E350 Cabriolet Windscreen - Cracked!!

[RAG]

Hi Guys,

I have just discovered that I have picked up a stone chip that has resulted in a foot long crack across the windscreen of my 6 week old pride and joy..... Not impressed

I have called my insurance company (LV) but as its the weekend when you select windscreen cover they divert through to Autoglass, I am guessing this is their default supplier.

A couple of questions:

1) Have any of you guys insisted on MB replacing the screen and if so have there been any stipulations around it?

2) I seem to have some sort of element inside the screen, I am guessing it is something to do with COMAND?

I am not worried about the insurance excess, just terrified of someone doing a substandard job on my brand new car, especially with the adaptive light sensors etc.

Any experiences and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[npuk]

1. AFAIK Mercedes dealers get in a windscreen company to change it.

2. Will be the rain and or light sensor behind the rear view mirror, is that what you means or do you mean in the actual glass?

 

[jonnyboy]

I've just had my new Galaxy IR Heated one cracked, had it a month, similarly unimpressed. I am with LV too and their supplier is Autoglass. Mine is a fleet policy with a £500 cover limit/£60 excess, which falls way short. Check your coverage.

 

[RAG]

1. AFAIK Mercedes dealers get in a windscreen company to change it.

2. Will be the rain and or light sensor behind the rear view mirror, is that what you means or do you mean in the actual glass?

Yes as well as the light/rain sensors there is an element within the screen, its not a heating element, possibly a TMC arial for the Sat Nav?

 

[npuk]

Yes probably for radio and tmc.

 

[Wing Co]

I am with LV and mine had a huge chip. Guy turned up with M-B screen and took it out. I gave him lunch, a cup of tea and helped fit the new one. When he cut the old one out with the wire though you do think oh dear, but it is ok.

 

[prprandall51]

I have never sought to get a main dealer change a windscreen (I have had to have about 5 in my time on various cars) because:
1) As has been said - they just get Autoglass in to do it anyway
2) They will charge much more and - even if your insurance company agrees, they will just load your premium up next year, anyway, so why create unnecessary expense
3) There is no difference in the glass used despite what some people will tell you.
4) Autoglass (and previously AutoWindscreens) have always done a reasonable job - sometimes better than others - but never made a hash of it.

In fact, Autoglass put a new screen in my E-Class two months ago and did a brilliant job. You really couldn't tell (all the trims and seals were in place exactly as before). That screen included both light and rain sensors.

 

[wil_1]

Surely if merc did do it themselves, you'd get some guy doing the screen who spends most of his time doing services and diagnosing faults, and changes a screen once every blue moon.
If autoglass do it, you'll get your screeen fitted by a bloke that fits screens all day every day and could do it in his sleep.
I know who I'd rather have doing it.

 

[JohnDeere8530]

had an autoglass guy do an excellent change of screen on my range rover. He said at the time that he knew of someone that cocked up and set the airbags off, something to do with hitting some wiring somewhere. The car was a mess and autoglass insurance replaced an 18month old car with a new one !