Windscreen Replacement

[DITTRICH]

At 9.5 years old the windscreen has had its fair share of nicks and scratches. However, a 10cm horizontal[ish] crack has appeared halfway up the windscreen on the passenger side starting at the edge. Its not getting any bigger [yet]. This development has been accompanied by odd creaking noises [which happen when I go over bumps] coming from around the dashboard and it sounds like the windscreen is "loose" if such a thing is possible. I'm trying to dig out my insurance policy for the details on windscreen excess payments right now. Can anyone shed any light on the cost of a new windscreen and the fitting charge for a 1999 c class saloon. At least then I know the maximum damage.
Thanks
Les

 

[lynall]

Looks like you have the cheap one lucky sod wont be much more than you insurance excess mine was £70 excess iirc
http://www.smilewindscreens.co.uk/inner.php?_p_=112



Lynall

 

[DITTRICH]

A slight update. The crack in the windscreen is growing albeit slowly and after much tooing and froing between directline and mercedes stratford, it turns out I can get a new windscreen for £75 excess via autoglass and no effect on my ncb (that's what I was told on the phone anyway by directline). autoglass will actually come to do the job at mercedes stratford whilst my car is having one or two other bits replaced (under the 3+ scheme -20% labour -10% parts). mercedes stratford quoted around £300 using their subcontractor for parts and labour.
Les

 

[ringway]

A slight update. The crack in the windscreen is growing albeit slowly and after much tooing and froing between directline and mercedes stratford, it turns out I can get a new windscreen for £75 excess via autoglass and no effect on my ncb (that's what I was told on the phone anyway by directline). autoglass will actually come to do the job at mercedes stratford whilst my car is having one or two other bits replaced (under the 3+ scheme -20% labour -10% parts). mercedes stratford quoted around £300 using their subcontractor for parts and labour.
Les

Les, there was another post on this subject - I read through it but can't remember the title I'll try and dig out that post though.

I think that if Autoglass carry out the repair you will get the cheapest screen they can supply UNLESS you insist on a genuine MB one.
It's a case of if you don't ask, you don't get

 

[DITTRICH]

Les, there was another post on this subject - I read through it but can't remember the title I'll try and dig out that post though.

I think that if Autoglass carry out the repair you will get the cheapest screen they can supply UNLESS you insist on a genuine MB one.
It's a case of if you don't ask, you don't get

I will check this. I was asked whether or not I needed a rain sensor screen but maybe...who knows. Work not being done till 9th March - I have time and will check further and report back. Thanks.
Les

 

[ringway]

I will check this. I was asked whether or not I needed a rain sensor screen but maybe...who knows. Work not being done till 9th March - I have time and will check further and report back. Thanks.
Les

Les, here is one of the posts available on this site, which does indeed talk about genuine MB screens and the rain sensor issue.


http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=57754&highlight=autoglass
There are other posts to see if you search for autoglass or windscreens.

Paul.

 

[whitenemesis]

If you have a rain sensor, get the genuine MB screen! If you don't then still get the MB screen..

Cheaper copies are softer, they chip more easily, tend to be less optically true and the tint isn't quite right. The rain senor is so sensitive to tint

 

[ringway]

Am I correct in thinking that the original screens installed at the factory are put in using vacuum/pressure?

Perhaps this is why there are so many problems with leaks and wind noise etc with replacements.

 

[whitenemesis]

Am I correct in thinking that the original screens installed at the factory are put in using vacuum/pressure?

Perhaps this is why there are so many problems with leaks and wind noise etc with replacements.

Nope, standard robot technique..

All the problems come from poor practices. A good fitter can replicate the factory fit

 

[C43AMG]

If you live in the Surrey area give Old School Windscreens a call 01932 873506, they fitted both front + rear screens on my 560 SEC when i had it.

They are old school and know what they are doing very professional.

 

[Dec]

I had my windscreen replaced to last month, the glass fitted was made by Pilkington, the seem to be the world leaders in this field, it looks exactly the same as original except for the etching on the glass.
Cost €150 inclusive of VAT. No rain sensor.
I never have windscreen insured as I feel it is a waste of money.

Questions 11 and 13 in the FAQ will be of interest to the discussion.
http://www.pilkington.com/automotive.../faqs.htm#faq4

Dec

 

[whitenemesis]

Doesn't mention Mercedes..

 

[Doodle]

I never have windscreen insured as I feel it is a waste of money.

From this I take it that glass cover is optional on insurance in Ireland? It's generally built into the policy in the UK, rather than as a optional extra.

 

[Dec]

Nope, that’s just an etching of the logo, as far as I can see it is exactly the same as the original and the Mercedes screen is probably made by the same manufacturer, Pilkington. I do lose the prestige of the logo, but then a galloping horse would never notice that on a dark night.

Yes, it seems optional, @ €25 to €30 I never take it so I save on that over the years, its all luck really.

Dec

 

[whitenemesis]

I meant in the Pilkington FAQs!

 

[Dec]

Maby I am wrong is Daimler not the same thing as Mercedes
Quote’ From FAQs http://www.pilkington.com/automotive+international/faqs.htm
11. I have seen company names and brands, such as Triplex, SIV, Libbey-Owens-Ford and Blindex. Do these relate to Pilkington?

Yes they do. Over the years, Pilkington Automotive developed a large number of glass operations around the world, each with their local identity. Recognising both the global nature of the OE industry, and the way in which Pilkington Automotive serves it, for current manufacture, these and other local names have all now been absorbed by the Pilkington Automotive brand.



12. What are the benefits of laminated side glazing?
Laminated sideglazing has significantly increased intruder resistance compared to conventional toughened glass sideglazing. It is strong enough to withstand vigorous attack from a heavy or sharp weapon, acting as an effective deterrent against attack or the opportunist thief and is expected to significantly reduce car crime in Britain and Europe.

Laminated side glazing also reduces NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) by at least 3 decibels inside a vehicle and also blocks over 95% of UV rays, bringing added comfort to vehicle occupants and protecting the interior of the vehicle.



13. What cars do you supply?

We provide glazing for one in three of the world's vehicles and supply all of the major vehicle groups including Toyota, GM, Ford, Daimler, VW, Renault/Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Honda and BMW.

Dec

 

[BTB 500]

Dec's original Pilkington link doesn't work for me, try this one:

http://www.pilkington.com/automotive+international/faqs.htm

 

[Dec]

It wont work for me now, you have to go into http://www.pilkington.com/ and look for
UK & Ireland
Automotive
Faq

Dec

 

[whitenemesis]

FWIW, just cleaned my windscreens and all the glass on my car is Pilkington, with the MB logo..

And Dec you are quite correct, sorry missed that ref!

 

[Dec]

Funny, just checked my side glass and it says Saint Gobin? The back screen just says PPG, all with star logo.
So we can take it that most? Merc have Pilkington glass fitted

Dec