Broken Windshield Replacement - OEM or Aftermarket?? - Benzworld.org

Joey6 · 10-08-2004, 11:51 PM

I had the sad experience of having a bolt strike my windshield on the way home from work and cracking the windshield on my 99 S-500 today [:(]. But I am very fortunate that my car insurance will replace it - all I have to pay is the deductible; however, they will cover it if I have the wind shield replaced by a "contracted" glass replacement agency. Of course, they do not use OEM glass but it is supposed to be "an exact duplicate of the OEM part". I am not sure about this since MB glass is of higher quality and of course more money. Have any of you guys had your windshield replaced with non-OEM glass?? If so, did you have any problems with it? How much would I expect to pay if the dealer does it?
Your opinions are greatly appreciated!! Thanks, guys!!

Joey.-

P.S. My insurance will wheel and deal with the dealer but they have warned me that more than likely will not cover it all.

mercS600 · 10-09-2004, 06:08 AM

Just had mine replaced on Friday with a non-Mercedes one.Exactly the same - no difference what-so-ever!Only thing missing is the Mercedes star as part of the glass reference number.Has the black surround,top tinting etc.[:)]

ychachad · 10-09-2004, 07:49 AM

It is your right to have any part replaced by the original that came with the car. The car company insured the OEM part and is obligated to replace with one. Choose another insurance company.

Quote:

Joey6 - 10/9/2004 1:51 AM

I had the sad experience of having a bolt strike my windshield on the way home from work and cracking the windshield on my 99 S-500 today [:(]. But I am very fortunate that my car insurance will replace it - all I have to pay is the deductible; however, they will cover it if I have the wind shield replaced by a "contracted" glass replacement agency. Of course, they do not use OEM glass but it is supposed to be "an exact duplicate of the OEM part". I am not sure about this since MB glass is of higher quality and of course more money. Have any of you guys had your windshield replaced with non-OEM glass?? If so, did you have any problems with it? How much would I expect to pay if the dealer does it?
Your opinions are greatly appreciated!! Thanks, guys!!

Joey.-

P.S. My insurance will wheel and deal with the dealer but they have warned me that more than likely will not cover it all.

Merc600sec · 10-10-2004, 11:13 AM

Stick to your guns and insist that they use the MERC one..Tell them that your advice is that a non OEM unit will definitly DEVALUE your car.. Ask any Merc Stealer if they will fit a non OEM one for you.. and why not..If you sold it unto the trade .. they will reduce the sale price by the amount that it would cost to restore to original condition.. You require LIKE for LIKE thats what they insured you for.. unless you do of course the insurance co can then give you a Kia as replacement

WGBENZ · 10-10-2004, 08:59 PM

If your policy says "Like kind and quality" you're probably entitled to a new OEM Windscreen; Providing that you can demonstrate from all your service records that you have your local MBZ store do all maintenance and service work associated with the car..... If not they are probably correct. It ain't worth the fight......

If you didn't have any insurance coverage, would you buy a new OEM windscreen at 3X the price of aftermarket??

Joey6 · 10-11-2004, 11:58 PM

Well, I still have not given up yet!! The dealer and I are working on my insurance company to get them to approve the OEM windshield.. [}:)] I will keep you posted as to the results.

Joey6

Joey6 · 10-12-2004, 11:34 PM

Good news!!

Thanks to all of you guys insisting that I do not give up the ship, I argued (somewhat) with my insurance company, and they readily agreed to cover the windshield replacement at the MB dealer at 100% of the cost, of course, minus my 200.00 deductible. If you are curious, the cost will be: $655.00 for the windshield; $248.00 for installation (actually, the real cost for the install is $188.00 since they have this other company come to the dealer and install it there; therefore, they can say that it has been installed at the dealer, thus charging you more) - my insurance company investigated this and they insisted that I be charged only the $188.00 and not the $248.00. The dealer told them that they would "try" to adjust this. Interesting, hu??
Also, there are costs for the trim, adhesive, and "miscellaneous" bits and pieces - probably at the tune of another $200.00 + . Grand total = Approx. $1043.00 (+) dollars!!! If I did not have insurance...? After market windshield - here I come, baby!! (@ approx total cost of $309.00 installed!!!)

Joey.-