Windsscreen Woes.

[esox]

Went to pick the kids up from school this afternoon,went the long way back to give the car a run when i was confronted with the dreaded re-surfacing (just the cheapo version where they spread tar accross the road then sprinkle chippings on top).SO,kept way back from car in front,30ish MPH,ultra-carefull when someone coming in opposite direction passed,kicked up a stone and SMACK,direct hit on my windscreen-about an inch from edge of glass half way up A pillar.
Phoned the recommended glass people as per insurance and explained problem,they said as it was so near to edge of glass that repair might not be possible,told me to pop in when passing and they would have a look,i said OK i will continue to drive it and hope it does not get any worse,...Went out to car a minute ago and guess what?,small "star" chip has grown into 16" crack right in drivers view so now its definate replacement.
The big question is can i trust these windscreen replacement companys to do a decent job and put my car back together in the condition it is now-modern cars have all sorts of body trims/parts that have to come off,its not just a case of a rubber seal these days is it.Had the same thing about a year ago and they repaired crack with their suction gadget,got away with it that time,im dreading getting them to put a new winscreen in.Does MB glass chip rather too readily?,seems that way.

 

[sym]

Bad luck

You'll have to trust them. I have a chip at the moment which I'm hoping will not get any bigger. Just make sure that if you have a rain sensor, they order the right screen - and re-connect it properly - otherwise, keep a close eye on them !

S.

 

[esox]

Bad luck

You'll have to trust them. S.

Yeah,thats the problem.
Its got a sensor-good point,its also Pilkington heat insulating tinted glass-will theirs be exactly the same?The trouble is its allways nice to know that your car is exactly as it came out of the factory-when this sort of thing happens and non-original parts are fitted its just not the same is it?

 

[sym]

Do it through your dealer if you want to be certain that the correct part turns up - they can match up the part number to your VIN.

S.

 

[Flyer]

When mine went last year, I asked my dealer to order the windscreen. Autoglass then fitted it at the dealer. Slight problem, as the A-pillar covers were insecure, but they refitted them and it's been fine since.

 

[esox]

When mine went last year, I asked my dealer to order the windscreen. Autoglass then fitted it at the dealer. Slight problem, as the A-pillar covers were insecure, but they refitted them and it's been fine since.

Thats the route i`ll probably take-that way its genuine parts plus if the fitter gets stuck help is not too far away!

 

[jaymanek]

Have heard of some problems with some of the companies, cant remember which were the ones to avoid now! They all vary by region as most operate as franchises. But you can def ask them to order the original part, infact they may have to anyway.. Just watch over them while they do it..

Jay

 

[mapleleaf]

RAC windscreens are ok , I think most insurance companies use them now. They did 2 on my last SL, the ML and the rear screen on the Aston . no problems with trim at all.

 

[nickmann]

I had mine replaced last week, due to a chip. I got it done by the dealer. They handled all the insurance paperwork too. Luvly.

Interestingly - they made me leave it with them for 24 hours so the glue could bond properly. Fine by me, as they gave me a loan car.

Maybe the dealer doesn't do as many screens as Autoglass or similar, but I reckon you have more chance of rectifications being carried out in the event of a problem.

 

[esox]

Its booked in with RAC Autoglass for Tues,i insisted on having a genuine MB screen which they have ordered from dealer.

 

[Satch]

Had a broken screen fixed at home last summer and fitter advised me not to drive it for at least two hours, leave it be for 24hrs if I could and not to wash it in that time either (something to do with certain detergents, not fully cured adhesive and the reduced water surface tension)

What about roadside repair? Surely you would not advise me to park up on the hard shoulder of the M25 for a day or even two hours? Ah, he says, the adhesive compounds as used on most bonded screens these days are very good. The makers say it should be OK following a quick drive away in most cases.

But, if this was my car.........

 

[esox]

Its booked in with RAC Autoglass for Tues,i insisted on having a genuine MB screen which they have ordered from dealer.

All done,not a bad job but theres evidence of work done due to scratched plastic where dissasembly has taken place.Also trim at bottom of screen not fixed properly at end(being very picky here).
Removed said piece of trim and re-fixed with my usual rusty screwdriver
Genuine screen fitted complete with MB holographic part number sticker still afffixed.

 

[Anders]

Wish me good luck - mine went in this morning to Carglass, who assured me they are using OEM parts.

And BTW, yes, my June 1998 C43 does have the rain-sensor, if that can clarify when it was made available on the W202.

Will report back on the result, but it seemed a serious place, which was able to take me in with 12 hours notice.