Took a small rock on the passenger side this spring and was surprised to find a crack the next day that has grown to about a foot long. I have had windshields replaced before on other cars, but this one is my baby. I am gathering quotes, but Safelite came in at $462 for an oem replacement and $292 for aftermarket. I prefer the former but $170 is a lot of coin for unknown value. I have read where aftermarket are not as rigorously manufactured and can have quality defects in the glass. I guess there are no guarantees for an oem, either.

Any opinions or experience out there that could help me with my decision?

I am also debating putting this off until next spring because she goes into storage the end of October. If I do it in the spring, any problems that develop can be addressed much closer to the date of service (my biggest concern is proper re-installation of the windshleld surround).

 

I had my windshield replaced in 2013. Price then at a local glass shop was $150 for the windshield (DW01540GTNNCOM it is manufactured by PGW and has light tint) plus $145 for labor and parts. Tech was worried about damage to windshield surround trim until he realized it was the same setup as Mercedes which he was familiar with. All went well and certainly worth the money as vision was much improved. I have put 50,000 miles on since then and the windshield is still OK.
I suggest that you be sure to tell the tech doing the glass install that the trim is clipped in place just like a Mercedes as it may help him get them off/on without damage. I would also speak to them about having proper two sided tape just in case they need to replace some as it may become loose from the clips after the removal process. If the glass folks don't have the correct tape I would go to a good body shop and ask the manager if you could purchase a couple feet (about 1/2 inch wide) from him. The stuff I have bought at auto parts stores I am not confident in it's doing the job. Be sure to take the top center trim piece off first; Then the sides.

 

Safelite referenced PGW as the aftermarket replacement, and the cost is similar. Did you notice any differences in glass finish, tint, the interior beading (or whatever they use to frame the opening), or optical quality?? The tech I talked to was aware of the clips.

 

Immediately after the replacement the only difference I noticed between the OEM and the PGW was the improved vision, particularly reduced glare at night. The tint seemed the same as OEM and as to how it fit it looks OEM both inside and out. The sealant/adhesive they use to install I'm guessing has to do with your interior beading question. The install I received looks completely like factory.
I would be sure to ask them if they have the two sided tape! More then likely the failure of that tape is what causes may of the trim pieces to fly off going down the freeways and removing the trim will strain that tape bond. Best to be safe and replace it if the tech sees any parting of the clip from the trim piece or weakening of that bond.

 

If it was me I would remove and replace the trim myself so I know it was done correctly. Next thing you know you're going down the road and top piece of trim flies off and ruined plus missing clips.

 

+1, good advice!

 

Has anyone done a write up or video on how to remove and replace the trim?

 

There is a "how to" somewhere on this site that describes the R&R for the trim pieces that I printed off and took with me to Safelight when I had my windshield replaced a couple of years ago.

 

And here's info on the windscreen surround removal. The Surround is held in place by double sided adhesive tape and the clips shown. You can thank our member Woody for providing the photos last year.