Are 126 power windows really that poorly designed?

[shertex]

I'm informed by the previous owner of my SDL that, when raising and lowering the windows, I need to take my finger off the switch before it's fully opened or closed. If I don't, I will damage the regulator since there is no limiting device the the circuitry.

Not that I don't believe him, but I'm just mystified that something could be so poorly designed. Clearly, the vast majority of normal people press the button beyond slightly beyond when it's opened or closed. It's only hyper-anal types like those of us on this forum who would actually make the effort to do otherwise.

And yes, I had a regulator break today (even though I think I've been careful)!

Just thankful this isn't an issue with the 124....

[Jeremy5848]

I'm not familiar with the 126 but doubt that they are that much different from other cars made in the same era by M-B. The windows (why they didn't add limit switches I'll never understand) seem to be designed to run all the way up or down and then stall the motor. Breakage probably indicates old, worn components, not a design failure.

Jeremy

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by shertex

I'm informed by the previous owner of my SDL that, when raising and lowering the windows, I need to take my finger off the switch before it's fully opened or closed. If I don't, I will damage the regulator since there is no limiting device the the circuitry.

Not that I don't believe him, but I'm just mystified that something could be so poorly designed. Clearly, the vast majority of normal people press the button beyond slightly beyond when it's opened or closed. It's only hyper-anal types like those of us on this forum who would actually make the effort to do otherwise.

And yes, I had a regulator break today (even though I think I've been careful)!

Just thankful this isn't an issue with the 124....

Apparently, M/B believed the regulator could take the force of the motor when the motor forces it against a hard stop.

Unfortunately, the motor is stronger than they realized.

Yes, you don't believe me.............but, after this thread, you might.

You cannot be a "normal person" and operate the windows on a W126 without spending repair money.

[charmalu]

The 123`s have the same problems with the motors not having a limit switch. the motor will put enough stress on the regulator that the door panel will flex.

After while something has to give, and it usually isn`t the motor. I have pulled bent and cracked regulators from cars in the yards. I had to replace my drivers door regulator a while after we bought it. two rivits shered off.

You just have to back off the switch as the window nears the top.

This could be a hazard with kids playing in the back seat, and one could get his neck squeezed tight enough to cause some serious injuries.
I know there is the switch to deactivate the rear windows, but still......


Charlie

[RML]

Originally Posted by charmalu

The 123`s have the same problems with the motors not having a limit switch. the motor will put enough stress on the regulator that the door panel will flex.

Charlie

I have noticed the rear door panels flexing in my 123s from the regulators when the windows get to the top. By habit I have gone into pulse mode when the windows get near the top. I do not worry about it not being absolutely closed. Rain is not going to get in if it is very slightly open. Of course, if I was on the highway and heard wind noise, I would nudge it up. On my 84, which has had much more use, if I keep my finger on the button when closing the rear windows, I hear a thumping after it gets to the top. I try to be careful not to get that far.

Richard

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by charmalu

You just have to back off the switch as the window nears the top.

.062" from the top.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by RML

if I keep my finger on the button when closing the rear windows, I hear a thumping after it gets to the top.

............the teeth on the motor stripping the teeth on the regulator..........

[RML]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

.062" from the top.

That would be 1.5 mm. Everything else is metric so we may as well be consistent.

[RML]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

............the teeth on the motor stripping the teeth on the regulator..........

I figured it was something of that nature. I sure does not sound good.

[pawoSD]

I am anal, and thus have yet to have a regulator fail on any of my cars in 9+ years. I always stop right when it gets to the seal, if I stop too early, I bring it back down a few inches and try again.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I am anal, and thus have yet to have a regulator fail on any of my cars in 9+ years. I always stop right when it gets to the seal, if I stop too early, I bring it back down a few inches and try again.

Shertex will be attending button class in short order...............

[pawoSD]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Shertex will be attending button class in short order...............

My speaker fees are beyond the budgets of most mere mortals.

[charmalu]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Shertex will be attending button class in short order...............

Now that one is funny.

You know......if you had a 240D, you wouldn`t have any window regulator problems.


Charlie

[shertex]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Shertex will be attending button class in short order...............

The particular window in question was struggling from the beginning....strained going in either direction. Doesn't seem like it had gotten much use. So even if I had graduated from "button class"......

But I'll certainly practice....press, release, press, release....

[daw_two]

Originally Posted by charmalu

Now that one is funny.

You know......if you had a 240D, you wouldn`t have any window regulator problems.


Charlie

True --- but I still remember the time when my daughter took her first ride in my first Dodge Dakota truck....must have been a 94 model or some such. This was the first vehicle she had been in with crank windows. I look over and she is rolling down the window while saying, "Dad, this door won't open".