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Need some glass...windshield and rear window

Started by The Warden, 30 August 2006, 03:05 PM

The Warden

Hello! I've been extremely busy over the past month (moving, starting a new job, etc), but I think things are finally starting to calm down...

At some point in the near future, I really should replace the windshield in my 300SD. It's not cracked, but it's pitted badly enough that I have difficulty seeing out of it, and the seal is bad to the point where I get a lake in the car every time it rains (at least, I presume the water's coming in through the windshied seal). It would be nice to replace the rear window as well (almost all of the defroster elements are burnt out), but not critical.

Anyone have an idea how much this would end up costing? Any recommendations on where I could take the car to have this done properly? (I'm mechanically inclined, but don't trust myself with body or glasswork) Any glass companies to look for or avoid? I imagine the OEM-style defroster elements in the rear window can only be had if I get an OEM rear window :(

I can always hope that a rock will crack the windshield; then, my insurance company would cover the replacement...

Thank you!!

alabbasi

A friend got a brand new windshield installed on his W109 for around $300. I'm certain if you call some windshield specialists, they will have it in stock. For $300 installed, your better off buying it new then having to rip it out of a junk yard and trying to fit it yourself (which is a huge pain).

All the best
With best regards

Al
Dallas, TX USA.

cipha

Many suppliers around the world make front 'glass' for these cars.  In Australia, one can have a replacement front screen installed for < US $300.

The rear is a whole different world.  Just look at the fine demister wires... no one else in the world has got it down to this level.  SO one needs to buy Original MB Glass and that is about US $1000 at my last investigation!

dizzyD

ebay has the seals, I got them both front and back, I did the back window myself with 15 feet of string, the front though was a pita, I had to call a mobile windshield repair service to install, and they had a problem but got it done, took them a hour an a half. Got to say that the front and back don't leak anymore!! ;D

The Warden

Thank you for the responses :) Work's kept me so busy that I didn't have a chance to check until just now.

FWIW, I got quoted $240 installed for a windshield, and he recognized that it wouldn't exactly be easy. Doesn't seem too bad, assuming they know what they're doing (but, this company does the windshields for all of the fleet cars at my work, so I imagine they're at least decent :) ). I didn't ask about the rear window; too scared after seeing the price quoted here :o I wonder if the individual elements can be fixed somehow? Could a solder point(s) have broken loose?

ProjectBone

Changed the windshield on my 280S yesterday - and it isn't too hard if you have enough time and an assistant. I got my windshield for 175$ (in Norway). The repairshop was kind enough to explain to me how to change it, and after about three hours it was done!
This is how you want to do it - if you'd like to try it yourself :)

The most pain is getting the old one out. Since you are going to change the seal as well it would be a lot easier though - just start in one corner, remove the metal frame around and have a friend to stand in front with a screwdriver and pry the windows out of the rubber while you push with your foot from the inside. It will probably crack, but what the hell. Then just move around and get your friend to make sure it doesn't fall over your hood.

Then glue on the new seal and wait until it's hardened.

Now, I found it easiest to slide the window down closest to the hood, make sure it attaches thoroughly in the trail of the seal. Then attach a tread in the entire trail where the window isn't in yet.

Now, start on bot sides simultaneously (with your friend of course) and work your way up to the top using the tread and if you need it, the screwdriver.

Now you probably need to slide the window further down; as it doesn't attach all the way down before you are finished with the three sides. Push it down towards the hood until you feel it has slided all the way down - and now you should be able to attach the top corners and continue the rest of the way.
I you need it, get into the car and reattach the seal from the inside - it is also attached on the inside through a trail, and when I did it this slipped out. a small screwdriver is nice here. Notice this only applies to the top.

Then just reattach the metal frame - not easy, but if you don't manage by your hands use a thick towel and a hammer to knock it into the trail.

It is some job, but it saved me about 200 bucks and I think it was worth it.

Good luck!  ;D