Need definitive W210 sunroof repair info
 

I've searched & searched, and there are conflicting info regarding DIY repair on W210 sunroof not opening fully.

I've read:

1. Remove the glass, lube & clean the cables and everything works

2. Remove the glass, bolt down the cover plate with an extra screw

3. Remove the glass, and replace sunroof cables and cover plate


So what is exactly the right method, and exactly what parts (MB part #?) do I need for the job? mine opens about 2" or so and then the motor spins freely and nothing grabs. Thankfully it will close though.

When I was having problems with the sunroof in my W210 I was able to "help" it to open all the way by pushing on it while holding the switch in the open position. That revealed the two cable hold-down brackets, which in my car had apparently been replaced with the updated part that uses 2 screws but they only put one in for some reason.

I put a second screw in each bracket and since then the roof opens and closes all the way as designed.

The brackets keep the cables from popping out of their track so if they are not properly held down the roof only opens part of the way before the cables pop and the roof panel stops moving. I suggest you try opening the roof all the way with a little "help" and look at these brackets to see if they have one or two screw holes. If they only have one, get the updated part from the dealer and install it with 2 screws on each one...see if that helps.

thanks for help. i tried to push the glass while opening it, but no matter how hard, it won't budge. i couldnt push any harder cuz i thought i'd start breaking stuff.

so my only option now is to remove the glass. do you think i still only need the cover plate and 2 screws? if possible i want to make sure i have all the parts before i take the glass off!!

I am far from expert in the sunroof department but if you are unable to push the roof open then it sounds as though something is blocking it from moving or it is out of adjustment...would you like me to email the WIS for adjusting the sunroof? If so provide an email address.

here are the parts that I used to repair mine.

1 210-780-00-89 cable $48.03
1 210-780-01-89 cable $48.03
2 210-784-04-56 cover $ 8.00(these are what hold the cable in place, have 2 screw holes but only one screw is required)

I also needed a new angle bracket 211-780-01-12 $58.76. DO NOT LUBE THE CABLES. The are not meant to be lubed. You can lube the track and clean off the teflon pads. If you havent already purchased the STARTAC DVD and you like to do some/all of your own work, its worth it. There are some great videos on how to disassemble the sunroof for just this repair. email me with any other questions.