Current cost for W123 windshield replacement?
 

Hey, all

Apparently, sometime in the past 24 hours, my 240D's windshield got smashed while parked in the driveway. It's been parked at the back of the driveway since December, away from the street.

I don't suspect deliberate vandalism at this point. I think one of two things happened:

1. It's been windy, and possibly the wind picked something up that smashed into the windshield. I can't find the offending object.
2. I heard some banging coming from next door yesterday - possibly someone chopping wood. I wonder if something flew over the fence and hit the car. Once again, I couldn't find any obvious object.

I don't THINK my insurance has glass coverage, so I'll likely be on the hook for this. The neighbors were outside yesterday afternoon, so I may simply ask if they saw anything without offering an unfounded accusation.

Has anyone needed to replace a W123 windshield recently, and if so, what was the cost?

$198 for a 126 last week. Safelite.

Safelite's website is quoting me $358 for the 240D. AAA auto glass is quoting me $195. I'm not in a rush, as the car is parked for the winter. But, the glass is trashed and needs to be replaced before I drive the car again. :mad:

$175 installed, Southern California -1 month ago. I provided the new rubber seal (recommendation: if you can use a genuine Mercedes seal do so as most aftermarket seals do not fit correctly and will ultimately leak). If your current seal is not too old (still flexible) the installer may be able to re-use the seal.

A couple years ago it was right at $200 from Safelite. However, I just double checked on their site and it's giving an estimate of $334. With Safelite I will say that they've always been well under the estimate, so somewhere between the two is what you should expect. I'm guessing that's because most cars need the windshield cut out, but mine are all a rubber seal which takes a lot less time.

-Rog

Yeah, I'm seeing numbers all over the place. This is not something I wanted to deal with, but if it's the worst thing that happens to me this season, things can't be all that bad.

Those costs are driven by the seal and glass.

If you insist on MB original seal, then you're looking at close to $400 for the whole job.

If you go with the URO/APA seals, then that seal is around $40 bucks and labor and glass is probably another $200 or so bucks.

There are a few brands/"levels" of windshield.

I had my windshield / seal replaced a few years ago. It was an insurance claim so it was covered. I think the bill was $400-ish, however, I insisted on a MB seal and got it. Also, there's dealer glass which is probably NLA and I did not even try to ask for it. I forgot the 3 "categories" of windshield glass or what was explained to me. I know I got the middle of the road.

I'm probably not going to get too choosy. The car's kind of a beater. Glass is glass as far as I'm concerned. As for the seal... I'm not sure I'm willing to spring that kind of $$$ for a factory seal (note - I'm well aware of the reputations of all the seals out there).

I probably won't insist on MB original. Since post #1 I checked, and although I did put collision coverage on this car, I don't have glass/comprehensive coverage.


As a sidebar, I don't purchase comprehensive/glass coverage for my cars. I insure four older cars (basic liability on all except the Mercedes). In the past 10/11 years, I've had to replace two windshields, including this one. I'm sure the out-of-pocket costs are lower than what I would have spent on the insurance coverage.

Update - I just saw the neighbor on that side of the driveway.

They were chopping wood last night and sent a board flying over the fence. They hadn't realized they'd broken the windshield. The guy offered to pay for the repair. We parted with a handshake.

Even though he offered to pay for it, I'm not going to insist on top quality stuff. He's s younger guy and doesn't look he has a lot of money. I'll shop around a bit.

Smashed as in hole through the WS or a crack running across the glass?
Glass can crack from a long ago chipped edge or a stone chip that has finally run.

A friend of mine has Nissan surplus and I was helping him sell some glass. The largest cost to the installer is labor and glass itself is cheap, cheap, cheap. An installer did my 126 for $200 in slightly more than an hour. So, glass, no seal on a 126, drive time, install time and the company probably got $100.

You can also give the installer a little push on price. You're willing to live with lower priced materials. Get a feel for what that price point is then call one that is close and say "they're close and you'd prefer to do business with them but they need to work on the price some. Used car dealers do it all of the time. That entire industry is very transaction oriented.

No hole, and there were no cracks/chips prior to 24 hours ago. Smashed, as in this:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2821/3...6dd1ff6a_c.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3860/3...c584737a_c.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/718/32...e7fc6212_c.jpg

Like I said in my last post, I did run into my neighbor earlier. I'd seen him outside yesterday so I asked him if he'd perhaps seen the wind knock a tree branch onto my car. I knew he'd been chopping wood (he was chopping wood again when I saw him earlier tonight), so I suspected he might have had something to do with it.

He mentioned that a piece of wood had gotten away from him and gone over the fence. It happened after dark, so when he went to retrieve the wood, he hadn't noticed the broken glass. He offered to pay for it. I told him that I'd appreciate it, and that I understand that accidents happen.

I'll get it fixed and approach him with the bill. I suspect I'll see the money. If not, then at least I know what happened.

I don't usually (ever) recommend URO parts but I have a URO seal in my 240D thats going on 6 years old now and still is soft and not leaking.

I had a new windshield put in last July, cost was $240 and I supplied the URO seal. No leaks and so far good. Sure is nice to see where you are going without all the small chips. Old one looked like it was sand blasted.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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



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.

URO seal & new windshield
 

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.

Affordable Glass
 

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 .

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.

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?

Trunk Leaks
 

The fuel fill overflow tube is often loose or fallen off ~ the tell is water in the passenger side of the trunk after washing .

You'll need to remove the sheet metal firewall to gain access .

Thanks, I know I need to address fuel leaks back there anyway but I've seen the water dripping after rain so it's really both issues. Plus the rear seal is horrible, I can push the rear glass up easily so that seal is really in need of replacing asap.

I have daily drivers that bad. I'll probably put new glass in some of them, some day. Or maybe not. We're used to it and it really isn't a hazard.

Just for fun, Safelite in los angeles is now charging $529.99 for w123s.
That is not including the gasket.

Wow, that is crazy. My local shop has them in stock and can do the glass and the gasket for $200 out the door. Just had one done a few weeks ago.

What's the name of your shop? It may actually be worth it to drive out there.
The other thing is finding a shop that knows how to handle the brightwork.

Best Price Auto Glass on Santa Fe in Hesperia. Their technician is an expert at these, and does not damage the molding. You may want to remove the wipers and pillar covers before, just to be sure they don't get broken (very easy to break the wiper bolt covers.

Appreciate it.
I was going to claim it through Geico, pay the $250 deductible, and eat the rest.

The other thing is, all of these chain franchises insist on giving you quotes via callback, all of which are through a call center. That's if they even ring. I'd much, much, rather pay an independent shop.

I'll call your shop in the morning.

Affordable Windshields
 

Safelite is always too high ~ they quoted me $600 installed using mt old rubber a few years back .

Sherm, try calling the place I recommended : All Star Glass, the last time I used the Gardena location and it was $200 out the door and they did it while I waited .

I agree, you should remove the wipers your own self, too easy to do damage .

The rear window of my 1985 300D was smashed by a rotten tree limb, which flew over my wife's minivan in my driveway to land on it, which also put a big dent in front of the radio antenna. I got new glass for $40 from a guy on craigslist parting out a 300D. It was a pain to get the old glass out. I first removed the chrome lock-strip, being very careful not to kink it. I then worked the glass past the rubber lip, using many putty knives. The rubber gasket was still soft, so grabby. Might have helped had I brought silicone spray. I re-used my gasket since fine, plus have a spare now. I used the rope trick to get the gasket lip mostly over the glass, but also had to use putty knives too. Probably good this happened since I found the sheet-metal close to rusting thru in the center of the rear window, so fixed that.

In the trunk, I had to cut the radio bracket spot-welds and bend it out of the way so I could get a body kit dolly on the inside of the dent to hammer it back. It was a deep dent with a crease, but I was able to beat it back close enough that I only needed <1/16" thickness of body filler. Other than a slight paint mis-match, one can't see where it was damaged. I then tack-welded the bracket back.

Used Backlight
 

Does the defroster in it work ? .

Nate, based on your recommendation, I did call your guys actually. They quoted me $360. From a call center. Also, that's Shern with an 'n' come on man =)

*** Edit for more info:

All Star Glass in Pasadena left me a breathless voicemail this morning, essentially stating "we will most likely damage your chrome/bright work. Sorry."

Best Price Autglass quoted me at $300, but then brought it down to $250 after explaining that some people have been bringing cars there forever whose legacy prices he's inclined to honor.

Safelite, bizarrely, ended up at $237 after booking through my insurance portal. This remains to be seen.

I've had good fortune driving the price down. I usually say something like "I was hoping to do business with you because of your reputation and pay about $x. I've called around and can probably get my price but would rather not jump through the hoops. If you can do it for that, let's set a time. Do I need to bring you the car or can you come here.

Fat Fingers
 

Ooops ~

Sorry Shern .

This gets even more interesting... or maybe less, but we're all on a forum so here goes.

The tint strip on my windscreen has always appeared brown/bronze.
Got to Safelite this morning and what they had waiting was green! It also had a chip in it, so they were unable to continue. This did open dialogue regarding available colors.

I called the Classic center and it turns out that green is in fact the original color and was installed on all north american w123s –European's had no tint

TBH I think it looks utterly garish and it's sort of stopped me in my tracks.
I have a classic white/palomino interior. Brown/bronze makes sense, but green?
Who would do such a thing?

Curious what everyone else has done.

"Shaded" Windshields
 

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 :rolleyes: .

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

What were they thinking??

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

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