When it was brand new the wife hit a parking lot bollard. The damage is a little crease, and dent on the passenger rear door. It’s actually tough to notice.
So, there is only a $500 damage waiver if I lease another GM (which based on what she wants, doubtful)
Do I have a local body shop fix it, or just turn it in and pay the bill?
I’ve never damaged a lease vehicle before and otherwise the car will fly right through the inspection.
My thinking is to get fixed at the local body shop since it will be cheaper in the end.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
This article says chatter is caused by the angle of the blades...which can be changed; The most common problem with chattering wiper blades is not the blade --it's the angle that the blade swipes across the windshield. If the blade is chattering on the down stroke, then the end of the wiper arm has to be bent so the rubber wiper edge will trail slightly. If the chatter is on the up stroke, then again, a simple bend in the arm should take care of the problem. The slight bend is made with a small adjustable wrench, slipping the wrench over the arm an inch down from where the blade connects to the arm. I have never had any problems with the Bosch blades and sold many over the years. The new generation of frameless beam style blades seems to the best. The use of some rain clearing glass products will also cause chatter during light rain drizzle.
Like they say, if they can send a man to the moon....they should be able to make a windshield wiper that works properly. Or, maybe in Europe they don't worry about such things as chatter.
When it was brand new the wife hit a parking lot bollard. The damage is a little crease, and dent on the passenger rear door. It’s actually tough to notice.
So, there is only a $500 damage waiver if I lease another GM (which based on what she wants, doubtful)
Do I have a local body shop fix it, or just turn it in and pay the bill?
I’ve never damaged a lease vehicle before and otherwise the car will fly right through the inspection.
My thinking is to get fixed at the local body shop since it will be cheaper in the end.
I've had a couple of lease inspections the last few years. In 2014 I figured they would ding me for damages on my Regal Turbo. About a year prior to lease-end I hadn't noticed a tallish curb in a parking lot and cut the corner a bit too close. It impacted the underside of the right rocker panel and bent a section of it upward slightly. It always bugged me but like your case you had to be looking for it to notice, and the inspector didn't. The only thing he noted were a couple of wheel scuffs and it went back without a hitch. I might be tempted to take my chances if it is as subtle as you say, then feign surprise if it gets picked up.
When it was brand new the wife hit a parking lot bollard. The damage is a little crease, and dent on the passenger rear door. It’s actually tough to notice.
So, there is only a $500 damage waiver if I lease another GM (which based on what she wants, doubtful)
Do I have a local body shop fix it, or just turn it in and pay the bill?
I’ve never damaged a lease vehicle before and otherwise the car will fly right through the inspection.
My thinking is to get fixed at the local body shop since it will be cheaper in the end.
Wait to get the pre-turn-in inspection to see what they’ll charge, then get body shop estimate, then pay the cheaper of the two.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yup. Might not even get flagged. Just do the inspection as early as possible. I think on VW and Hyundai (and IIRC they both used the same inspection company) that was at least 30, if not 60, days. If they do note it as something you need to pay, go from there.
So I will have to live with this issue until such time as a buy or lease another car - but not a Meecedes! 🤨😩🙁
And the countdown starts.......NOW!
Did you ever test drive the Genesis, Mike? From what I hear, they're all about customer service so they can expand their foothold here.
Yes, GG, I have test driven the G80 - nice car - just a little stiff. I am going to have to live with this wiper problem for at least 3 years since I am not going to buy another car for at least three years. Almost made it to three years with the S450. Keeping a car that I hardly drive for 3 or 4 years is OK with me since I don't drive as much as I used to.
Mike...I’m betting the issue will be resolved sooner rather than later on your car. Like others noted, I don’t believe it’s a windshield issue. It’s probalby just an adjustment that can be made on the wiper arms.
When it was brand new the wife hit a parking lot bollard. The damage is a little crease, and dent on the passenger rear door. It’s actually tough to notice.
So, there is only a $500 damage waiver if I lease another GM (which based on what she wants, doubtful)
Do I have a local body shop fix it, or just turn it in and pay the bill?
I’ve never damaged a lease vehicle before and otherwise the car will fly right through the inspection.
My thinking is to get fixed at the local body shop since it will be cheaper in the end.
If the dent isn’t overly creased you can probably get the paintless dent guy to fix it cheap. That’s who Enterprise uses for all but major damage.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My next door neighbor has had a series of red BMW 3 series. Now she technically has a red Mercedes A220. She's been driving a courtesy car for the last couple of weeks.
When it was brand new the wife hit a parking lot bollard. The damage is a little crease, and dent on the passenger rear door. It’s actually tough to notice.
So, there is only a $500 damage waiver if I lease another GM (which based on what she wants, doubtful)
Do I have a local body shop fix it, or just turn it in and pay the bill?
