Rear Windshield Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

remotemark · #1 11-12-2008, 02:23 PM

I just got a quote of $275 from Safelite to replace my back windshield with heat and a new gasket. They are upfront that the glass is of their own manufacture and say that the gasket is aftermarket made for 300D.

Does this sound like a good deal? Anybody have any Safelite experience on windshields? I have gotten non-Benz car side windows from them after break-ins a number of times and the work was good and fast, but this seems like a whole different ballgame.

rrgrassi · #2 11-12-2008, 02:28 PM

See if you can get a discount by providing an OEM gasket.

leathermang · #3 11-12-2008, 02:30 PM

That is an excellent question....
Do they give any kind of warranty ?
Is your glass broken ?
Will they allow you to video the process ? ( so us DIY 's can learn the tricks ) ? LOL

winmutt · #4 11-12-2008, 02:34 PM

I have a front windsheild from them for 175ish. about 800 less than the dealer quoted. The gauruntee the work for life, whats not to lose?

remotemark · #5 11-12-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

See if you can get a discount by providing an OEM gasket.

I don't have an OEM gasket. If they use the one they supply, it is guaranteed not to leak water or air for as long as I own the car. If I did get an OEM, they would not give me that guarantee.

rrgrassi · #6 11-12-2008, 02:50 PM

As long as you own the car guarantee, I would be on that like a chicken on a june bug.

bgkast · #7 11-12-2008, 02:52 PM

That sounds good if it includes glass and the seal. I just spent $150 in labor to have my rear window seal replaced in my SD, and had to provide the gasket, and help the guy install it... They damaged my headliner trim and the window still leaks

remotemark · #8 11-12-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

I have a front windsheild from them for 175ish. about 800 less than the dealer quoted. The gauruntee the work for life, whats not to lose?

That is what I am thinking. I got a rear windshield put in my CE by the dealer for a grand, and I had to take it there twice, and they then kept it for three days and I had to take it back because it leaked water. No way I'm doing that again.

remotemark · #9 11-12-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

That sounds good if it includes glass and the seal. I just spent $150 in labor to have my rear window seal replaced in my SD, and had to provide the gasket, and help the guy install it... They damaged my headliner trim and the window still leaks

If that was $1500 in labor, I'd say it sounds just like a dealer.

pimpernell · #10 11-12-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by remotemark

I just got a quote of $275 from Safelite to replace my back windshield with heat and a new gasket. They are upfront that the glass is of their own manufacture and say that the gasket is aftermarket made for 300D.

Does this sound like a good deal? Anybody have any Safelite experience on windshields? I have gotten non-Benz car side windows from them after break-ins a number of times and the work was good and fast, but this seems like a whole different ballgame.

I had a bullseye crack in my windshield, and had safelite come over to see if it could be repaired. The tech said that he would try, but because of the nature of the crack, the repair might cause it to spread. He tried making the repair, but it failed. There was no charge for the service if they cannot fix the damage. I then took the car to their repair center where, within 45 minutes the windshield was replaced, along with all stickers, and you could never even tell they touched the car. One of the best operations I have ever seen. Paid $245, and that included installation. It was their glass, but you could never tell the difference between the original and their product. Outstanding workmanship.

Squiggle Dog · #11 11-12-2008, 10:22 PM

Well... I had Safelite replace the windshield in my 1979 300SD. I provided a $140 OEM seal from the dealer. They used PPG glass. They did not know how to install it and actually got the trim wrong so it wasn't putting much pressure against the the rubber and glass. It was a horrible fit and they tore up my expensive seal in several places. They did not seat the glass all the way in the body and I went back about 5 times so they could squirt more sealant in and hope it would stop leaking. Finally I went and bought a tube of 3M bedding compound and got it to where it doesn't leak. I was not happy with their service and will either do it myself next time, or have it done at the dealer. They are good with your average day-to-day cars, but with anything vintage, especially Mercedes, I would not have them do it unless someone there is really familiar and experienced with them. Here is my saga: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=230973&highlight=windshield+leaks

rs899 · #12 11-13-2008, 06:45 AM

$275 doesn't sound like a horrible deal, but , really, this isn't rocket science. In fact, its a lot more enjoyable than wrestling with front end parts. If you can find a piece of good used glass in a boneyard and any seal (yes, even non-OEM) for less than $100, it may be worth learning how to do. I have done 3 rears without incident and so have many others.

This is one of those things that takes patience. That's in short supply when the installers are trying to make a living. What if they find rust under the old seal?

SD Blue · #13 11-13-2008, 12:02 PM

This is one of those jobs where I think it is a good idea to ask around to the independent garages and dealers for who they use to do their glass replacements. It doesn't take very long, especially after several return trips, to where that "discount" just isn't there anymore.

I called a local, well-known independent garage and asked them. This guy does all of their work and is the one many other shops call for the classic benzes. He did the job right in my driveway and finished in less than an hour.

(He noted that having the old glass nice and warmed up before removal, sure made the task considerably easier. Also, he said that the heat provided for a better seal after installation of the new glass and the elimination of a leak possibility. Car was faced into the sun and summertime heat.) This might be a factor you want to consider when changing your rear windshield.

curtludwig · #14 11-13-2008, 12:42 PM

Safelite did the front windshield on my 190D (which is WAY different than on a 123 car BTW. Cost ~$200 IIRC. The guy came to my house and did a nice job. Didn't have a problem with my hanging out and talking to him while he did it. I'd use them again. I wonder if they'll come out and do just the seal on my 240D?