Problem with the Skyview! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

74Stylez · #1 06-16-2010, 03:03 AM

1999 ML430 with 200,870 miles still chugging along.

Tried Skyview top on Sunday and it became stuck when it was opened almost a foot. When I tried to close it, each side would push forward a little individually until I got it closed. I thought it was a problem with the motors...

Went to dealer yesterday and was told by the service manager that the cables were "tangled" and had to be cut. So the tech cut them and pulled the fuse so the top could not be opened. Service manager said the entire top has to be ordered now to the price of $6k! I have an Benz Indie that says he can replace entire top for $3k.

My question is: after looking at the diagram for the top on Startek, I think I might be able to purchase new cables, install them and continue enjoying my summer with the top open. Does anyone know if my fix is possible? Thanks in advance.

Gilly · #2 06-16-2010, 05:51 AM

I believe cables can be ordered seperately, yes. I did go to a class on skyview, but it's been a long time. I might have some info on it, but if you already own startek for the truck, it would probably be the same info. IIRC it's just the front slat that does all the sliding, all the rest are just following.
Will be easier to remove the whole thing and do the job with the sunroof upside down on sawhorses, that's how they had us messing with it in class. Make sure you pad the top of the sawhorses, otherwise the metal brackets will scratch the panels. Will want to make sure everything gets lubed that's supposed to be lubed, as this is probably where the problems started.

mbdoc · #3 06-16-2010, 08:16 AM

The 1999-2000 "sky" roof was a piece of junk!
Most failed under warranty & were replaced with the newer version system.

I believe there is a repair kit for the early version roof that costs about $2200 and takes about 7.5 hrs to install.

74Stylez · #4 06-18-2010, 10:19 AM

Thanks Gilly! I was mistaken though. I do not have Startek, I am registered with EPC-net through Startekinfo.com. Unlesss I don't know how to access it, I use EPC-net strictly for identifying parts numbers. I am able to see component breakdown, but it dosen't tell me how to disassemble anything. If you have any helpful info on the Skyview, could you please send it to my private email. I thought I would be able to access the tops internals without taking it off of the truck but oh well, I think it is worth giving it a shot.

@ D.O.C.-that's what I had previously read on here about the Skyview. I guess I have been lucky that mine lasted so long without any problems until now. I did lube the rails and slats occasionaly. How can you tell the difference between the old and newer version of the system? Would I be able to switch them out if I found a new version?

Gilly · #5 06-19-2010, 06:34 AM

EPC is Electronic Parts Catalog, so yes that's just for parts. Go to Star Tek and register to get repair info. I will take a look for that info I have, which would pertain to the older system on your truck. I don't know anything about this new version that was mentioned, but it sure doesn;t surprise me, no idea what MB was thinking when they let this contraption out on the market. You'll have "a unique piece of Mercedes history" if you can keep it operating as designed, sort of like a first version 4Matic (124) that still works!
Gilly

Gilly · #6 06-19-2010, 06:52 AM

Found what I was thinking of, but it's pretty short on content, refers to WIS a lot (which would be Startek for you), and had a lot of hands on with info at different work stations. I could maybe scan it and email that instead? About 10 pages. Some of the diagrams might help.

74Stylez · #7 06-21-2010, 04:45 AM

Thanks Gilly. Go ahead and send the info, ten pages is not a problem. I will look into Startek as well.

Gilly · #8 06-30-2010, 04:51 AM

Oh man, I just checked this thread and had missed that you wanted it. I had it sitting on my desk. I'm sure my wife didn't throw it out, but where it is i don't know right now.
Are you making any progress on it?

Gilly