98 e 320 sunroof problems
 

My first time at this site. I could use some serious help with a stuck sunroof on my 98 E 320. It started with some binding noise, sunroof would not travel all the way back, but I was able to close it. It would open at the rear in vent mode. Then,one time it was opened, it would not close by switch or manual crank. It fixed itself and I was able to close it by the switch. It would still operate in the vent "pop up" mode. I checked the roof cavity with a flashlight, and there appears to be no insulation material obstructing the roof travel. I've read where the insulation can be the culprit. I decided to try and get the roof to travel rearwards and check the cable covers as I have read that the sunroof cable can protrude from these covers. Unfortunately, the sunroof made the drop to travel rearwards and became stuck. I have been able to force the roof rearwards, by hand, about 2 inches, and push it forward again, but it won't seal in the "up" (home) position. So, now the sunroof is stuck open, just enough to leak if it rains, and to allow for plenty of wind noise. I never was able to see where or if the sunroof cable covers were the culprit in all of this attempted repair.

The question to anybody that can help is, is there a way to get the sunroof to at least seal in the home position? Am I in for a visit to the dealer, for what could be a really expensive repair? Is there a way to remove the glass, if this is what I need to do to get at the cable covers?

Any body else have this problem? Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Dave M

MB did design an emergency closing of the sunroof, look in owners manual.

You need special allen wrench & removal of the dome lamp lens to operate.

Replacement of the original cable guides (with modified version) almost always fixes the cable binding problem. About 1.5-2 hrs and only $5 for parts.

I appreciate the prompt reply. I've tried to use the allen wrench supplied with the owners manual but to no avail. I've removed the sunroof motor thinking it might be a stripped gear, but his is also not the problem. I can see the cable move with the motor removed and when I manually push the sunroof rewards or forwards (with considerable effort to do so. Again, I can only get the roof back about 2-3 inches. If the cable can protrude from the track, it may have done so and is causing the bind the sunroof and I am in right now. Last night, I pealed back the molding (folded shaped lengthwise seal) on one side of the sunroof and I could see two torx screws. Are these the torx screws that need to be removed in order to remove the glass? On one of the postings on this website, I thought I read where there are three torx screws (on each side) that need to be removed in order to remove the glass. If so, where is the third one? If I can get to all three torx screws, can I attempt to remove the glass with the roof positioned where it is now. which again, is close to being sealed at the front and dropped down about a half inch in the rear? Again, I appreciate your input. You make me feel that there is hope to repair this problem.