Windshields - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 06-18-2003, 03:10 PM

Hi,

Today I was driving on the interstate and a flatbed towtruck shot off some big pebbles that hit my car. He then pulled off into the weigh station and all I got was his tow company (which I cant find in the yellow pages now

)
I didnt notice anything, so I thought it would be liek the others and just have a little rough spot, but after I stopped, i see a little star in the glass, covered over by my inspection sticker.
I wont pass inspection with a cracked windshield... so I need to get it replaced.
Assuming I can find this company, is there a way to get them to pay for the replacement?

Are windshield repairs any good? Ive read mixed reviws when doing a search.

How much does it usually cost (ballpark) for a dealer to replace it with OEM parts in a w123?

Thanks

JMH

TX76513 · #2 06-18-2003, 03:20 PM

shot off some big pebbles

Unless you carry comp on your car - you get the whole bill for the new windshield. They key is "big pebbles" and that is a road hazard. If some part of the load he was carrying or dunnage had fallen off and hit your windshield, that's a different story.

lrg · #3 06-18-2003, 03:55 PM

Most auto policies cover this and usually without a deductable. It's certainly worth a call to your insurance agent.

CarolinaMBZ · #4 06-18-2003, 04:36 PM

I just replaced my windshield with a factory Sigla Brand (with the star on it) for the 240. Not cheap, I supplied the factory gasket and the new windshield plus labor was $441.00. Aftermarket is much less and given the propensity for future breakage may be the way to go if your paying yourself like I did.

BTW, put w/s in 5/21/03. Rock hit it and it split 6/15/03. I think I/ll go cheap this time around, despite my aversion to inferior aftermarket parts.

Re: third-party liability, I have gotten payment to replace the factory windshield with another factory windshield on the 400E from the at fault trucker (dropped gravel out of back of truck) after I reported it to his carrier. It helps to convince them that this is reasonable when the car is in good shape and everything else (like the battery, stereo) is factory and it is clear that you will "go to the mat" to collect. If the flaps on their truck weren't installed properly or were worn out, I believe that they are clearly negligent and responsible even for "objects coming from the road" (despite their assertion otherwise) and I would even argue that even if their flaps were adequate, that they still have a duty to assure safe operation of their equipment and are liable for damage that results as a cost of doing business.

Good luck.

jfikentscher · #5 06-18-2003, 04:37 PM

This happened to me on my last car (190E 2.6). I followed the guy until he stopped at the toll booth and he gave me his company's phone number. They promptly said that they would pay for the front windshield, and two days later it was replaced.

Did you get the phone number for his company? was he dropping pebbles off his truck? Most gravel carriers carry extra insurance for this.

Joe.

TX76513 · #6 06-18-2003, 05:10 PM

that they still have a duty to assure safe operation of their equipment and are liable for damage that results as a cost of doing business.

--------------------------
In the perfect world yes in the real world not.

CarolinaMBZ · #7 06-18-2003, 05:54 PM

Re: the perfect world and the adage about not getting into a ____ing contest with a skunk. If you pursue a company in small claims without a lawyer, you have little costs but time for an afternoon in court. The trucking company's insurance company has to hire a trucking boutique lawyer at $250.00-$400.00 an hour. Trucking companies and their insurance companies generally take the least expensive way out on "nuisance" claims unless they fear that someone is trying to take advantage of the situation or smell something fraudulant. Occasionally, they even might do the right thing off the bat. The question becomes what is your time worth x the probability of having to go to court.

Just MHO.

JHZR2 · #8 06-18-2003, 08:57 PM

As a followup, where can I get a German (or PPG) glass with the star, besides the dealer? Is this the type of thing that mercedesshop can get, or am I stuck with aftermarket from a shop or dealer only? I am considering doing it myself if needs be, or else at least buying the parts myself and having it done at a good shop.
thanks,

JMH

Mike123 · #9 06-18-2003, 09:54 PM

The windshield in my w116 was broken by a rock thrown up by the tires of a concrete truck. The concrete company refused to pay. I went to a lawyer here in Indiana. He said the concrete company is not responsible for rocks on the road thrown up by their tires. If it falls off the truck they are responsible. The attorney said that if I tried small claims or any other court the case would be thrown out. My insurance company says exactly the same thing. If my insurance company did not have to pay I assure you they wouldn't. That is the law here and as far as I know it is the same or similar everywhere in the country. It cost me $100 for comprehensive deductible.

Rick Miley · #10 06-18-2003, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CarolinaMBZ
I just replaced my windshield with a factory Sigla Brand (with the star on it) for the 240.

This is really ticking me off. I've just been through the second replacement on the E300, both times with a PPG with the star. Two glass shops plus the dealer told me I could not order a Sigla windshield because Mercedes-Benz has contracted with PPG to produce their windshields in this country. How in the heck did you get a Sigla?

CarolinaMBZ · #11 06-19-2003, 11:17 AM

The glass company went through the local dealer and got it. They also told me it would likely be a "starred" PPG but I got Sigla instead. I am assuming that it was just old stock from the dealer as they didn't have to order it but had it in stock.

Before this I had looked at several in a local junkyard and they only wanted $50.00 (original Sekurit glass) but I would have had to transport it and pay someone else to put in. This is probably what I will do when my new crack spreads to the point of really bothering me.

If anyone has experience on a DIY basis for front W123 installation I would like to hear about it as I may give this a go. I have the factory chassis manual and it has good instructions. Seems like I only need a couple of plastic wedges and some cord. Anyone with any thoughts?

Rick Miley · #12 06-19-2003, 12:41 PM

Actually, you might want to try a windshield repair. I meant to comment on that earlier, but got sidetracked by the Sigla glass.

On this latest incident, the chip in my wildshield was repaired by a professional. The repair was excellent and could only be seen if you were really looking for it. The company rep apologized, said they don't usually come out that way, and that some dirt must have gotten in there accidentally. I got the impression they botched the repair on purpose so I would go for the replacement, which I did. At any rate, try going the repair route first. If it doesn't work, you haven't lost anything other than a few bucks, and it is possibile that the repair will be virtually undetectable.

CarolinaMBZ · #13 06-19-2003, 02:01 PM

Mine unfortunately split about 4 inches at impact so its toast.

Rick Miley · #14 06-19-2003, 02:05 PM

Well, don't just assume that it can't be repaired. Progressive actually requires that a repair be attempted before they will authorize replacement on any damage that could be covered by a dollar bill. So a 4" crack certainly fits. Of course, I understand your desire for a replacement - that's why I have a new windshield.

william rogers · #15 06-23-2003, 12:44 AM

I had windshield replaced in 81 SD with PPG glass for 245 a couple years ago I don't think there's a star on it really never looked and don't care, its clear and it dosn't leak........
William Rogers........