Replacement Windscreen

[mike.devine@dsl]

I've recently had a new screen fitted by Autoglass under my insurance policy. Since going in there has been a significant increase in wind noise but I've been assured by them that it's the correct glass and properly fitted. I'm not so sure and wonder if any member who has had a replacement recently can confirm that the details given below correspond to those on their screen. The car is a '97 (P) C200 Sport.

Safevue
E11 43 R - 00087
DOT 122 M39 AS1

Thanks.

Mike

 

[Flash]

Auto Glass never use a OEM windscreen UNLESS you speciifcy/rquest this from the beginning and the insurance co has to authorise this first. I doubt your screen is a OEM MB screen. Unless there is a mB stamp on the screen then it is just a generic screen.

 

[DieselE]

Agree with what Flash says. But regardless of screen manufacturer, if it is properly fitted then wind noise should be the same before and after.

 

[mike.devine@dsl]

Thanks for both replies. I've just added to my original message that it is manufactured by Safevue which, I believe, is based in South Africa. What I'm really after is someone with the same model telling me that the part code - DOT 122 M39 AS1 - differs on their car.

Mike

 

[Dieselman]

That's not the part number, it's the safety marking or factory code.

 

[mike.devine@dsl]

Small problem then. How do I identify if it's the correct glass? Is the first number - 43R etc. significant?

Mike

 

[Dieselman]

No, that's something else, can't remember colour or something.

It is only a genuine screen if it has the mercedes logo and a part number.

 

[Flash]

Kick up a fuss about the wind noise and it was not present with the original OEM windscreen BUT is after they have fitted the generic screen. State that your concern is that the screen is either incorrect (unlikely though) or is poorly fitted. Worse scenario is paying the £70 excess again and requesting a OEM windscreen BUT the insurance co would have to authorise this. I’m pretty sure that the screen is incorrectly fitted.

Also, report incident to your insurance co who may be able to place pressure on Auto Glass.

 

[mike.devine@dsl]

Thanks again to you both. Appreciate hearing fom people who know what they're talking about. I'm a bit of a muppet when it comes to things like this.

Mike

 

[Parrot of Doom]

On my Volvo 850, the screen was replaced due to a leak, prior to purchase.

A week or two later, the top piece of external trim fell off. We had it fixed, a few days later it flew off on the motorway.

They replaced it, but glued it in place. It subsequently fell off.

On looking at the trim, it was clearly designed to be inserted before the windscreen, so it would in fact never stay on until that was done.

I played blue murder with the dealer, they took it back, removed the screen, and did the job properly. The windscreen was fine after that.

There are some real muppets around. You have to watch out for them.

 

[pdwhiteside]

In the last three years I have had three replacement screens all fitted by Autoglass, on all three occassions they have turned up with the wrong screen!

Either they have one with rain sensor instead of a light sensor or rain and light sensors when I only have a light sensor. Friday they turned up with a screen with a light sensor only!! But hey, it was the wrong size!!!!

They should be back today with another screen for another attempt!

Each time I have ordered a screen I have given them every detail about the car even down to chassis number and they still cant get it right!

If you want to put pressure on Autoglass, via the Insuance Company is the most effective route. I had some accident repairs done on my MB a couple of years back and the job was very poor. After weeks of complaining to the body shop, one call to Norwich Union and the body shop could not do enough to help me!!

 

[richard]

Be really careful with Autoglass and rain/light sensors. The A/B class sensor has to be replaced if its removed - as it has a gel layer between it and the screen (to improve optical contact with the screen).

Autoglass man replaced screen and said 'the old sensor is fine' even though I pointed out it looked different (as gel was now gone, still on old window).

Of course rain sensor didnt work properly.

The sensor is only £40 ish, but it needs coding, so needs 15 minutes on Star diagnosis.

In the end I gave up arguing with Autoglass and just had it replaced ..

On the plus side, i've always told Autoglass I want a genuine MB windscreen, and they have always put one in - no arguments - maybee Privilege insurance just don't argue, or maybee they just do what you ask sometimes

R

 

[spcomp]

Just having my Windscreen replaced by Autoglass. First impressions are good. They have the right screen but have pointed out rust around the window aperture which means the can't guarantee the glue will bond.

Hopefully it will be ok, but I am worried that as they won't guarantee then if it goes again it will have to be through the insurance.

Steve

 

[Flash]

On the plus side, i've always told Autoglass I want a genuine MB windscreen, and they have always put one in - no arguments - maybee Privilege insurance just don't argue, or maybee they just do what you ask sometimes

What Auto Glass and others don't tell you is that the wind screen glass they use is always generic (apart from certain models i.e. Ferrari). They will only install a OEM windscreen IF you specify this from the “beginning” and they would liaise with the insurance co for authorisation first. If they install a generic windscreen and you afterwards kick up a fuss requesting a OEM windscreen then they will not want to know - this happened to a friend of mine and I escalated the matter for her and they went as far a splaying back recorded conversations arguing that she did not specify a OEM windscreen and I argued that she was never advised that a non OEM windscreen was to be used. However, it transpired that Pilkington made the OEM windscreen for the car anyway and also supplied the generic one and was exactly the same screen except it did not have the Peugeot stamp on it so we left it and was correct shade etc. and housed the light/rain sensor as it should.

 

[ckember]

Had my front screen replaced last weekend by autoglass, came on saturday with the wrong one, had both the rain and light sensor, came back on Sunday with correct screen, however When i booked the call I asked for OEM screen. they have fitted one made by the same company , same numbers, but it doesn't have the MB star on it. After fitting I didn't drive it above 40mph until went to work on Monday, significant wind noise.

Called Autoglass customer service and they booked a warranty call, which they came to do today.

The guy just put more gunk around the bottom and side of the screen, said if there is still a problem they will replace the screen. Just have to test it tomorrow to see if wind noise reduced.

 

[MrWibble]

Not had one replaced on my W210 but recently on a Toyota had to have a generic RAC Autowindscreens unit (previously had a couple of genuine Toyota screens) - same problem - big increase in road noise (well lets not mention the huge amount of sealant around the surround - monkeys) - suspect the glass is thinner as there is a gap around the trim. Always specify an OEM unit - especially for a premium vehicle - and always check the fit immediately afterwards for security of trim and bodges. I didn't on my 'Yota due to meetings and regretted it. I suspect you might get better service at their workshops with all the tools - also try not to book it for late PM as they will rush the job to get off back for 5pm (applies to most mobile fitters I suspect).