How Much Is A Mercedes C-Class Windshield? (Read This!)

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The C-Class is the brand’s relatively affordable car and is, therefore, one of the best-selling cars of Mercedes-Benz.

The compact sedan made its debut back in the early 1990s and has since then evolved to become the stylish yet minimalistic car that we see today.

This article answers the question “How Much Is A Mercedes C-Class Windshield?”…

How Much Is A Mercedes-Benz C-Class Windshield?

The cost of a C-Class windshield depends upon the model and the generation. The average cost should be around $400. The cost of the replacement job will depend upon a technician’s hourly rate. However, expect it to hover around $100. Also, add in another $150 for the rubber seal and the adhesive.

Is It Better To Replace It Without Insurance?

Another dilemma car owners have to face is to decide whether to let the insurance company take partial or full responsibility for the replacement cost of the windshield.

In many cases, the majority of car insurance packages don’t facilitate such unexpected events and you will have to pay the entire cost out of your pocket.

However, there are some policies such as comprehensive coverage that will pay for such unexpected repairs.

Filing a glass claim may raise your insurance rates, especially in the case of a Mercedes C-Class since its parts’ prices are relatively on the higher side.

Also, an insurance company might push you to go for an aftermarket windshield which for some people isn’t an option.

However, there is a possibility that your insurance rates might remain unchanged even if you file a windscreen claim and your insurance provider might agree on paying for the OEM windshield.

It is only in this case that you should replace the windshield of your C-Class with partial or full payment from the insurance company.

Otherwise, you are better off without them.

Can You Buy An Original Windshield From A Mercedes-Benz Dealer?

Mercedes-Benz dealerships are undoubtedly the places to get an OEM/original windshield for your C-class.

Dealerships, most of the time, only keep original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts and this is one reason why the prices of parts are so high at the dealerships.

In fact, dealerships are a great place to replace your C-Class windshield as working on Mercedes cars requires a certain amount of expertise, and their parts are a bit differently built than other automakers.

Moreover, you can also turn to the dealership in case there is any problem with their windshield or the way it was installed, and they’ll most likely facilitate you.

What Other Brands Are Available?

Apart from original Mercedes windshields, there are several other brands such as Safelite, Saint-Gobain Sekuirt, Carlite & Mopar, etc. available in the market.

There are various qualities and grades of aftermarket front glasses available in the market and some may even be somewhat close to the one that the car originally came with.

But almost none of them are made using the same technology & quality control as the original MB windshield glass.

OEM Windshield Or Aftermarket Windshield?

A feature that may not be visible to the naked eye but is integrated into the windshield by Mercedes-Benz is an infrared coating that reflects solar waves and allows the A/C system to work more efficiently.

Another unique attribute might be the windproofing that the OEM glass has to offer.

Aftermarket windshields might not have the same thickness or soundproofing ability that the OEM has to offer.

Lastly, the aftermarket ones might not be compatible with the electronic aides attached behind some of the feature-packed C-Class models, thus they should not be your #1 choice.

On the plus side, aftermarket glass would obviously be cheaper than genuine windshield glass. Expect to pay 30-40% less than what the dealership is asking for the OEM one.

The non-OEM glass should be the last resource and should only be chosen if you are short on money.

Does The C-Class Windshield Has Sensors Build In?

Electronics are a vital component of all cars these days, but Mercedes’s cars take this thing to a next level.

The brand’s cars are packed with electronics that help in the proper functioning of many features.

The windshield of a C-Class in some cases has sensors attached behind it. The sensor is usually a rain sensor that works using the light that is bouncing off the windshield.

It then uses the data to turn on or off the wipers, thus the name rain sensor.

Some other sensors and cameras that might be attached behind the top of the windshield in later model C-Class can be the collision avoidance radars, lane-departure system, and adaptive cruise control radars.

In case your C-Class windshield was broken in an accident, you’ll also need to recalibrate the sensors attached behind it and they will only work properly if a genuine windshield has been placed.

Aftermarket windshields are designed and made for normal usage without taking into account the complex electronics that are attached behind the windscreens in some cars.

They may interfere with the signals that are sent to the electronic components behind the screen and thus they may not work properly.

Such an oversight might cause problems in the future as your rain sensors, lane departure system, and other radars might not work when you need them or they may betray you when you are not paying attention to the road.

Therefore, a genuine Mercedes-Benz windshield is the best choice if you are looking to replace the faulty or cracked windshield on your C-Class.

Can You Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading?

There is a good possibility that you can delay the process of cracking on your windshield if the crack is minute (less than three inches).

However, you cannot entirely stop it from spreading even further.

Some simple hacks can come in handy that can be done at home using simple techniques and equipment.

Cracked windshields can crack even further due to the temperature variations they are subjected to, which presents a great safety hazard and it can also strand you in the middle of nowhere.

As a result, it is necessary to temporarily take care of the cracked patch until the genuine replacement arrives.

Listed below are some of tried and tested methods of stopping a windshield crack from spreading further.

Before using any of the methods, it is important to clean the screen thoroughly using a windscreen or glass cleaner and then dry it off using a clean cotton cloth or a paper towel.

The first way then is to apply transparent nail polish or super glue to the crack and then attach a clear tape over it so that it does not get contaminated.

The glue or polish will act as a bridge between the cracked area and can temporarily prevent or slow the process of further cracking.

Some auto stores have windshield repair glue that can be inserted inside the glass near the crack by making a fine hole using a drill machine.

Be careful when using this method as it requires precision and attention to detail.

After making a hole, insert the glue/resin and let it dry.

The dried glue/resin will act as a buffer and will absorb the expansion and contraction occurring from temperature changes.

Another prevention measure you can undertake to reduce the crack from extending is to make sure that you park your car in a shady area, away from direct sunlight.

As mentioned earlier, direct sunlight causes thermal expansion which is the #1 reason behind a windshield crack in the first place.

Place a car cover over your C-Class if you have to park it under the sun.

How To Know If The Windshield Is Not The Original Mercedes?

You can differentiate an original Mercedes-Benz windshield from a fake one by looking for the labels stamped on it.

The original windshield will have a Mercedes logo or Mercedes-Benz written on it.

Whereas, an aftermarket one will have the name of its manufacturer printed on it. Another way to spot a counterfeit windshield is to look for spelling mistakes.

Counterfeit parts usually have spelling mistakes which is one of their most famous telltale signs.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class windshields are coated to prevent the penetration of UV rays.

The coating gives them a unique greenish or bluish tint which can be easily spotted under sunlight.

Aftermarket windshields usually aren’t coated, which is why they have a lower price tag. This is also a great way to differentiate a genuine windscreen from an aftermarket one.

Newer models of C-Class windshields are fitted with sensors that perform a variety of tasks.

A non-OEM windshield will not have housing to accommodate those sensors.

That’s why it is advised to go for an OEM windshield as it will not only provide the best protection in case of an impact but it will also allow the sensors to perform their tasks properly.

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