'87 300E Sunroof cable replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pcsreasier · #1 12-22-2006, 04:46 AM

I've just spent several hours browsing this and other sites looking for a DIY on replacing the sunroof cable and guide. I've seen a lot on the sunroof R&R but nothing on the cable and guide....other than "it can't be that difficult" or "I'd rather rebuild an automatic transmission" comments.

If anyone knows of a DIY thread (with pics, if possible) or if an MBZ CD or a Haynes or Chilton's covers it, I would be mighty appreciative.

Thanks in advance.

865sp300e · #2 12-22-2006, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcsreasier

I've just spent several hours browsing this and other sites looking for a DIY on replacing the sunroof cable and guide. I've seen a lot on the sunroof R&R but nothing on the cable and guide....other than "it can't be that difficult" or "I'd rather rebuild an automatic transmission" comments.

If anyone knows of a DIY thread (with pics, if possible) or if an MBZ CD or a Haynes or Chilton's covers it, I would be mighty appreciative.

Thanks in advance.

Refer to MBZ CD main function group 77

anthonyb · #3 12-22-2006, 02:25 PM

If it's just the cable you need to replace, it should be pretty straightforward. Pull the headliner off the sunroof, unbolt the cable from the cross-brace, run the sunroof motor all the way forward until the cable stops coming out, then pull it the rest of the way.

Installation is basically the reverse (lube the cable if it didn't come that way already). Push the cable in (you should hit a little bit of resistance two or three times, where the cable housing bends) until it stops, then run the motor while back while pushing on the cable (to make sure it engages) until the bracket lines up with the sunroof cross brace, then bolt it back in. I can't remember if you need to retime the motor after this.

If you have to remove the cable guide housing, that is a completely different story.

pcsreasier · #4 12-22-2006, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anthonyb

If it's just the cable you need to replace, it should be pretty straightforward.

If you have to remove the cable guide housing, that is a completely different story.

Yes, unfortunately, it's the completely different story that I'm needing. Thanks for the info you did provide.

pcsreasier · #5 12-23-2006, 02:28 PM

Upon further investigation, it may or may not be a completely different story.

I thought the body shop guy had pulled the guide as well as the cable, but it's still there.

I noticed that the cable guide was "open" on the top. I had understood the body shop guy saying that it was bad. Is the guide supposed to be completely circular or is there a slot in it?

And further, rather than pulling all the interior to replace the guide, does anyone know if one could securely attach a new guide to the old guide, could it be pulled through?

dpetryk · #6 12-24-2006, 07:36 AM

Yes there is a slot in the top of the guide tube. No you cannot pull a new guide tube using the old one. Replacing the guide tube is a major PITA. Why do you need to replace it ?. Its just a tube. Not much can go wrong wit it.