Windshields W210

We have had some discussion on this before. My windshield was destroyed by some rocks yesterday. Not just chinks--big holes and cracks. I think the rocks were from the tire of a non-commercial vehicle, so I am not even going that route for reimbursement. I filed a claim with Farmer's ins. and they were extremely nice and even asked if I wanted OEM, to which I answered, of course. She then gave me a reference # and sent me to their preferred shop in the area and told me I would only be responsible for the $100 deductable. The glass company ordered the glass

I get to the glass shop, and they tried to put some off-brand glass in the car, and said the insurance company had called them and said not to put the OEM in the car because it was older than 2000. Called Farmer's back, and they wanted me to pay $215 for the difference in the price of the two windshields if I wanted the OEM. They had already authorized the OEM, but tried to reneg.

I won't bore you with the details of how I ultimately got them to pay for the OEM glass , but beware when you get your windshield replaced. The glass shop told me that no aftermarket company would be able to match the shading of the other OEM glass in the car. Also, I have had several dealer friends tell me that one thing they look for when they take a mercedes trade is the original glass (I guess they use this as a selling point, but even if it isn't a true indicator of value for the car, if the market will bear it....)