2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Long-Term Road Test: Pitted Windshield

Edmunds.com

Pitted Windshield: 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Long-Term Road Test

Every time I drive towards a rising or setting sun in our long-term 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, my vision is blurred by some serious pitting in the windshield. Those little specs act like water spots that have dried on the glass, intensifying the sun's reflection, limiting forward visibility. They aren't just in the lower left corner there either, they're spread across the entire windshield.

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sharpend

Sheesh, OCD much? Just wear sunglasses and live with it!

bankerdanny

I'd ignore it. It is a minor cosmetic issue that isn't worth $400 to fix much less $1,000.

misterfusion

Perhaps the Great Windshield Pitting Epidemic is making a return!

http://www.autoglassontheweb.com/531646/2012/08/28/mass-delusions-a-look-back-at-the-seattle-windshield-pitting-epidemic-of-1954.html

allthingshonda

Use some of that $7.00 washer fluid you bought for the KIA. For what you paid it should clear it right up.

s197gt

i hate glass pitting, too. but not $1000 worth of hate. $400-500 i could do...

mcesarey

I'd keep it in mind, but live with it for the time being. Wait for a big rock to slam into it, then replace it. No way would I pay a grand in order to fix some minor pitting.

kirkhilles1

You're asking me whether I'd spend $1000 or $1650 to replace a windshield because of some spots? Are you crazy? I have a tough time justifying a required 60k timing belt change and don't want to think about replacing $150 tires. I'm not going to spend $1,000+ on a windshield unless its REALLY REALLY broken and even then I'm going to look into insurance claim options.

desmolicious

While the Benz AMG may be pricey, wasn't the replacement glass on the FJ Cruiser much more?
I don't see that vehicle anymore on the Edmunds' past fleet list, which is kinda weird.

melinam

Hi Travis!
Melina here in Safelite’s communications department. Thanks for the shout-out in your article! I checked with our national director of quality about your situation. He said a pitted windshield is definitely a safety concern if affects the driver’s view of the road ahead. Sometimes it can be even more of a concern than your normal chip or crack due to night driving and headlights reflecting off pitted glass. If you decide to have something done about it, please let me know. You can find me at https://twitter.com/melinametzger - just DM me and I’ll get you in touch with the right people.

kshankar

What type of glass coverage do your cars have? I have 100% coverage for glass through my insurance.

kirkhilles1

kshankar said:

What type of glass coverage do your cars have? I have 100% coverage for glass through my insurance.

Here in GA, we don't have options for ANY coverage even through a great insurance company like USAA - we have to pay it out of pocket. No offense, but based on what I've read, I wouldn't use Safelite as they make their own windshields typically. Maybe in this case, they'll use a genuine OEM, but I've heard enough horror stories to avoid them.