Has anyone had a good experience with having this performed? I'm a perfectionist...can this be completed without damaging/scratching the painted/plastic areas around the windshield, taking in consideration that the molding will be removed first? In other words...will I be exchanging one damage for another to have a clear, scratch free windshield or should I not be able to tell it was ever replaced! Also...does the rear view mirror cause a problem with removal = it seems to be glued to the windshield? (Dealer is replacing my windshield under warranty do to scratches/defects in the glass as my car was just purchased new). Thanks in advance for any advice that can be given!

 

My wife recently had the windshield replaced in her 300M by some local company. They did a great job, and I can't see any marks or any other evidence the change out occurred.

 

You are right to be concerned. Ask your dealer/installer how many of these windshields they have actually replaced. If they say none, walk away. You will be the "on the job training program" for the people doing the job. If the dealer plans to farm it out to a windshield repair company, ask the same questions. This car, as we all know, is in very limited use, and I am afraid qualified repair "persons" for things like the windshield are going to be few and far between.

The very best of luck..

John

 

As a rule, DC Dealerships do not install windshields, but have the repairs sublet out to qualified glass repair specialists. I would have no worries whatsoever regarding the replacement of the windshield. Regardless of what one may hear on this (and other) forums most of the automotive repair specialists, including dealerships, are qualified, competent professionals that want to satisfy the customer.

I caught a rock with my XF and had the windshield replaced by insurance. There were absolutely no problems and I could not tell that anything had been done.

You are correct regarding the mirror. A bracket is glued to the windshield and the mirror attaches to the bracket. Once the mirror is removed, the bracket is either removed and reused or replaced with a new one which is glued on the new windshield with a special glue.

Don't worry about it. The individual replacing your windshield has probably replaced them on cars much more special, more unique, and more expensive than our XF's.

Fritz

 

I had to replace the windshield on my former PT Cruiser. My chrysler dealer has well qualified mechanics. But he told me he let such works to be done by external experts. The car came back in 1/2 day -> perfect! No scratches, no defects.
Let this kind of work to be done by well-versed windshield experts. No experiments made by engine technicians.

 

JMHO...First of all, anyone who takes their car to the dealer for windshield replacement is wasting their time. All they will do is farm it out to a glass shop and charge you a higher price, than if you had went straight to a glass shop yourself.

I don't want to start an argument but windshield replacement is not exactly rocket science, and the Crossfire is a relatively easy windshield to replace. As you basically said, the Crossfire is a limited production vehicle, not too many shops have seen or worked on them but if you wait around for a shop that has done one, you'll be waiting a long time. As with other things in life it pays to build a relationships and stay with automotive shops you trust. Once you have, you can rest assured they will continue giving good service no matter what car you are driving. After everything is said and done, the Crossfire is really just another car.

 

All they have to do with the windshield frame is to tape it with a masking tape. That'll prevent any damages to your windshield frame paint.

 

actually, the 3 silver painted (plastic trim) pieces around the windshield are removed (via clips) to gain access to the windshield mounts/seam.

 

Warranty? Insurance? I don't pay a cent and the dealer does all the paperwork. And the car comes back washed. If it's out of warranty, sure, go on yourself.

 

What does warranty have to do with windshield replacement unless it is a defect from the factory? Road hazard damage is on the owner, not the dealer.

I make two calls, one to the glass shop of my choice to give them a heads up that I'll be bringing in the car and one to my insurance to file a claim. No paperwork to fill out. No muss, no fuss. As for paying, several companies offer no deductible glass coverage. I have filed several glass claims and it does not raise my rates.

 

If you read the original post...this IS a warranty replacement due to a defect from the factory. Therefore, a trip to the dealer was mandated.

 

Well, I even let my dealer do the calls. Just drive in, leave the car there and pick it up done later. Without doing anything. My dealer does all the proof for the insurance (photos...) in order to get a new windshield iso just repair. Maybe it works different USA<->EUR.