2017 GLS550 Rearview Mirror Shower Setting

[rpaoness]

I think it was last June we took the Benz to take the boys mountain bike riding at a loop track about 40 minutes away. As we got there the sky opened up for a crazy downpour thunderstorm, and it rained unbelieveably hard. Before we even left the parking lot there, there was some water dripping out of the overhead console/center rearview mirror area that dripped all over the dash and the front of the cupholders/console. Then on the way home while still cats-and-dogs-downpour/terrible visibility the passenger wiper tangled up with the driver's wiper and flew off (to later get stuck in the bicycle hanging off the rack on the back - saved me $60 or $70?).

After we got home I opened the sunroof (that I didn't know opened - I had never tried the switch and didn't realize it "pushed" front to back until then) and tested if the sunroof drains were clear with a cup of water and got clear flow out of each of the corner drains. I "concluded" that it may have just had something temporarily clogging one of the four and we were parked in an unfavorable angle and hadn't seen any recurrrence. Note that it is almost always garaged.

Now, about a week ago, wound up going out for a minor surgery thing for Max on a very very rainy day, and we again had dripping from the rearview mirror. I can recheck drains, but I'm thinking it's likely something else since it's always garaged. I should start with googling rain entry issues to try to figure out where to start.

Also the same day the CEL came on again for the fuel evap system. And now I have an at least intermittment P0299. When it rains it pours.

I debated whether (weather?) this post should go in interior or exterior category, but I concluded that water on the inside was the problem so here it is.

[kevm14]

https://waterdoctorsint.com/

Interior Waters, LLC
Ed Hurn
Connecticut
(845) 853-4004
EMAIL US
ed.h@waterdoctorsint.com

[rpaoness]

I finally spent some time with a hose - it's the upper windshield-meets-body seam that's leaking. I had the hose 3-4" from the top of the windshield and it started dripping inside.

I emailed Vernon Auto Sales to see if they still know who did the windshield replacement and could forward their contact info if possible. If that doesn't pan out I guess i'll price out a windshield replacement and/or use the insurance autoglass coverage.

[rpaoness]

Finally called Vernon since I hadn't heard back. He said he tried to call me the day after I emailed but I didn't answer. He said they have no record of the windshield being changed.

So now I need to find a windshield place to pull and rework. I guess I'll call the New London Benz dealer and see who they use.

[rpaoness]

New London Benz recommends Mobile Glass Works. Somewhat contrary to their name they do work only in shop? I'm OK with that as I don't think I love the mobile glass installation guys, but they were somewhat necessary for the JCB and at least more convenient for the box truck.

https://mobileglassworks.yolasite.com/

I called and they're going to quote both Benz OEM and aftermarket glass options for me. He claimed Geico wouldn't do OEM glass as an insurance claim, but recommended I just pay out of pocket and then send them the bill. I'm not sure how that will work since it isn't damaged, just defective installation.

[kevm14]

Well they probably won't ask for photos...so as long as the shop is ok writing whatever on your behalf then you're fine.

[rpaoness]

I called the Warwick Benz dealer for a 2nd quote. They "do" windshield replacements, but they schedule with Patriot Autoglass to have it done in the Benz dealer.

$1820.00 + tax for an OEM windshield replacement, including labor and recalibration.

I then called and talked to Patriot Auto Glass (Johnston RI). For water leaks they do a $200 diagnostic for water leaks and assess and reglue/repair if possible. If not possible, full windshield replacement is $399 from them, and according to her they only buy top-tier glass and don't have any quality concerns. They don't do OEM glass without working with a dealer.

I think I'm going to go with Patriot Auto Glass. I'm in MA until Friday this week and scheduled to drop Max off at running camp in Lyndon VT Sunday. I then either expected to spend my workweek in Lunenburg VT or MA depending on how things go, and return when I pick him up Saturday. Then Tuesday I'm off to CA.

Christine is trying to figure out when she can get to Johnston RI next week to schedule an appointment. I also would prefer she not immediately drive the full 70 min or so home if they replace the windshield, but the glass place claims it's fine.

[rpaoness]

Drove out to Patriot Auto Glass in Johnston RI. Tech there said he had 10+ years experience. He was unable to duplicate the windshield water leak with a water bottle (he didn't have a hose I could demonstrate with). We agreed to have him pull the windshield anyhow, even though he didn't see the leak. After removal we found a defect spot in the urethane at the top of the windshield. Although he attempted to remove gently with a wire-winch type adhesive cutter, he did wind up breaking the glass (he was beginning to prep for reinstallation when I noticed the crack).

Installed a new replacement they had ordered (FUYAO FW4107?). Adhesive said 30 minute drive-away was fine. I went to a library nearby to work for half an hour or so and then had lunch before getting back to interstate speeds just in case.

He did not retorque the windshield wiper arms. They were installed with his usual wrench-tight with a 6" or 8" ratchet.

I think the torque spec was 20 ft-lbs + 90 deg if I recall correctly, so I'll have to retorque those before one flies off again.

[rpaoness]

Oh yeah - invoice said it was $93 for the windshield and $300 for labor. Somehow the total was $399 though? I tipped the tech $10.

[kevm14]

32 Nm, no angle.