Windshield replacement cost - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JWJ · #1 10-23-2006, 05:38 AM

The windshield seal on my '83 300D started leaking a while back. I want to replace the windshield and seal, etc. as the windshield looks like its 23 years old with many smacks and a general sandpaper look.

What would be a rational price for having an autoglass shop do this?

*I did a search for any related threads but found none.*

Thanks

PatricdeBoer · #2 10-23-2006, 05:42 AM

I have never had it done, but if I remember correctly, in a thread a while back someone had a new windshield installed for around $250.

captainmonk · #3 10-23-2006, 05:56 AM

a hammer and an insurance card!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

vaman4215 · #4 10-23-2006, 06:11 AM

American Auto Glass did one for me a while back for $175 for a new windshield installed....Everybody else around this area was $200+++

Brian Carlton · #5 10-23-2006, 09:54 AM

Just had the windshield done on the SDL and can give you the entire range.

The insurance company tried to illegally steer me to Safelite as they have a deal with them and would do the windshield for $285. This sounds ridiculous to me. Either the glass is a POS or the labor is way too quick.........or both.

The cost (retail) of the windshield at the dealer is $530. The cost to install it is $325 (retail).

I had the dealer do it because I've got a connection there. I don't have to worry about the quality of the glass. We'll see about the install after some time in the rain.

rs899 · #6 10-23-2006, 10:21 AM

FWIW- I have a Safelite windshield that I got out of a boneyard that I put in my '77 240D. Seems OK to me, but conditions in FL aren't too demanding on windshields. IIRC, these cost about $250 installed.

#7 10-23-2006, 10:52 AM

I think I paid around $200 or 300 for my last windshield from Elite Auto Glass (chain store in Denver). The quality is fine. Windshield here need to be replaced every few years anyway, so it's just another maintenance item.

riethoven · #8 10-23-2006, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Just had the windshield done on the SDL and can give you the entire range.

The insurance company tried to illegally steer me to Safelite as they have a deal with them and would do the windshield for $285. This sounds ridiculous to me. Either the glass is a POS or the labor is way too quick.........or both.

The cost (retail) of the windshield at the dealer is $530. The cost to install it is $325 (retail).

I had the dealer do it because I've got a connection there. I don't have to worry about the quality of the glass. We'll see about the install after some time in the rain.

I am in agreement if you can get the insurance to gor for the German windshield. I went with on of the national chains and they did a terrible job of installing the windshield on my W123 wagon and put a little tear in the corner of my windshield gasket. It doesn't leak because they put caulk in between the gasket and the windshield and the gasket and the body. They also tried putting the aluminum trim in after they had installed the windshield and that was a mistake. I consulted the FSM and it show the trim going in before the windshield gets installed. My windshield is a PPG and was an excellent fit. I had the people who installed it look for a German one and they couldn't find one.

JWJ · #9 10-23-2006, 11:08 AM

Calling around I'm hearing quotes anywhere from $210 to $450. Thats windshield, gasket, and installation.

Safelite is one of the mid priced ones at $267.

The MB dealer in the area doesn't do windshields. The place they recommend is the most expensive (of course).

What is the difference between a dealer glass and Safelite glass? or other cheaper solution glass?

signalredcoupe · #10 10-23-2006, 12:36 PM

What's the deal in North Carolina on windshields? Here in Florida with basic collison on the car, windshield replacement is free. There's no law that after it's replaced, you can remove the collision of your ins. Does that apply there?
Paul.

tobybul · #11 10-23-2006, 12:51 PM

I priced one out recently. I have a 200 deductible on my comp so no point claiming from insurance.

on the 85 300D, a very good local glass shop said $212. They said they usually try not too change the seal unless its really bad. Plus he said when they're done, it will fix the leak on the lower drivers side corner.

Unlike the newer cars, it is my understanding that changing the windshield on the old D's does not required destroying the original seal. I am always very leary about fast jobs on the newer cars because glass places tend to gouge the paint under the seals which becomes a source of rust problems down the road. I experienced this with an old Camry and it ended up with rust bubbles all around the edge of the windshield. If you can, try to be there and insist on watching them do the work! It pays to get it done right!!

JWJ · #12 10-23-2006, 04:14 PM

Is the windshield seal made by APA (and sold by fastlane) OEM? or considered aftermarket?

sokoloff · #13 10-23-2006, 04:39 PM

I think Florida is one of the few states whose law requires a no deductible on windshield claims.

Len

waybomb · #14 10-23-2006, 09:08 PM

Replaced windshields in my sd, ml, and c car all at Harmon Glass. Perfect job each time. I changed the glass only for clarity. SL is next, probably more money just because its an SL - I'm used to it now.

Inexpensive, like around 175 or so each. Their online quote has always been about 20% higher than what I was quoted at the shop, so go to the local shop before you order. On the older cars, they can do it while you wait; on the newer cars, the adhesive/sealer has to have time to cure, so you won't want to wait around.

Rashakor · #15 10-23-2006, 09:15 PM

See also Junk yards. Sometime it is possible to get a windshiled for 30-50 bucks. Plus the seal (buy only new OE) 80bucks.
The installation is really not that hard once you realized that you need to install the trim on the glasse prior to installing the glass on the frame.
You will aslo need a 1/32" and a 1/8" ropes for the trim and frame grooves.
Be careful on reshapinfg the trim to the exact frame shape, otherwise you won't be able to install it on the glass (and that when you can actually break it).