Can some one post a diagram of the ign switch and the power windows? I want to add a switch so that I can open and close the windows without having to use the key, which is a PITA!

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Don't have a diagram handy, but take a look at the listing inside the fuse box lid. When the key is turned on, power is sent to the power window relay behind the instrument cluster, which in turns sends power to the fuse. You can simply run a jumper, or your switch, from a hot-all-the-time terminal in the fuse box (or the battery) to the power side of the fuse to bypass the relay. Or you can pull the instrument cluster out and run your switch directly to the key switch lead of the relay after disconnecting the key switch lead.

Just leave the key on, and turn it off with a vacuum valve.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Huh? My power windows are electric!

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

I pulled the cluster out a bit reached up felt around for a relay. There was a black tall Bosch relay in the extremely upper left, pulled it out, turned key on, windows still work so that's not it.

I did a little searching and it seems there is no relay for the windows. So I connected one of the 2 window fuses to constant +12 v and the windows work w/o key. What surprised me was all 4 windows work with only 1 window fuse powered. I also tried applying +12 v to the sun roof fuse (lower right) but that for some reason turn on the glow plug relay and apply power to the mono valve (I have a light bulb across the mono valve trouble shooting unwanted heat) so that was easy to see.

Anyway, to get power window w/o key, put a switch to jumper the lower left and upper right fuse which is constant +12 v (green and yellow wire).

I'd like to look at a wiring diagram to make sure there are no unwanted side effects so if you have one please post a link or pdf. The switch may not really be necessary if it does not draw any steady current and drain the battery when it's on (just leave the jumper on permanently)

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

I just did a DIY on this for the W126. Should be high in the list.

Power from relay.
Activated with Key on.

Edit.

I guess you are working with a 123 after seeing the photo of the fuse box.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.