W123 auto-to-manual windows via complete door switch-out..? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

johnd · #1 06-25-2006, 09:06 PM

The whole time I was searching for that perfect 300DT, which comprised about a month and maybe ten cars whose owners I actually contacted, I didn't come across a single one with either manual windows or a manual sunroof (were they even available with manual sunrooves?), which I really wanted. I gave up and bought a great, cheap Turbo only about fifty miles from home -- full power, of course. I figure people buying new German luxury sedans (ahem) in the early '80s generally opted for every convenience.

Then today, on a complete fluke, I came across a totally complete '77 240D at the junkyard. It's actually in the 'builder' section marked as having a "bad transmission," and has a 200,000Km badge on the grill. I idly poked and prodded, gawked over how spacy the engine compartment is as compared to the Turbo, before realizing that it's got perfectly functioning manual windows. The panels are noticably faded but completely intact, and all the regulators and windows work perfectly. Both cars are the same exterior color, and the junkman's even got the key! I figured I could make a copy, remove the entire doors, stick mine in the garage and add a key to my fob. A day's work? Would this work?

Because it's in the 'builder' section, it may take some cajoling to get the guy to sell me just the doors, if at all. The whole car's priced at $700, way too much for incompatible mechanicals. But I could use the windshield...

I'm interested in everyone's take on the situation. Am I being melodromatic -- do manual windowed doors grow on trees?

geneksc · #2 06-25-2006, 09:18 PM

everything in the door is the same it would be better to change the window reg.s rather than the doors there are 7 10mm bolts holding the power units in the hardest part would be wiggling them out the man. ones go in real e-z you don't need to change the glass both reg.s bolt up the same way

johnd · #3 06-25-2006, 10:13 PM

Whoa, really?! Damn, I guess I was getting overexcited!

Jeremy5848 · #4 06-26-2006, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnd

The whole time I was searching for that perfect 300DT, which comprised about a month and maybe ten cars whose owners I actually contacted, I didn't come across a single one with either manual windows or a manual sunroof (were they even available with manual sunrooves?),

My 1985 Mercedes 300D factory brochure says that the power sunroof was a no-charge option on the 300D Turbo and the 300CD. The 300TD (station wagon) had a (no charge) manual sunroof option, probably because there's no place in the wagon to put the motor (as you recall, it's on the left side of the trunk in the 300D Turbo and coupe).

pj67coll · #5 06-26-2006, 01:36 AM

As the owner of an 81 240 with manual windows I gotta ask just WHY? would you want to revert to them when you have power windows already. Yes I know power windows are more complex and might need more maintenance but as someone who has to roll at least two windows down and up everytime I enter or leave my car (I live in Phoenix and my ac doesn't work...) I can tell you I'd give almost anyting to be able to just push a couple of buttons instead of almost spraining my back, shoulder and arm to reach the rear levers every time.

On another note. That 77 240D. Does it have a wood veneer on the dash? I'm looking for the piece that goes onto the glove compartment.

- Peter.

JimmyL · #6 06-26-2006, 01:38 AM

Careful, it is Very Hard to get the doors realigned when installing. And I mean Real Hard!!!!
Yes....... ask me how I know.

FYI, I have 3 automatic windows, and a manual driver window.

t walgamuth · #7 06-26-2006, 05:49 AM

on my 83 240d which i converted to na euro 300d power, we changed out three of the windows to manual. the driver window never failed. we never could get the power windows to keep working without blowing fuses and i got tired of fixing them.

sure the power windows are nice....as long as they are working.

tom w

hockeynut · #8 06-26-2006, 10:23 AM

I changed out all 4 of mine this spring. Took the perfect parts car manual window regulators and panels and swapped them into my driver. It's really not that difficult. Plug and play - the regulators attach to the door frame in different spots, but it was easy if you take your time and pay attention. There is a plastic vapor barrier between the door and the panel - I replaced all of mine with new, thicker plastic. The originals were pretty rough. Good time to inspect everything.

Why did I do it? Because a couple of my windows worked inconsistently, the switches on the console looked horrible, function suspect and are expensive to replace, one of the regulators was bent and bad. Just too much to mess with - I had perfect replacements that were manual. Very happy I did it.

johnd · #9 06-26-2006, 01:08 PM

The choice is wholly aesthetic; trying to be as spartan as possible. I'll leave the doors now that I see the two systems are so easily interchangable -- I didn't realize it was so simple!

I'm in the same boat as you right now, Peter, but letting the A/C sit is no longer an option. The clip-on fan I picked up from Wal-Mart isn't cutting it.

I'm going to try and get out there tomorrow, in any case. I'll check for the wood trim while I'm at it.