Advice for windshield replacement
 

Hey guys,

Had a large rock hit the 300TE earlier today and its got a huge chip and about 2inch spiders web from the center.

I don't think its repairable, so what are my options for replacement?

I called the dealer and they quoted me $625 for replacement with OE Glass (who knows which brand though).
Does that sound reasonable?

Should I just hand it off to them, or should I buy the Genuine OE glass myself ($~$300), remove the wiper assembly then have a local guy do the straight replacement

Never dealt with windshields before, so I am pretty clueless so looking for some advice from those with some experience in this department on which route I should take.
Thanks!

Does you insurance cover windshield stuff like this? You might want to check, you might be already covered.

I think the 420SEL we have was covered for a front windshield replacement. They used SGC glass.

We had my dad's 300SD's front windshield replaced by Safe-Lite. I think it was only $150 maybe? The rear was $350. When the SD returns I'll see who's glass they put in...

Safe-Lite quote says $180 for a 300TE. I'm sure you could ask what glass they use.

Go to the Safelite website and get an instant estimate. I learned early on that it is best to leave this job to the people that do it for a living.

I've heard that Safelite glass is garbage. Plus I want to stick with OE glass regardless.
Not planning to do the actual glass replacement myself, I just want to know if I should let the dealer do everything, or buy the glass myself and do the removal of the wiper blade so they don't have anything to screw up on basically -- just a straight swap.

I have liability only so I doubt its covered.

Safelite does OEM also.

Hmmm..

A lot of times the dealership will outsource the job to someone. Thats what I've been told.

glass: Pilkington front, FY rear.

I would use OE glass too if money wasn't really an issue. I would also have someone other than Safe-Lite do the job. Preferably someone who has had past experience with Mercedes windshields. Safe-Lite did a good job on the front, but poor on the back. They struggled with installing the chrome strips. First gen 126 strips are more difficult to work with it seems than the later stuff, especially the 124 stuff.

The car they worked on was more-or-less a daily driver "beater" as it were. In the future I'll go with someone else more experienced. I'd like my chrome strips to sit properly.

Try and find a company that will install a used glass. I was quoted about 185 for a a used glass, installed.

You don't want to "side job" a windshield. Get it done at a glass place, with a receipt, with a warranty, and installed by them. A defective windshield (one with a chip along the edge you didn't see) will crack in short order once you hit a bump. Then what happens?

Ask me how I know this. BTDT 3x.

With that said, it's unlikely you will notice a difference between brands of glass on that car. Nothing special about the OEM glass. Some claim OEM is "harder" but, whatever.

You can buy several windshields from Safelite for the price of an OEM piece.

PS never had an issue with Safelite, from my 911 to my BMW's all were just fine. It's the installer who needs the experience. It's gonna be hit or miss anywhere you go.

A pro will be done in under 20 minutes with no leaks no chips only a another happy customer. Less than a pro? Goood luck.

I, too, have used Safelite without any complaints. I believe they can get more than one grade of glass. IIRC, I read a post where someone had an MB OE windshield installed by them and it was cheaper than the dealer.

In that case, I will give them a call and see if they can do it. Thanks!

Alright guys so I went to Safelite yesterday, they found the OE glass and quoted me $548.

I then went down to the place where I got my tint done a few weeks ago and he said he could get me a Pilkington glass (no MB star) for $248 installed. Decided this was a great deal so going with it.

I was actually inspecting my glass today, and it is in fact not original. It has the "Produced by Daimler-Benz" white sticker, but the glass itself has no MB star on it.
What I will do is find myself that white sticker again and put it on. I'm sure its still available with a little searching.

They will be installing today so I will report back tonight with the results! I can only imagine the visibility change is going to be drastic, my shield is pretty dang pitted.

I need that sticker too. I would appreciate it if you will let me know where to find one. $248 is a great deal!

See post 11 here if you really "need" a sticker.

When I had my windshield replaced (covered by insurance), I took my car straight to the dealer. The windshield was OE & had the MB logo on it, dealer also provided the white sticker for the windshield too.