Window problem on otherwise perfect 500SL

[garland]

I purchased a beautiful red 1992 500SL last month. The car looks and drives like new with just 50,000 miles. The only thing I don't like is that I have to lower the window slightly to close the door. It is the same with the hardtop or the soft top. It does not seem to be a matter of the car being so airtight that the door won't close, rather that the window just extends a little too high to fit under the molding in the roof.

If I leave the window slightly cracked, to facilitate closing the door, I get a bit of wind noise, naturally. I am trying to get in the habit of barely lowering the window before I turn off the engine, but I keep asking myself if this is normal for these cars...

I have searched the archives and have not found anything relative to this problem. Is this normal, or is there something I can do to resolve this one and only problem with an otherwise pefect car?

[tecqboy]

It is not normal. The window should fit snugly, but not inhibit closing the door. Starting with the 1995 model SL, the windows automatically lower slightly when you open the door, then raise when you close it. Thus, those models have a top with different wind seal moldings. Is it possible you don't have the original top?

In any case, it is possibly to adjust the window regulator mechanism, but you need to get inside the door. That is not the most difficult job in the world, but surely does require a moderate level of skill with tools and automotive savy.

To remove door panel 1991 300SL ( my vehicle).


1. Carefully remove the door lock knob by pulling outward ( parallel ) to release.
2. Using extreme care, remove the wood trim behind the door release handle by lifting outward with a panel removal tool.
3. Extract the single screw securing the metal trim behind the door release handle.
4. Remove the single 10mm bolt securing the door latch assembly to the door.
5. Carefully remove the seat control assembly and wood trim on the door panel using a panel removal tool and prying outward on the outside edge.
6. Remove 1 screw from inside the door pocket on the outside edge of the door in the pocket hinge assembly.
7. Remove the single very small screw from inside the pocket on the inside edge of the pocket securing a piece of plastic molding. Remove the molding and extract 1 large screw securing the door pull handle and panel to the door.
8. Extract 1 screw securing the black trim piece around the door latch. Lift up from the bottom to remove.
9. Extract 3 small screws securing the chrome trim on the top of the outside edge of the door panel and remove trim.
10. Remove the courtesy lamp assembly at the bottom of the door panel by snapping it out with a panel removal tool.
11. Using a panel removal tool, carefully release the “pop” fasteners from around the perimeter of the door panel. Lift up on the door panel to release the metal clips from the top edge of the door panel.
12. Slide off the vacuum hoses from the connectors near the panel bottom.
13. You are now holding the free door panel.

Reverse steps for installation.

[per]

I have a similar problem with my 01 SL500.
The passenger side is not lowering the window when I open the door. (& lifting when door is closed).
This happened after my indy changed the pass. window due to an accident.
(The driver side works fine). I have tried to syncronize/reset the window, but that does not work).

I would like to know where the sensor for this feature is located, (must be in connection to the door handle?), and how to adjust it.

Regards.