Anyone have any experience with repairing small (1/2 inch)crack in windshield as opposed to replacement? I am due to have such repair made later this week on 2001 S500, as I figure its worth trying it out to see if I can avoid replacing the windshield. Anything in particular to look for? TIA.

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Alan Weinschel
2001 S500 Capri Blue
2004 E320 4matic Wagon Tectite
1992 300TE 4matic Black Pearl
2000 BMW 540ia Anthracite

If the damage is in the Drivers line of vision, they will not repair but recommend a replacement.

Usually you can still see a distortion in the glass, but it is a huge improvement over a crack!

Permatex has a self repair kit which is about $10 in the auto stores. I am about to try this myself in the next couple of days.

I've tried the self repair kits without a decent result. And, once you've tried it, no one else can "fix" it - it's a one shot deal. I'd recommend that you spend a few $ and have a professional do it. As pointed out above, the results aren't perfect if the crack is in the driver's line of sight.

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Bill Streep
San Antonio
'57 190SL (toy)
'08 S5500 (mine)
'09 CLK550 (wife's)
'06 SLK350 (daughter's)
'11 GLK350 (daughter's)
'03 CLK310 (spare)

From what i know those glass repair kits are good for rock chips, and other small bullet type cracks. a 1/2 crack is too big to have patched. this is what i was told and always thought so i could be wrong.

I had this done on a 91-Corvette, and it worked very well.

I could not see the repair, after it was completed.

Tony

1993 - 300SL

This is a 1/2 inch long (not wide) crack. It is in the driver's line of sight but for the $50-75 cost of the repair I am going to try it. While my insurance might cover a new windshield, I've had problems in the past (on a BMW) with improper seating of the glass and resultant wind noise, necessitating a re-install. If I can avoid those hassles, that would be great. If it doesn't work, I've lost my $50 bet and will then have the windshield replaced. Thanks for all the responses.

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Alan Weinschel
2001 S500 Capri Blue
2004 E320 4matic Wagon Tectite
1992 300TE 4matic Black Pearl
2000 BMW 540ia Anthracite

I have had several chips and cracks repaired with about 50% success. My insurance (Farmers) will cover 100% of the repair and the glass company will waive the deductable if the crack continues from the repaired area necessitating a replacement later. So you might want to talk to your insurance agent.

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Dave
88 300E 250K Sold
2000 C230K Totaled @104K
2003 ML320 156K Sold
2009 E350 4Matic Sport 46K Sold
2011 ML350 60K Sold
2014 GLK350 46k
2012 GL450 55K