Windshield

Complete windshield glass removal and installation for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, including trim removal, urethane adhesive removal, glass installation with new adhesive, and trim reinstallation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Windshield glass with rain sensor mounting pad × 1 — Use OEM specification - A4636700100
• Urethane windshield adhesive (OEM approved) × 1 — Use MB-approved adhesive meeting DBL 5531.03 spec
• Windshield molding trim set (upper and side pieces) × 1 — Reuse if undamaged, replace if tabs broken
• Wiper arm covers (left and right) × 2 — Reuse unless damaged during removal
• Rain sensor (if equipped) × 1 — Reuse existing unless replacing windshield with integrated sensor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface in a clean, dry, temperature-controlled environment (above 50°F/10°C).
2. Ensure windshield replacement glass matches vehicle configuration (with or without HUD, heated windshield, antenna, rain sensor pad location).
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge.
4. Cover hood, fenders, and dashboard with protective blankets or covers to prevent damage from tools or glass fragments.
5. Document position of any calibration marks on windshield frame for ADAS camera alignment reference (if applicable).

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms and covers
   Lift the wiper arm covers at the base of each wiper arm. Remove the retaining nut at the base of each wiper arm (verify exact socket size in service manual). Mark the position of each wiper arm on the wiper post with tape or marker for proper reinstallation alignment. Rock the wiper arms gently while pulling away from the windshield to remove from the tapered spline posts. Remove both wiper arms and set aside.
2. 2

   Remove upper windshield trim molding
   Starting at one end of the upper windshield molding, carefully pry the molding away from the windshield using a trim removal tool. The molding is retained by spring clips that engage into the cowl panel. Work along the length of the molding, releasing each clip. Once all clips are released, lift the molding away from the vehicle. Inspect clips for damage and replace molding if clips are broken.
3. 3

   Remove side windshield trim moldings
   Remove the left and right A-pillar windshield moldings. These moldings typically engage with clips into the body. Starting at the top, carefully pry the molding away from the body and windshield edge, working downward. The lower end may have a fastener or may tuck under the cowl trim. Note the orientation and any alignment tabs for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect rain sensor and heated windshield connections
   If equipped with rain sensor, locate the connector on the interior windshield near the rearview mirror mounting area. Press the connector release tab and disconnect the rain sensor harness. If equipped with heated windshield, locate and disconnect the electrical connectors (typically at the lower corners of the windshield). Note connector routing for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove rearview mirror mounting bracket
   Remove the rearview mirror assembly from the windshield mounting bracket. The mirror typically has a set screw or spring-loaded release mechanism. Once the mirror is removed, remove the mounting bracket from the windshield. The bracket may be bonded to the glass or retained with screws to a button bonded to the glass. If bonded directly, it will transfer to the new windshield or require a new bracket. If screw-retained, remove the screws and note the button position for new windshield installation.
6. 6

   Protect interior and mark glass position
   Place protective covering over the dashboard, seats, and interior surfaces. Using masking tape on the exterior, mark the position of the windshield glass relative to the body opening at several points (top center, both sides). These marks will aid in proper positioning of the new glass. Apply tape to the exterior of the windshield in an 'X' pattern to help contain glass if it shatters during removal.
7. 7

   Cut urethane adhesive bond and remove windshield
   From the interior, insert a cold knife or windshield removal wire between the glass and body frame. Work the cutting tool around the entire perimeter of the windshield, cutting through the urethane adhesive. Maintain a cutting depth of approximately 3-5mm to avoid damaging the body pinch weld or cutting through to exterior paint. Once the perimeter is cut, with an assistant, apply suction cup handles to the exterior glass. Both operators lift the windshield away from the body opening and set it on a padded surface or in a windshield disposal rack.
8. 8

   Remove old urethane from body pinch weld
   Using a sharp utility knife or urethane removal tool, carefully remove the old urethane from the body pinch weld. Leave a thin, smooth base layer of urethane (approximately 1-2mm) as a bonding surface for the new adhesive. Do not cut down to bare metal as the remaining urethane provides better adhesion. Ensure the surface is smooth and free of high spots, loose material, or contamination. Vacuum away all debris and urethane dust from the opening and surrounding areas.
9. 9

   Clean and prepare body pinch weld surface
   Thoroughly clean the urethane base layer on the pinch weld with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloths. Ensure all dust, oils, and contaminants are removed. Allow the surface to dry completely. If any areas of the pinch weld are down to bare metal, apply the appropriate primer according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions (typically a black primer for bare metal). Allow primer to flash off per manufacturer's specified time (typically 5-10 minutes).
10. 10

    Prepare new windshield glass
    Inspect the new windshield for damage, correct configuration, and proper fit. Transfer the rain sensor (if equipped and not integrated into new glass) to the new windshield according to manufacturer instructions. If the mirror mounting bracket was bonded to the old windshield, bond a new bracket to the new windshield at the marked position using the adhesive kit provided with the bracket. Clean the bonding area on the new windshield with isopropyl alcohol. Apply the activator to the ceramic frit band on the interior perimeter of the new windshield where the urethane will contact the glass. Follow the activator manufacturer's specified open time (typically 10-15 minutes before adhesive application).
11. 11

    Apply urethane adhesive to windshield
    Load the urethane adhesive cartridge into the dispensing gun. Cut the applicator tip to create an appropriate bead size (typically 10-12mm width for G-Class). Apply a continuous bead of urethane adhesive to the interior perimeter of the windshield, on top of the activated area. Maintain consistent bead height (approximately 8-10mm) and width. Ensure the bead is continuous with no gaps or voids. The bead should be applied in a V-shape or triangular profile for optimal bonding.
12. 12

    Install new windshield
    With an assistant, position suction cup handles on the exterior of the new windshield. Carefully lift the windshield and align it with the body opening, using the reference marks made earlier. Lower the windshield into position, ensuring even gap spacing around the entire perimeter. Press the windshield firmly into the opening, compressing the urethane bead evenly. Apply firm, even pressure around the perimeter to achieve proper urethane wet-out and adhesion. Check from the interior that the urethane has compressed and spread to fill the gap between glass and body. The urethane should be visible as a consistent bead around the perimeter.
13. 13

    Secure windshield and check seal
    Apply retention tape across the windshield to the body at several points to hold the glass in position during cure (if working alone or if vehicle must be moved). Inspect the urethane bead from the interior for consistent contact and no voids. Do not apply excessive pressure or reposition the glass after initial installation as this can compromise the adhesive bond. Wipe away any excess urethane from the interior using a clean cloth and urethane cleaner.
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the rain sensor electrical connector (if equipped), ensuring it clicks into place securely. Reconnect heated windshield electrical connectors (if equipped) at the lower corners. Ensure all connectors are fully seated and routed properly without tension or pinching.
15. 15

    Install rearview mirror and allow initial cure
    If the mirror mounting bracket is screw-retained to a button bonded to the glass, install the screws to the torque specified in the MB service manual (verify value). Reinstall the rearview mirror assembly to the mounting bracket. Allow the windshield to cure for the minimum safe drive-away time specified by the adhesive manufacturer (typically 2 hours minimum). Do not slam doors, drive the vehicle, or subject it to vibration during this period. Full cure requires 24 hours.

Reassembly

1. After the minimum cure time has elapsed, reinstall the side A-pillar windshield trim moldings by aligning the clips and pressing firmly into place until all clips engage.
2. Reinstall the upper windshield molding by aligning the clips with the cowl panel and pressing firmly along the length until all clips engage.
3. Reinstall both wiper arms, aligning them with the reference marks made during removal. Install the retaining nuts and torque to specification (typically 22-26 Nm, but verify in service manual). Replace the wiper arm covers.
4. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
5. If vehicle is equipped with ADAS camera or HUD system requiring windshield calibration, perform the required static and/or dynamic calibration procedures using factory scan tool or calibration equipment.

Verification

• Visually inspect the windshield installation from interior and exterior for proper seating, even gaps, and consistent urethane bead visibility.
• Check that all electrical connectors (rain sensor, heated windshield) are properly connected and functional using vehicle controls.
• Verify wiper arms are properly aligned and operate smoothly without contacting trim or binding.
• After full 24-hour cure, perform a water leak test using a gentle spray of water around the entire windshield perimeter, checking for any water intrusion into the interior.
• If equipped, verify rain sensor function by spraying water on the windshield and confirming automatic wiper activation.
• If equipped with ADAS features (lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking), verify calibration success and proper system operation through scan tool or vehicle self-test procedures.
• Test defrost/heated windshield function (if equipped) to ensure proper operation.

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