I’ve never damaged a lease vehicle before and otherwise the car will fly right through the inspection.
My thinking is to get fixed at the local body shop since it will be cheaper in the end.
BMW used to send lessees a clear plastic sheet with concentric circled printed on it. If the damage fit inside the smallest circle there was no charge. I forget what the price structure was. I hated lease turn-ins and wished that we sent everyone to a third party for inspections. Most lessees were great but there were a few that were just impossible to deal with.
Mike....did you ever try a premo brand of windshield wiper....maybe like; Advanced, Beam Blade Technology – Contours to the curvature of the windshield for a smooth, virtually streak-free wipe and features a patented universal adapter for easy installation. All-Weather Performance – The synthetic blend rubber squeegee can withstand extreme weather conditions for enhanced durability. More Than Just a Wiper Blade! 2-IN-1 Wiper Blade + Water Repellent - Clears & Repels Water There could be others!
RainX does not have wiper blades that fit my car - that was already tried.
So I will have to live with this issue until such time as a buy or lease another car - but not a Meecedes! 🤨😩🙁
And the countdown starts.......NOW!
Did you ever test drive the Genesis, Mike? From what I hear, they're all about customer service so they can expand their foothold here.
Yes, GG, I have test driven the G80 - nice car - just a little stiff. I am going to have to live with this wiper problem for at least 3 years since I am not going to buy another car for at least three years. Almost made it to three years with the S450. Keeping a car that I hardly drive for 3 or 4 years is OK with me since I don't drive as much as I used to.
Mike...I’m betting the issue will be resolved sooner rather than later on your car. Like others noted, I don’t believe it’s a windshield issue. It’s probalby just an adjustment that can be made on the wiper arms.
They cover almost every possibility......they all have to do with the wiper. Some are temporary problems that will fix themselves. Seems the amount of pressure and the angle are major concerns. Since RainX doesn't make one in that size maybe another premo make does. Some suggest taking the arm off and putting it back on again....or just turn the radio up!
Up until about five yearts ago we had a wonderful old time Mom and Pop Hardware Store in the old part of town. they were friendly and knew everything hardware related. If you needed two screws for a project they would sell you TWO screws and not a box of 50 that you would never use!
Then Lowes came to town followed by Home Depot. They tried to stay in business and managed to hang on for quite a few years. Their "loyal" customers flocked to the Big Box stores while continuing to sing their praises of the Mom and Pop place that everyone loved. Singing and loving is just great but BUYING is something else.
Sadly they shut their doors. No more creaking wooden floors or a friendly person who not only had the parts to fix your lamp but took the time to show you how to fix it.
Up until about five yearts ago we had a wonderful old time Mom and Pop Hardware Store in the old part of town. they were friendly and knew everything hardware related. If you needed two screws for a project they would sell you TWO screws and not a box of 50 that you would never use!
Then Lowes came to town followed by Home Depot. They tried to stay in business and managed to hang on for quite a few years. Their "loyal" customers flocked to the Big Box stores while continuing to sing their praises of the Mom and Pop place that everyone loved. Singing and loving is just great but BUYING is something else.
Sadly they shut their doors. No more creaking wooden floors or a friendly person who not only had the parts to fix your lamp but took the time to show you how to fix it.
And the beat go's on.....
I think it’s more a factor of convenience.
I have two relatively close independent hardware stores. Do they have the selection as Lowe’s? No, but they carry Weber grills and not 6 brands of grills that essentially do the same thing as Lowe’s does.
Local hardware stores are easy to navigate and offer useful advice for any home repair or maintenance need I might have.
What I can’t do at my local hardware stores is buy 30 sheets of dry wall, or New flooring for the whole house, or get a new dishwasher.
But, for everything else, it’s easier and more convenient to go to my local store. Plus, they’ll actually walk you to the exact aisle or bin to find what you need. Try getting that at Lowe’s.
When it was brand new the wife hit a parking lot bollard. The damage is a little crease, and dent on the passenger rear door. It’s actually tough to notice.
So, there is only a $500 damage waiver if I lease another GM (which based on what she wants, doubtful)
Do I have a local body shop fix it, or just turn it in and pay the bill?
I’ve never damaged a lease vehicle before and otherwise the car will fly right through the inspection.
My thinking is to get fixed at the local body shop since it will be cheaper in the end.
Wait to get the pre-turn-in inspection to see what they’ll charge, then get body shop estimate, then pay the cheaper of the two.
This was my exact thought to do first.
My fear is that there are few scuffs on the trim of the front passenger door and the trailing edge as well. I am thinking of not having that done and just focusing on the worst of it. The marks on the front door are non-issues but if they see the whole thing I'm afraid they will try and charge for all of it.
I'll try and take a quick pic of it and upload. There is NO way it's getting past an inspection. The whole door needs a repaint.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Up until about five yearts ago we had a wonderful old time Mom and Pop Hardware Store in the old part of town. they were friendly and knew everything hardware related. If you needed two screws for a project they would sell you TWO screws and not a box of 50 that you would never use!
Then Lowes came to town followed by Home Depot. They tried to stay in business and managed to hang on for quite a few years. Their "loyal" customers flocked to the Big Box stores while continuing to sing their praises of the Mom and Pop place that everyone loved. Singing and loving is just great but BUYING is something else.
Sadly they shut their doors. No more creaking wooden floors or a friendly person who not only had the parts to fix your lamp but took the time to show you how to fix it.
And the beat go's on.....
I tried to stick with our local store, but they never had what I needed. Luckily, it was on the way to HD, so I could stop and check, but after a few strikeouts, I stopped bothering.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Up until about five yearts ago we had a wonderful old time Mom and Pop Hardware Store in the old part of town. they were friendly and knew everything hardware related. If you needed two screws for a project they would sell you TWO screws and not a box of 50 that you would never use!
Then Lowes came to town followed by Home Depot. They tried to stay in business and managed to hang on for quite a few years. Their "loyal" customers flocked to the Big Box stores while continuing to sing their praises of the Mom and Pop place that everyone loved. Singing and loving is just great but BUYING is something else.
Sadly they shut their doors. No more creaking wooden floors or a friendly person who not only had the parts to fix your lamp but took the time to show you how to fix it.
And the beat go's on.....
In the town that I grew up in (Sandy's familiar with the town), on Main St. was a wonderful old time hardware store, Welch's IIRC. Wooden floors that creaked and smelled fantastic! Unfortunately, beginning in (again, IIRC) the '80s, Main St. got "malled." Adios, many, many local businesses.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Hard to miss that! It has to be fixed, either before or when you take it in.........personally, I would take it in for a pre-inspection, see what the dealer would charge.......then comparison shop. But, if it is at all close, use the dealer even if it is more, so they can't deny it wasn't repaired to their standards.
That's pretty much what I do. I never switch them on or leave them on "auto", always off, and I manually control them. I usually have the windshield treated or at least very clean, so in most driving situations, it isn't bad - constantly running wipers bug me anyway, and auto wipers seem to have two speeds - too fast and too slow.
When it was brand new the wife hit a parking lot bollard. The damage is a little crease, and dent on the passenger rear door. It’s actually tough to notice.
So, there is only a $500 damage waiver if I lease another GM (which based on what she wants, doubtful)
Do I have a local body shop fix it, or just turn it in and pay the bill?
I’ve never damaged a lease vehicle before and otherwise the car will fly right through the inspection.
My thinking is to get fixed at the local body shop since it will be cheaper in the end.
BMW used to send lessees a clear plastic sheet with concentric circled printed on it. If the damage fit inside the smallest circle there was no charge. I forget what the price structure was. I hated lease turn-ins and wished that we sent everyone to a third party for inspections. Most lessees were great but there were a few that were just impossible to deal with.
I've been watching some guy who tests locks to see if they can be opened by breaking them. Here is one about a safe. Pretty shocking, at least to me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2guvwQvElA8
Yeah, the paintless dent guy could take the dents out but no way he’d handle those deep scuffs.
There are a lot of rattle can videos on YT that make painting a door look easy. Weird Beard just did a Mustang fender with some harbor freight grade equipment.
Just don’t use a paint roller.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Thanks guys, you have given me a lot to think about.
I have a body shop in town I've used before. I think I'm going to get an estimate and go from there. The paint is flaking just above the trim. It's probably worse than it looks.
In the end, it is going to run close to $1000 no matter what I do. I've leased 8 cars in a row and this is my first time needing a repair, so I can't complain too much.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
In the end, it is going to run close to $1000 no matter what I do. I've leased 8 cars in a row and this is my first time needing a repair, so I can't complain too much.
A dent guy plus trying to paint it might be wasted money. Probably better to do it the right way the first time. Get a few quotes.
This article says chatter is caused by the angle of the blades...which can be changed; The most common problem with chattering wiper blades is not the blade --it's the angle that the blade swipes across the windshield. If the blade is chattering on the down stroke, then the end of the wiper arm has to be bent so the rubber wiper edge will trail slightly. If the chatter is on the up stroke, then again, a simple bend in the arm should take care of the problem...
Like they say, if they can send a man to the moon....they should be able to make a windshield wiper that works properly. Or, maybe in Europe they don't worry about such things as chatter.
