier .

YousefTAK · #28 10-26-2020, 03:16 PM

Reading this after getting two quotes in the Washington DC area that seem astronomical by comparison: one place quoted $699 for front windshield replacement and labor to re-seal the rear glass, another quoted $900. Do I just have people trying to rip me off?

I tried safelite but they told me they do not do all older cars and won't do mine.

Anybody in the DMV and know who I should call? My seals are toast and I don't want to put off doing them much longer.

ROLLGUY · #29 10-26-2020, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YousefTAK

Reading this after getting two quotes in the Washington DC area that seem astronomical by comparison: one place quoted $699 for front windshield replacement and labor to re-seal the rear glass, another quoted $900. Do I just have people trying to rip me off?

I tried safelite but they told me they do not do all older cars and won't do mine.

Anybody in the DMV and know who I should call? My seals are toast and I don't want to put off doing them much longer.

That is crazy! Over here on the Left Coast, the local shop will replace the glass and gasket for $200 installed.

YousefTAK · #30 10-27-2020, 11:18 AM

I'm going to have the rear done first since I know it's leaking. Is there anywhere I should check for rust caused by the leak besides the actual lip while the window is out?