Original Windscreen?

[SimonsMerc]

Hi there,

We have a stone chip in our windscreen, and since we're leaving for Poland next week I figured it would be prudent to get it repaired or replaced. The lady I spoke to from the insurance company has sent someone out who is going to look at it today, but she said that they may or may not be able to fix it. If they cant, I can get it replaced for £70 without affecting my no claims bonus, but only with "non original" glass - apparently the same glass but not stamped with the Mercedes logo. (If I wanted the Merc stamp I would have to wait a couple of weeks).

Does this affect anything like the insurance, the value of the car, the looks, the safety, is there any reason at all that, should they be unable to fix the chip, I should hold out for the Mercedes logo on the windscreen?

Cheers,

-simon

 

[spaceman763]

Hi Simon

I am currently going through the process of having the windcreen replaced on my w203. I was initially told that i would be given a replacement glass but i kept on and on at them for an original.

After speaking to various people from Norwich Union, Autoglass and RAC Windcreen; all have said that the glass is the same in terms of quality and even made at the same factory. Only difference is the small stamp which is obviously trademarked by MB.

Even though, i have spoken to Norwich Union and they have said I am entitled to an Original Glass if i wished although it would take longer. Im having Autoglass replace the windcreen with an original this week and will update with details.

 

[Dieselman]

Just make sure the rain sensor port is accurate and the tint of the screen is correct.
personally I'm not sure about the screens being made in the same factory but in reality it shouldn't matter as long as it's not faulty.

 

[SimonsMerc]

Well, they put the non-original screen on...and it's the wrong damn tint. It has no dark bit at the top like the old screen, so the sun gets in your eyes while driving, and it's a pure clear glass not lightly green tinted like the old screen, which means that the dashboard reflects in the glass.

Autoglass will be getting a call tomorrow.

*sigh*

-simon

 

[spaceman763]

Sorry to hear that Simon

Post an update when you can. I think you have got to be resolute and stick to your guns on this one. They should be able to give you an exact replacement.

 

[DieselE]

To be fair to Autoglass, they can get it right sometimes. When I took my car in with a cracked windscreen, the first thing they checked was the tint colour to make sure they ordered the correct screen.

Apart from the # marked area around the rain/headlight sensor being a slightly different size and the missing three pointed start, the screen appears identical.

I was offered the alternative of an "original" screen but there would have been a delay and I'd have to get my Insurance Company's agreement.

 

[GSBellew]

I'm not sure about the screens being made in the same factory but in reality it shouldn't matter as long as it's not faulty.

If you look at a genuine screen you will see the manufacturers logo / name, example, viduriglass, or in the case of a W211 in the yard outside: saint gobain - sekurit. These same manufacturers also produce glass for windscreen companys around the world, hence an MB screen and a spurious screen could very well be made in the same factory.

http://www.saint-gobain-sekurit.com/en/index.asp

Motor manufacturers make very little "in house" these days.

 

[SimonsMerc]

To be fair to Autoglass, they can get it right sometimes. When I took my car in with a cracked windscreen, the first thing they checked was the tint colour to make sure they ordered the correct screen.

That's what gets me. They asked what tint it is, and knew that it was a green tint.

Still waiting for a call back.

-simon

 

[Flash]

AutoGlass and similar competitors will most likely get it wrong first time round and botch up the fitting by damaging trim pieces etc. - best bet is to try a Merc windscreen specialist and one has been mentioned on this forum before. My insurance company make a maximum contribution of £275 towards a replacement windscreen IF I was to go elsewhere as per T&Cs. When my screen needs replacing I shall just take the car to a MB windscreen Specialist and let my insurance company make the maximum contribution and if any short fall then make up the difference myself (but replacement supply and fitting of a W203 windscreen would not exceed £300!)

 

[Dieselman]

If you look at a genuine screen you will see the manufacturers logo / name, example, viduriglass, or in the case of a W211 in the yard outside: saint gobain - sekurit. These same manufacturers also produce glass for windscreen companys around the world, hence an MB screen and a spurious screen could very well be made in the same factory.

http://www.saint-gobain-sekurit.com/en/index.asp

Motor manufacturers make very little "in house" these days.

Very true but there are also a lot of glass manufacturers that do not make screens for MB.

 

[Dieselman]

That's what gets me. They asked what tint it is, and knew that it was a green tint.

Still waiting for a call back.

