pre-facelift vs. Post-facelift windshield glass

[Shdwvzn]

Hello,

I have a 1993 400E, the windshield finally gave out after 33 years (big crack in the center). I'm trying to get it replaced. I'm curious what the difference is between the pre-facelift glass vs. the post? apparently there is a bonded strip of plastic at the bottom of the facelift glass, I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for. My car is a 93' (start of the facelift models) but still has the pre-facelift front end. I suspect it's actually a 92' for the 93' model year. wondering if someone can help me with what I'm supposed to be looking for in the glass? I've provided some images from my car, maybe someone can advise me. Thank you in advance!

 

[Surf Blau]

Do you know if the pre- vs post-facelift reference is indeed for the change in 94, or for the bigger update in 1990? I have no idea what to look for, but your window seems to have a rubber/plastic piece running along the lower edge, no?

 

[gsxr]

The glass itself did not change, but a plastic channel was added at the bottom for later cars. The break point was NOT the facelift (MOPF2). This started near the end of pre-facelift production somewhere in early/mid 1993 calendar year. Some late-build 1993 USA/Canadian model year cars use the late glass with bottom channel. The channel at the bottom is needed to retain the long rubber seal attached to the wiper motor. I

Early cars / early glass use a very different lower seal, with 2 separate trim pieces on each side that snap into metal clips riveted to the chassis.

Your car has the late wiper seal and requires the channel at the bottom of the glass. Make sure whatever glass is installed, includes a NEW plastic channel. You cannot remove and re-use the old one. MB never sold this plastic channel separately, but an aftermarket channel is available to purchase if needed.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[emerydc8]

You cannot remove and re-use the old one. MB never sold this plastic channel separately, but an aftermarket channel is available to purchase if needed.

Hi Dave,
If I recall it was Summit that sold this channel and the last I checked a few years ago it was NLA. Do you know of another source or does Summit have them again?

 

[gsxr]

Hi Dave,
If I recall it was Summit that sold this channel and the last I checked a few years ago it was NLA. Do you know of another source or does Summit have them again?

Jon,

I searched for these a few months ago and found several suppliers. It is Precision Replacement Parts (PRP) # WLM-F740 (link). As others have mentioned, this channel can be difficult to install on old windshield glass, due to the old adhesive residue that is almost impossible to fully remove from the underside edge of the glass (when the glass is mounted in the car). There is also a risk of the glass cracking after the new channel is tapped into place. (Don't ask how I know.)


Jegs: $38 plus S&H. Free ship over $199.
https://www.jegs.com/i/Precision/757/WLM+F740/10002/-1

Rock Auto: $30/ea plus S&H:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13631037&cc=0&pt=766&jsn=326

Summitt: $30/ea plus S&H, plus "Oversize" fees. Drop shipped, backordered:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/PQP-WLM-F740

 

[emerydc8]

So strange that companies generally known for their domestic parts would be carrying something like this. It looks impossible to reuse the old channel like you said. Thanks for the info.

 

[gsxr]

The old channels are almost always broken in multiple locations, and/or the channel has expanded so it no longer retains the rubber weatherstrip as it should.

Problem is installing a new aftermarket (PRP) channel on old glass. This may not end well. But, it should be fine on new glass, if the new windshield did not include the channel already.

 

[geraniumtr]

A few years ago I replaced the windshield on my 94 E320 with an aftermarket piece of glass as factory was NLA. Didn’t come with the plastic channel. Got one from Summit, under $50 at the time. Dropped it off at the glass shop where they glued it in place. Fit and quality was satisfactory. Rubber weatherstripping snapped into the channel properly.

Regards,

Peter