The button for the driver side window in my '87 560 SEL has gotten stuck so that I can't roll it down; it only goes up. I'm thinking something might have gotten lodged underneath that one side or something might have moved. My question how do i take the panel off? I tried sticking a screwdriver underneath it but it didn't feel like it was gonna give so i abandoned it.
It's that panel between the driver and passenger seat...that might be stating the obvious, but just to be perfectly clear. Thanks

I beleive to remove your wooden console to gain access to the switches, you must first remove the ashtray insert, then remove the two black phillips screws that will allow you to take out the ashtray assembly.

From there if the wood will raise up easily, you must slide it backwards so the rear can become unhooked underneath. If this is successful, you should be able to raise the wood enough to systematically disconnect all the switch connectors and pull the wood and switches away. Often, turning the key to the position that enables the shifter to move out of park helps.

Push the switch bodies out from underneath. I beleive there are little clips and each end of the switch bodies.

Mercedes window switches rarely ever wear out! 99 times out of 100 they are simply full of junk. I have taken the switches apart many times and it is easy as long as you take your time and use a soft towel underneath your work. They have tiny little ball bearings and springs that can fly away faster than you might imagine.

The rocker portion is held on by its pivot. Gently pry each side off. (This is where you will most need the towel to catch the little springs and the ball bearings)

Clean everything well, spray a little shot of WD40 into the rocker area (conducts electricity) and assemble.

I would do all of the window switches since you are in there.

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

The switch could have failed in the "up" position.

I have replaced two window switches for precisely that reason -- and a third just broke a few days ago. I tried taking them apart before, but I could not get them back together as they were originally.

As Haasman said, they never wear out; junk gets in there that chips and breaks the ends of the very thin plastic tubes that hold the springs, and which the ball bearings pivot on.

__________________
2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

------------------------------------
Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black

Aaron Greenberg... member "Aaron" has a good step by step with picture post on your problem. Click on "search" and do a search on DIY window switches.

hell.. I will do it for you...
DIY: Replacing a W126 Window Switch

Hope it helps