-simon

The windscreen will be tinted green, just not the correct shade of green. MB only use either green or blue tint.
To check the colour either place a sheet of white paper behind the glass or wet it. The colour really shows when wet.

 

[pammy]

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=11709&highlight=autoglass+voyager

Our experience of Autoglass - was brilliant! The screen has been perfect They can do a great job -

 

[SimonsMerc]

Would anyone be able to give me the Mercedes part number for my windscreen? Autoglass now say that the screen they gave me is the only screen they do for my car - but it's definitely lighter and definitely doesn't have the dark strip at the top!

2000 W210 Elegance in Zircon Green, can PM the VIN if needed.

Many thanks,

-simon

 

[glojo]

What an interesting thread. I would ALWAYS want a like for like replacement, but I can see the problems that might arise. If the screen is so badly damaged, that it needs replacing straight away, can you elect for a 'temporary' repair?

As time goes by, I can envisage all types of technology creeping into windscreen development (I have a very vivid imagination) It will surely become iompossible for any windscreen repair company to stock every type of screen?

Excellent thread and good luck getting your problem resolved,

John

 

[Flash]

Would anyone be able to give me the Mercedes part number for my windscreen? Autoglass now say that the screen they gave me is the only screen they do for my car - but it's definitely lighter and definitely doesn't have the dark strip at the top!

2000 W210 Elegance in Zircon Green, can PM the VIN if needed.

Your chassis number details will be needed for this!

Call up a Stealership Parts Dept and quote your chassis no. and they should be able to give you the "correct" part no.! There are variants for the Elegance and Avantgarde as there is a difference in the colour shade.

Jay (Parts Manager) may possibly be able to help you...

 

[SimonsMerc]

What an interesting thread. I would ALWAYS want a like for like replacement, but I can see the problems that might arise. If the screen is so badly damaged, that it needs replacing straight away, can you elect for a 'temporary' repair?

As time goes by, I can envisage all types of technology creeping into windscreen development (I have a very vivid imagination) It will surely become iompossible for any windscreen repair company to stock every type of screen?

Excellent thread and good luck getting your problem resolved,

John

What gets me here is that they agreed to bring an original Mercedes screen, but turned up with a non OEM one - and it's very much the wrong one. The guy said "I have it here and you're not going to get the Mercedes one before you leave for Poland next Thursday, you'd better let me fit it so that you have a safer journey". And yet now our journey is going to be less safe, because the dark strip at the top of the screen protects the driver from being blinded by bright sunlight, and the reflection of the dash in the screen means you can't see the road properly.

Regarding stock - they apparently don't stock anything, they order in every order. Or at least that's what he said.

*sighs*

Cheers,

-simon

 

[Flash]

Regarding stock - they apparently don't stock anything, they order in every order. Or at least that's what he said.

Thats c*ap - in this line of business you have to operate a "JUST IN TIME" stock system of some sort for popular stock... What do they do in an emergency then as this is supposed to a 24HR business operation!

I personally would have lived with the defective windscreen and have the replacement done when I got back with a OEM Windscreen rather than let them butcher the trim pieces twice as after all it was only a stone chip...

 

[Dieselman]

Thats c*ap - in this line of business you have to operate a "JUST IN TIME" stock system of some sort for popular stock... What do they do in an emergency then as this is supposed to a 24HR business operation!

I personally would have lived with the defective windscreen and have the replacement done when I got back with a OEM Windscreen rather than let them butcher the trim pieces twice as after all it was only a stone chip...

Agreed. A laminated screen can never implode or collapse even when severely damaged, that's the point of it being laminated.

 

[glojo]

Agreed. A laminated screen can never implode or collapse even when severely damaged, that's the point of it being laminated.

When does it become unlawful to drive though?

John

 

[spaceman763]

Hi all

I'd like to add my 2 cents worth.... had my windscreen replaced by Autoglass yesterday. I requested an OEM windscreen and they said that was fine but it would take longer as they have to specially order them in.

In regards to them not keeping any stock that is utter rubbish. I was clearly told that they had non OEM windscreens in stock and could do the repair in 2 days.

If you give them your car details surely they can order you an exact replacement. I was told that my one was ordered from Mercedes themselves.

The job was done to a first class standard. Even if i look closely there is no sign of the A pillar being damaged or having bits of sealant. I think its probably dependent on the fitter and i was lucky.

Just a quick question for anyone in the know. The auto wipers need recalibrating after the re-fit. How much does the stealership charge for doing this? Also should i be claiming the cost of recalibrating back from the insurance company?

Regards