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Windshield replacement?

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12K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  turbolink  
#1 ·
Over 3+ years of ownership and 35K miles, I've had several rock hits while driving with no damage. Last week I finally had a rock hit the windshield hard enough to crack it. My insurance covers 100% of the cost and let me opt for MB glass over aftermarket. The local MB dealer doesn't do windshield installs, so I plan to have it replaced at a glass shop I've used for nearly 15 years with good results.


My concern is whether to expect any problems with function of accessories that interface with the windshield or with the interior or exterior trim fitment. For functions I'm specifically thinking about the rain sensor and antenna functions. My GLA250 does not have a lane departure camera.


There are a number of threads in this forum discussing windshield cracking and replacement, but I don't recall any comments of post repair problems. Does anyone have feedback you can share on your windshield replacement and things I should check for once the new one is installed?
 
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#2 ·
Not quite your situation, but still worth noting.

Our GLA's auto-windshield wipers did not operate on delivery, no intermittent capability, only the manual pulse wipe and regular full wipe. The sensor was found to be improperly affixed, the adhesive used at factory was only partially applied on the glass. Our local dealer sub-contracted a glass shop nearby. The MB fix was—no kidding—to replace the entire windshield assembly. About a month after initial delivery and problem being detected I was notified the material was in, but when I took our GLA for repair, it was only the sensor, not the entire assembly, so false start.

That was followed by two MB windshields coming in from Germany over the next few months, one with a crack, one with embedded clouds. A third allegedly came in, was installed, and the new sensor had even less adhesive on it than the original. Though the service manager assured me it was repaired, it obviously did not operate.

The shop foreman attained new technical guidance with yet another repair attempt. This time a sensor was applied…by the subcontracted glass shop…with full adhesive, and it worked as it should have on delivery…8 months later. It appeared to be done without changing the windshield (I believe I still have the original equipment windshield), so essentially they had the proper material (sensor only) to do it on the first aborted repair attempt about a month after delivery.

Like you, I was concerned about collateral damage because as originally stated when the problem was found, there are many sensors and antennas on or around the windshield, thus the need for a full window assembly. However, the only issue I found after the final fix was a dirty hand smudge on the left front pillar.

I’m attaching a photo of the original improperly installed sensor for your reference. In the red circle, the darker, purplish adhesive should be complete across the entire sensor. Good luck!
 

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