Windscreen.

[John]

So after my 5th (that I know of) hard stone chip on my windscreen, it finally cracked on my way to MSL not so long ago near the bottom.

I have not had a replacement windscreen for 15 years and back then, there was a right palaver surrounding non-OEM screens on BMWs etc. etc.

Mine does not have the graduated tint you can get (not sure if you can even still get that).

Presumably the standard W211 windscreen with rain sensor is all that is required here or is there more to it?

 

[AMGeed]

If the repair is being done through your insurance windscreen cover, I'd insist on a Mercedes branded W211 E55AMG replacement with rain sensor. That way, you know you are getting the correct part fitted.

 

[mannikon]

Lots of discussions about replacing Merc windscreens on various forums.

What I have taken from those discussions:

You will want the new screen fitted well so the vacuum is good when doors and windows are closed. You don't want damage to seals. The sensors shouldn't be a problem but may need "tuning" on STAR. Doesn't have to be OEM, there are quality non-OEM screens. However, tint match to windows may be desirable and thermal glass may also be desirable (Solartex). Main dealers likely to use an outside company such as Autoglass.

A Solartex glass screen is on my list because a previous owner replaced screen and it's great at night, tint is minimal but heat streams in when the sun shines unlike the windows which block most of the heat so I will replace mine some day soon.

Place I plan to visit (in Chertsey) to chat about screens has been recommended on forums:

Car Glass Fitting | Old School Windscreens

 

[mannikon]

Correction: it's called Solextra (not Solartex)!

 

[ringway]

I've had two non-OEM screens from Autoglass in my previous 210. I made them replace the first distorted none MB screen with the genuine part.
A few years later when I was unlucky to have a flying pebble hit the screen at 30mph I warned Autoglass about the distortion problem beforehand but they insisted on fitting a non-MB screen. They had to replace that screen too after admitting that it was distorted.
I think maybe they have an allowance of who will and who won't complain about a fault and it works in their favour to keep on supplying non-OEM.

My current 210 has a copy screen that was fitted before I owned the car. That too is distorted.

I'd take the car to a MB dealership and let them handle (sub-contract) the replacement. No hassle that way because they'll specify a genuine screen and it will be the correct colour etc. IIRC, there are 12 different screens for a 210.

 

[mannikon]

Been in touch with Old School Windscreens. An OEM Solextra thermal glass screen available for W211 for 400 + VAT supplied and fitted.

Sound like they know what they're about with screens, asked sensible questions about spec (Eleg, AG etc) and what type of sunroof as there are subtle differences in screens. Impressed, now very high on my shopping list.

 

[John]

By strange coincidence, I was in the man cave this afternoon topping up with oil and checking tyre pressures and I noticed my windscreen states 'Solextra' beneath the MB badge.

I will be approaching this firm at some stage so thanks for the rec.

I'm reluctant to change it now because I know as soon as I change the bloody thing, I will get another chip. It already has a mix of 5 repaired and unrepaired (cannot be) chips.

 

[Chrishazle]

My S204 screen was done a few months ago by AA Windscreens via my insurers (Saga) for the insurance excess of £75. When I phoned to book it, I was asked numerous questions to ensure they got the correct screen - which they did. The fitter was superb - had done numerous MB's and had trained on other high end cars like Bentley - superb service. Also pointed out that windscreen had been previously replaced but anti squeak pads had not been fitted!!

 

[grumpyoldgit]

My S204 screen was done a few months ago by AA Also pointed out that windscreen had been previously replaced but anti squeak pads had not been fitted!!

What are anti squeak pads please? Never heard of them.

 

[John]

I'm reluctant to change it now because I know as soon as I change the bloody thing, I will get another chip. It already has a mix of 5 repaired and unrepaired (cannot be) chips.

Knew it - haven't replaced it yet (waiting until before MOT) and got struck near the lower NS corner and now another 3 inch inward crack...

Looks like I live in Syria.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

If you are going to pay for it yourself, Mercedes are usually very competitive on the price of windscreens; if I remember correct a new windscreen for a W202 was about £120.

OEM windscreens don't cost anywhere near as much as insurance companies would have you think; I'd say that your excess will generally cover the purchase cost of the screen nowadays...

 

[John]

Anyone know how much an OEM windscreen for a W211 E55 is from a main dealer?

I think my WS excess is £75 (I'm with Admiral).

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I'll get you a price tomorrow, the windscreen will be an Avantgarde one I'd have assumed.

 

[Dogbreath]

Hi guys
Got myself a lovely 10 inch crack in the screen due to a stone chip...gutted! Anyway I'm going to use my insurance (£75 excess). Can I demand a MB screen. I want what's already in. This is what I have. Thought I would wait until I've got some info off the members who know..? Before I called the insurance (saga)
Thanks Lee

 

[MartynW]

Additional question now that the thread is back at the top. Has anyone had recent experience of having a screen replaced under typical UK insurance when it is one of those fancy ones with drive assist etc that needs to be calibrated as well? Presumably the likes of Autoglass would be used by the insurer to do the screen itself and then an MB dealer would have to do the techy stuff and one would then have to claim that cost back from the insurer? I only ask as I saw a lovely new GLC in Fort William last week with a top to bottom crack in the screen and I made myself gloomy thinking about the hassle it could be to replace.

 

[slsteve]

Just had the misfortune to have needed two replacement screens fitted to my w220 s class in the last two weeks, both due to rocks being thrown up by other cars.
Did them both on the insurance, £75 excess. My car has the light and rain sensors, reflective glass, etc. Autoglass did the work, good service and no issues. Technician came to my house at my convenience but would also have done it at my workplace.

 

[E55BOF]

If you are going to pay for it yourself, Mercedes are usually very competitive on the price of windscreens; if I remember correct a new windscreen for a W202 was about £120.

OEM windscreens don't cost anywhere near as much as insurance companies would have you think; I'd say that your excess will generally cover the purchase cost of the screen nowadays...

I had an OE new screen in the silver E55K two years ago; it was about £200 for the screen.

 

[Dogbreath]

I'm all booked in, AA windscreens use Pilkington glass. Only difference is the MB stamp. Rain and light sensors and Blue tint was the spec they gave for my car. Told me out of say 100 screens 50 would go to MB and 50 used by AA. Exact same spec.... We shall see when they turn up!

 

[zipdip]

I had a windscreen with a small chip on my W221 S320 thought it would be a easy repair but Autoglass man said it might not and then preceded to pick at it and then after he repaired it said he was not happy,there was a slight milky hue where the repair was done,so another guy turned up with a screen it took a lot of fitting they have this weird contraption like a 3 wheel gizmo that is attached to the inside of the screen with yellow string going under the screen then they turn a handle and the string is supposed to cut through the mastic,anyway after a lot of trouble I have a mercedes Sungate EA screen fitted,I would rather not go through that again.

 

[John]

Just as a footnote to my experience - I just opted to go with my insurance.

When I spoke to a place recommended from this forum, they told me I was unlikely to get an OEM screen for a W211 as they are too old.

Autoglass just replaced with whatever screen and it's all been fine since - including the rain sensor.