@mike I'm not sure whether someone has already mentioned replacing the wiper blade motor(s). While such a radical approach may not cure the problem, it's worth a try. Take a look at some of the many YouTube videos to see if it is worth the trouble. Good luck.
also, remember you are fixing it to give back. If you were keeping the car for many years, you want it done with craftsmanship. But to return a lease, whatever the cheapest way to get an OK result is what gets done. One big reason to look carefully at a lease return when shopping used.
some of those YouTube videos of repairing rust holes with cardboard and toothpaste must have come from real world at originally!
also, remember you are fixing it to give back. If you were keeping the car for many years, you want it done with craftsmanship. But to return a lease, whatever the cheapest way to get an OK result is what gets done.
Yeah. “A Lick and a Promise Bargain Auto Body” might be the way to go.
I've been watching some guy who tests locks to see if they can be opened by breaking them. Here is one about a safe. Pretty shocking, at least to me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2guvwQvElA8
Comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Our Enclave is due back Dec 7th.
When it was brand new the wife hit a parking lot bollard. The damage is a little crease, and dent on the passenger rear door. It’s actually tough to notice.
So, there is only a $500 damage waiver if I lease another GM (which based on what she wants, doubtful)
Do I have a local body shop fix it, or just turn it in and pay the bill?
I’ve never damaged a lease vehicle before and otherwise the car will fly right through the inspection.
My thinking is to get fixed at the local body shop since it will be cheaper in the end.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
The most common problem with chattering wiper blades is not the blade --it's the angle that the blade swipes across the windshield. If the blade is chattering on the down stroke, then the end of the wiper arm has to be bent so the rubber wiper edge will trail slightly. If the chatter is on the up stroke, then again, a simple bend in the arm should take care of the problem. The slight bend is made with a small adjustable wrench, slipping the wrench over the arm an inch down from where the blade connects to the arm. I have never had any problems with the Bosch blades and sold many over the years. The new generation of frameless beam style blades seems to the best. The use of some rain clearing glass products will also cause chatter during light rain drizzle.
Like they say, if they can send a man to the moon....they should be able to make a windshield wiper that works properly. Or, maybe in Europe they don't worry about such things as chatter.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2018 430i Gran Coupe
She's been driving a courtesy car for the last couple of weeks.
BMW used to send lessees a clear plastic sheet with concentric circled printed on it. If the damage fit inside the smallest circle there was no charge. I forget what the price structure was. I hated lease turn-ins and wished that we sent everyone to a third party for inspections. Most lessees were great but there were a few that were just impossible to deal with.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
https://carroar.com/juddering-windshield-wipers/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
https://carroar.com/best-windshield-washer-fluids/
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Normally though a good windshield cleaning, and wiping down the blades, fixes the problem right up.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Then Lowes came to town followed by Home Depot. They tried to stay in business and managed to hang on for quite a few years. Their "loyal" customers flocked to the Big Box stores while continuing to sing their praises of the Mom and Pop place that everyone loved. Singing and loving is just great but BUYING is something else.
Sadly they shut their doors. No more creaking wooden floors or a friendly person who not only had the parts to fix your lamp but took the time to show you how to fix it.
And the beat go's on.....
I have two relatively close independent hardware stores. Do they have the selection as Lowe’s? No, but they carry Weber grills and not 6 brands of grills that essentially do the same thing as Lowe’s does.
Local hardware stores are easy to navigate and offer useful advice for any home repair or maintenance need I might have.
What I can’t do at my local hardware stores is buy 30 sheets of dry wall, or New flooring for the whole house, or get a new dishwasher.
But, for everything else, it’s easier and more convenient to go to my local store. Plus, they’ll actually walk you to the exact aisle or bin to find what you need. Try getting that at Lowe’s.
Each has their place!
My fear is that there are few scuffs on the trim of the front passenger door and the trailing edge as well. I am thinking of not having that done and just focusing on the worst of it. The marks on the front door are non-issues but if they see the whole thing I'm afraid they will try and charge for all of it.
I'll try and take a quick pic of it and upload. There is NO way it's getting past an inspection. The whole door needs a repaint.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I’m sure dealers love it, since they have to fix that stuff all the time on used cars, and it sucks people into just leasing a replacement.
I’m hoping my wheel scrape is within the $750 allowance Acura gives you. Knock wood, there won’t be anything else flagged.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Interesting tread design? Noisy when it's half worn? Or not.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Here is one about a safe. Pretty shocking, at least to me.
This one is even better.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There are a lot of rattle can videos on YT that make painting a door look easy. Weird Beard just did a Mustang fender with some harbor freight grade equipment.
Just don’t use a paint roller.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have a body shop in town I've used before. I think I'm going to get an estimate and go from there. The paint is flaking just above the trim. It's probably worse than it looks.
In the end, it is going to run close to $1000 no matter what I do. I've leased 8 cars in a row and this is my first time needing a repair, so I can't complain too much.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
some of those YouTube videos of repairing rust holes with cardboard and toothpaste must have come from real world at originally!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible