sunroof opens about 1/4 way and then it starts making noises and doesnt open anymore. almost sounds like a chain's gotten loose because when i close it i can hear something turning then the sunroof starts closing after that.

so many problems with this car!!!

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Current cars:
2001 MB E55 AMG
2003 Honda S2000
2000 Honda CRV

Gone but not forgotten:
2004 BMW 325i 5sp sport
1999 BMW 540i sport
1997 MB E420
1995 BMW M3 coupe

Could be something else, but you might try sunroof lubricant.

MB sells a specific lubricant for the sunroof rails.

This happened to me once in my E320, took it to a local Mercedes independent, and after lubing the rails, it magically started working again.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Sounds like your sunroof cable. They use a very thin cable for the sunroof on the W210's. Try assisting the sunroof open with your hand. If you can manage to get it open there are cover plates on each side which expose the sunroof cable. If you see the sunroof cable crumbling up when trying to open the sunroof, then you need a new sunroof cable, I would also suggest replacing the cover plates with the newer design (2 screws instead of 1).

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

hi there, thanks a lot for the suggestion.

can you tell me which part on the diagram is the cable and the cover plates you mention? are you talking about part #5, 8, 14, and 17 on the top picture? thanks

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Current cars:
2001 MB E55 AMG
2003 Honda S2000
2000 Honda CRV

Gone but not forgotten:
2004 BMW 325i 5sp sport
1999 BMW 540i sport
1997 MB E420
1995 BMW M3 coupe

Those look like the correct parts, it's hard to tell if #14 & 17 are the cable access plates from the parts diagram.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

After looking at my E320 again, it looks like you can remove the cover plates without opening the sunroof.

Inside the car remove the accordian side panels. You should see the screw that holds on the cover plate on each side. Remove them and inspect the sunroof cable. If the ends are crumbled then its time for new cables.

Be carefull if opening the sunroof with the cover plates removed, they act as a cable guide.

__________________
Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles