Sunroof panel opens 40-50mm then makes a sharp popping sound (like a gear skipping a tooth). '97 E300D. Anybody have any ideas? Basically, is it the motor/transmission ass'y. or one/both of the cables? Anybody changed the cables? If so, does the headliner have to come out?

Thanks,

Jay.

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

It's the cables, and you have to remove the motor to make the job easier. Same thing happened to my '98 w210. When I asked my mechanic if I could do the work, he replied - "sure, but I can do it a lot quicker - it's not as easy as it looks." Do what you wish...

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

The interior trim - for the most part - stays in place then?

Thanks, POS.

Jay.

__________________
On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

Mine did a similar thing but it was fixed with the installation of an updated cable guide which uses two screws instead of the one which came with the car that only had one. The cable guide with one screw allows the cable to pop out of its track and jamb. If that's what is happening it is an easy DIY fix. You should be able to see the cable jump out of its track if that is what's causing your problem. If so stop by the dealer and pick up the updated part and screws and using a cordless drill you can install them in about 15 minutes.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

I repaired mine also, the brackets Marty speaks of "can"use 2 screws, however what they did was to combine the part numbers for left and right and now its the same bracket for left and right side. While you are in there, you mind as well replace both cables.

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Dennis
2006 E320 CDI Black/Black Leather. Nav, HTD Seats HK stereo 32000 miles.
2000 VW Passat 1.8t 300,000 miles as of Dec 09, 2009 original owner
1997 E300d Silver 300,000 miles As of Jan 05, 2010
3rd owner SOLD

It wasn't necessary for me to touch the cables on mine, and in not touching them it was a simple job. I did it about 3 years ago and the sunroof has been working fine ever since.

BTW, I recall you can "help" the roof to open by putting your hand on the edge as it is going back and applying some pressure to it. That's what you need to do to get it open enough to access the guides. You might need to help it closed too until you replace them.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

Everything is accessible via the sunroof opening? How convenient!

Cheers!

Many, many thanks, folks.

Jay.

__________________
On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

Yes, assuming you can "help" the sunroof panel to its fully opened position you will have access to the plastic guides and see the cables from above.

__________________
Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz