Current cost for W123 windshield replacement? - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vwnate1 · #46 11-18-2020, 09:01 PM

That colored band across the top is "shading" , "tinting" is coloring the entire glass .

When I was young I didn't care for shaded windshields but they're O.K. now I guess and most folks in the South West want them so they're the default in stock .

I had the windshield in my gray market 300TD replaced and they put in one with a seriously low shade band ~ the shading is never supposed to reach the lower edge of the rear view mirror and it does on this one, I don't like it one bit but this car was bought for S.W.M.B.O. who not only loves the car but is only 4' tall so this bigger shade is just right for her

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Shern · #47 11-18-2020, 09:28 PM

It's something I've never noticed on anyone else's w123 and now it's all I see.

What were they thinking??

YousefTAK · #48 11-19-2020, 09:17 AM

The best quote I have is $657 for a new windshield (green shading and tinting is all they have in stock) installed plus the rear windshield seal replaced. I have to provide both gaskets but they will come to me and do the whole thing from my garage...

I'm not too keen on green shading but this work needs to be done and this is the best price I've found...

I think I will do the rear first as it is much worse than the front... what do you think? I just don't know about trying a DIY job on something like this....

ROLLGUY · #49 11-19-2020, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YousefTAK

The best quote I have is $657 for a new windshield (green shading and tinting is all they have in stock) installed plus the rear windshield seal replaced. I have to provide both gaskets but they will come to me and do the whole thing from my garage...

I'm not too keen on green shading but this work needs to be done and this is the best price I've found...

I think I will do the rear first as it is much worse than the front... what do you think? I just don't know about trying a DIY job on something like this....

It can be DIY if you have a new gasket and glass. I have actually only done this one time, but have seen it done many times. The main thing is to not bend the aluminum trim upon removal or installation. It is best to cut the rubber in such a way to be able to remove the old glass and seal without bending the trim. Once the glass is out of the car, the trim can be removed easily, and then installed in the new gasket that is fitted to the glass. Then the glass/seal/trim can be roped in. Even though I can do this job myself, I still have the experts do it, as they are liable if they break the glass. Also, I will gladly pay them the $200 for a windshield and seal installed, so I don't have to deal with it......Rich

Shern · #50 11-19-2020, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

It can be DIY if you have a new gasket and glass. I have actually only done this one time, but have seen it done many times. The main thing is to not bend the aluminum trim upon removal or installation. It is best to cut the rubber in such a way to be able to remove the old glass and seal without bending the trim. Once the glass is out of the car, the trim can be removed easily, and then installed in the new gasket that is fitted to the glass. Then the glass/seal/trim can be roped in. Even though I can do this job myself, I still have the experts do it, as they are liable if they break the glass. Also, I will gladly pay them the $200 for a windshield and seal installed, so I don't have to deal with it......Rich

Are you going green each time? Your guy actually had bronze as an option.

ROLLGUY · #51 11-19-2020, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shern

Are you going green each time? Your guy actually had bronze as an option.

Actually, I had not even thought about it until you brought it up. I will have to look at the shading on the windshield that I had done last. I do have an original factory 123 windshield, and I think it has green shading. I will have a look. I asked the glass shop a while back what they would charge just for labor to install my glass, and they said it would be $120. For only $160, I had a new windshield installed (my old gasket was still nice and supple). I figured for $40 more, I would go for the new glass. They also said they could not guarantee the old glass against breakage during installation.

Shern · #52 11-19-2020, 12:07 PM

I'm going to hold out for either bronze or no tint at all.
Over white/palomino, that green is too intense.

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ROLLGUY · #53 11-19-2020, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shern

I'm going to hold out for either bronze or no tint at all.
Over white/palomino, that green is too intense.

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Did you talk to Best Price yet? Maybe they can get the shade you desire.

Shern · #54 11-19-2020, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Did you talk to Best Price yet? Maybe they can get the shade you desire.

I did and they were cool. Quoted $250. Still considering...

Shern · #55 11-27-2020, 03:30 PM

Rich did you confirm what color they'd installed on your last w123?

Safelite had sourced a bronze windshield and then determined it was NLA.
I'm really hoping to avoid this green shade if at all possible.

ROLLGUY · #56 11-27-2020, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shern

Rich did you confirm what color they'd installed on your last w123?

Safelite had sourced a bronze windshield and then determined it was NLA.
I'm really hoping to avoid this green shade if at all possible.

I have not, it is in Oregon. I would call Best Price and find out.

YousefTAK · #57 12-28-2020, 04:29 PM

The $650 quote turned out to be BS, so the actual best quote from a reputable shop is $750 for the installation of a new front windshield including seal, and a new rear seal installation using the old glass.

Interestingly the rear seal the glass shop sourced is going to cost $150 and they say it is "MBZ" brand... could that be OEM?

Anyway unless people think it's a complete ripoff I will go forward with this and follow up with a post about the experience.

Shern · #58 12-29-2020, 12:09 PM

So basically $375 each. Seal vs seal plus glass seems negligible considering time involved (3+ Hours!)

Can you not claim the windshield through insurance? That was the route I took with Geico. Ended up paying $230 out of pocket for front windscreen/gasket.

Junkman · #59 12-29-2020, 06:49 PM

Go to a used car lot and ask who does their glass. I had the rear windshield done by a glass man who has been doing them for years even back to when these cars were new. Price was $65 with me supplying OE seal and used glass.

He said that he'd do the TD for the same price. The body shop has been doing business with this particular person for 20 years. I had a quote of $200 for a 126 front windshield but that included them supplying glass and seals with a lifetime leak or breakage warranty.

You are looking for an old person who knows how to rope the glass in. The person who removed it didn't know what he was doing and consequently screwed up the defrost wiring. The plastic c-pillar comes out and the defrost disconnects from the wiring. The wire stays with the window.

YousefTAK · #60 12-30-2020, 12:35 PM

Shern, deductible on my auto policy is $500. Junkman, that seems like a great deal! Not sure how many of those guys are knowing around anymore, if they are I don't know any!