Sunroof won't close!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

polarisrmk · #1 06-09-2009, 05:16 PM

So i have been searching the forums for the past two days about various sunroof issues and haven't found anyone that has the same issue i am having. For starters it is a 1985 300SD. The sunroof opporates flawlessly until it gets to the point where it is supposed to be pushed up to match with the roof panel and it just stops. It is closed all the way but just never matches up flush with the roof panel on the outside. If i hold the button and help it it will go up but i am affraid i am going to break something so i don't do this. Does anyone have any clue how to fix this. I thought about getting the sunroof repair kit from kent on MS but I have heard bad stories about him.

polarisrmk · #2 06-09-2009, 07:28 PM

Bump

bgkast · #3 06-10-2009, 12:27 AM

Try lubing the sliders. MB makes a special grease for this, but you could probably get away with using a light coating of standard grease. If that does not work you may need to tighten up the clutch in the sunroof motor gear box. Try a search, but don't make it too tight!

280EZRider · #4 06-10-2009, 11:39 AM

Don't use standard grease. It attracts dirt, which will just compound your problem. If you don't have the MB paste, then use silicone spray. The clutch adjustment, however, is a good idea.

polarisrmk · #5 06-10-2009, 11:54 AM

The sunroof slides just fine doesn't even slide slow its just the last part where it is supposed to go up. is there a mechanism that pushes it up?

Johnt49 · #6 06-10-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polarisrmk

The sunroof slides just fine doesn't even slide slow its just the last part where it is supposed to go up. is there a mechanism that pushes it up?

Try using a spark plug wrench to turn the sunroof motor the final little bit to raise the sunroof into place. If it works, (it takes a little more torque to raise the panel into place than it does to make it slide) then adjust the clutch on the sunroof motor by removing the plastic hex cap you put the spark plug wrench on and turn the adjusting nut underneath clockwise (max 60 degrees) to tighten the clutch. Be sure not to over tighten. The clutch needs to slip when the sunroof reaches the end of its travel or damage will result.

dannym · #7 06-10-2009, 02:45 PM

There is an air deflector that is supposed to drop down before the sunroof pops up. Is this working?

I would make sure before trying to force it.

Danny

polarisrmk · #8 06-10-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannym

There is an air deflector that is supposed to drop down before the sunroof pops up. Is this working?

I would make sure before trying to force it.

Danny

I did check that and is is working .... the front of the sunroof goes up completely, the passager side is about .25" from fully closed and the driverside will not go up at all unless i help it.

compress ignite · #9 06-10-2009, 11:56 PM

Don't just apply MORE Gleitpaste (Mercedes Sunroof Grease) ,first clean the rails.
lubricant for sliding room w123
AND as the other posters have cautioned,Be Very,Very,Very careful with
tightening the "Clutch" mechanism in the Trunk...You can create more problems than you THINK you're fixing.

Your problem MAY be part # 8 in the Cyrillic pictogram below:

[The reason I'm showing you #8 is because it "Takes the most Strain" in the
Lifting operation...AND if the S'Roof has not been maintained (Cleaned and
lubed at each oil change) .It MAY suffer a breakage.]
[The only other thing I can think of is that somehow one side of your S'Roof
has gotten out of adjustment as far as the lifting operation.][Not Likely]
[Do Not go "PLundering" around in your Sunroof's Innards until you know what
you're doing...The Dealerships charge $1,000.00 just to change a Sunroof fuse.
(If they can get away with it.) ]

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=126035_568&M=116.965&GA=722.324355&L=765.706&CT=F&cat=568&SID=78&SGR=060&SGN=02
(Yeah,It's from a 420SEL ,But your S'Roof is the same)

polarisrmk · #10 06-29-2009, 11:57 PM

ok i greased and cleaned everything... the sunroof now closes smoothly and quite well but the drivers side still will not go up.... what should my next step be ... how do you take these things apart, i really don't want to break anything.

polarisrmk · #11 07-10-2009, 03:33 AM

bump

compress ignite · #12 07-10-2009, 01:51 PM

http://www.***************/forum/showthread.php?t=656

AND his Pictorial:

http://www.w124performance.com/images/W124_sunroof/

W124 "Bible":http://www.w124performance.com/images/

Billybob · #13 07-10-2009, 01:53 PM

Like a good doctor you should do no harm! Do not tighten the motor's clutch! The problem is most likely the lifting mechanism from the sounds of it. Your next step should be to remove the headliner panel from the sunroof, open the sunroof 1/3 to 1/2 way, using a flat pry tool release the clips holding the front edge of panel. The clips and the panel edge need to be pulled straight down there are five or six about 1-2" inboard of the edge. With the front edge of the panel pulled down and free of the sunroof it can be fully removed by sliding it forward, upward, and outward of the sunroof opening. With the headliner panel removed you can easily see the operating parts on either side of the sunroof mechanism. The first thing to ascertain is that the drive cable is securely attched to the drive bar, there are two 8 mm screws that attach it at the center of the bar. Then you need to check that the cast drive bar itself is not broken, give it a good look, breaks will be obvious, if it is you need a replacement. The next thing to check is the lifting "hinges" they are often the problem as they are also cast and break. You should be able to see it these parts are damaged loose or broken. The last culprit to check is the rails at either side of the opening. These can also get damaged or broken in areas.

The way the sunroof operates is the drive cable advances the sunroof forward to the front edge's stop and then the cable advances slightly further pushing the pivoting "hinge" upwards lifting the rear of the panel into the sealed flat position.

With the headliner panel off you can operate the sunroof and watch the moving parts doing their thing, you can also leave the headliner off and assist the panel upwards to seal the roof until you get things fixed. Good Luck!

polarisrmk · #14 07-10-2009, 02:12 PM

Thank you guys! i will give this a look today and hopefully have a working sunroof

polarisrmk · #15 07-10-2009, 06:24 PM

ok took the sunroof liner off and suprise there are bolts missing for the "lift hing" so it is not attached also this must have caused some binding at some point because the part that acutally does the lifing is bent

How do you get this peice out? could be easily fixed just need to get some bolts and do some recontouring of the metal bracket. pretty simple device once you know how to take it apart without causing damage.