New Off-Brand Windshield And It Leaks! - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Squiggle Dog · #31 09-23-2008, 08:34 PM

Oh, by the way, I hope what I got was an OEM seal. I got it from the dealer, but it was loose and had a tag on it saying it came from a place in California. It actually doesn't seem to be any better quality than the Taiwanese seal I had previously.

alabbasi · #32 09-23-2008, 08:50 PM

I would contact a couple of MB specialists in WA and find out who does they're glass. I'm convinced that it's an install problem.

These windshields are a pain to install.

tims1981 · #33 09-23-2008, 09:04 PM

Luckily I have a friend in the business who does a great job at windshields. In all seriousness, it could have been the installation. Or possibly a combination of the fitment of the glass and seal.

rs899 · #34 09-24-2008, 07:16 AM

This is an old picture of what I ran into when using a Meyle seal- about 4" too big. The APA seal I got as a replacement was closer, but still about 1" too big. I couldn't keep the trim in it. I don't understand why they can't get this right. I hope the MB seal is right, but I wonder....

There is something about the W116 that makes it more difficult that the W123. I think the corners are more curved.

Rick

Squiggle Dog · #35 09-24-2008, 10:14 AM

Wow, that is quite a difference in size. Odd.

alabbasi · #36 09-24-2008, 11:14 AM

Yes but oddly enough, it fits once it's on the glass and the chrome is added.

rs899 · #37 09-24-2008, 12:19 PM

Al-

That one sure wasn't going to fit. That wasn't an optical illusion....

Rick

Squiggle Dog · #38 09-24-2008, 06:51 PM

I returned to Safelite today and showed the manager my problems. He pushed in on the glass and got it to seat slightly better and filled the gaps with lots of sealant. It's a little better, but I think that if I have a warm, dry day I will put more sealant in everywhere I can. And try to fill in and detail the torn areas so they are not noticeable. Then I will probably get some clear caulking and go along where the glass contacts the seal.

Hopefully I'll be able to afford full insurance coverage when I turn 25, then if my windshield breaks I can have the Mercedes-Benz dealer hire out the installation using their OEM glass and seal. If I am not able to afford full coverage or if my insurance refuses pay for OEM parts if I do have it, then I will buy them myself and install them myself. I've learned that many people do not care about the quality of their work, only how many jobs they can crank out. I am a perfectionist when it comes to my car. I believe it is a work of art, and I want to keep it that way. So what if it was free and currently has a dismantled interior? I still take pride in it and would like to keep it my whole life.

JMela · #39 09-24-2008, 07:52 PM

These 'pros' should stand behind their work. You paid for a pro job, you shouldn't go away with anything less. Having to fill big gaps w sealant is not something with which you should be satisfied.

Don't be afraid to call their Safelite corporate hq and let them know that you're unhappy with their product.

Squiggle Dog · #40 09-25-2008, 04:35 PM

This morning I noticed water pouring in from the corners and under the seal again. Every time I my wipers passed it would let more inside. So, here I go, back for the 4th time. I'm leaving now to go see what they have to say.

Squiggle Dog · #41 09-25-2008, 07:17 PM

I'm back. They had 4 guys working on it and squirted sealant everywhere they could get it, but I think those upper corners could use a little more just to keep water from getting underneath the seal. I hope to have the car painted in a couple years anyway, so I'll probably pull the windshield at that time and then reinstall myself, unless I know a true vintage Mercedes glass expert who will take his time and do a perfect job. I might still call the corporate headquarters anyway and let them know of this ordeal, and that even if the leaks have stopped, I am not happy with all the return trips I've had to make only to have a job that looks sloppy on a vintage Mercedes that I'm in the process of restoring. Maybe I'll get something for my troubles.

ozawa · #42 09-26-2008, 12:18 AM

W116 windshield;

OE seal only

PPG glass

have the guy who does all the glass work for your local mercedes dealer do yours; (they sublet that stuff out, at least around here.)

even then, this is still a bear of a job but APA seals are junk and an OE seal will make you glass man happy.

just my $.02

rs899 · #43 09-26-2008, 07:11 AM

If you are going to ***** to Safelite ( and I think you should) I have often found that a well written, thoughtfully worded letter of complaint to the right guy works wonders. You can lay out in gruesome detail all the time and energy you spent trying to get what you paid for from the industry leader , yada yada.

Rick

Squiggle Dog · #44 10-25-2008, 12:30 PM

I figured it out! It was installed incorrectly. The edge of the seal is supposed to be tucked under the molding, as in this picture. They let the lip overhang on the molding, and so it didn't seal tight up against the glass. Also, it holds water in the corners. I am writing them a letter and including pictures.