Moon roof on '86 300E, motor works, roof doesn't

[can-do]

Greetings All,

One of the minor problems on my wifes new to her ride is the moon roof doesn't open when sliding the button back. I've looked in the trunk where the motor is located, and it turns when using the button but no door movement. Any ideas where I can start on this one? Is it possible that the roof hadn't been opened in so long that it's stuck? Any input would be great.

Charles

[Ashman]

If the motor is moving but the roof does nto, the cable for the sunroof might be bad.

I believe you should search for sunroof cable ont he site and see what you ocme up with.

Alon

[A. Rosich]

W124's sunroofs are one of the worst features from this lineup, in terms of reliability.

On my wagon I have changed already: the cable, the motor, and the guides. All at different times. Roof always get stuck, and of course, always in the open position.

It sounds like the cable, but check also the roof guides, they tend to brake, bend or get misaligned very easily.

A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

[Southern]

I am not familiar with you model, but I recall doing a search for sunroof problems and the problem you describe might be related to the sunroof motor clutch.

Try doing a search for motor clutch and see if it might apply to your problem

[psfred]

There are several possibilities. I'd start by attempting to more the roof with the emergency nut in case the clutch in the motor is shot.

Mine was glued to the seal and the lifting angles were broken, some parts were missing, and the bridge was twisted. Still not finished with it, as I need to paint the edges of the roof panel and install some more bits.

If you can move the sunroof with the emergency nut, you have a motor or clutch problem. The gears can break, leaving you with no movement of the cable. Replacements are available -- search "sunroof" and you will find several sources.

If the nut turns, but the roof doesn't move, you will have to pull the headliner down and find out what is wrong. It clips to the front of the sunroof, about 2" back from the front edge, with four "christmas tree" type clips -- use a putty knife or similar to pry them apart and slide the headliner back if you can. (I'm assuming that there is a liner under the sunroof, I'm not sure what is there if this is a smoked glass type!).

The liner (standard type) is a large panel in front, a narrow panel in back, and two side rails that are behind the headliner. You can bow it down and CAREFULLY pull it out -- if you bend the side rails too much you will have to replace it! It normally comes out from the top, which I would advise if you can get the roof even partway open.

More details if you need them -- see some of the other sunroof threads.

Peter

[can-do]

Greetings All, You to Peter

I will investigate the probable cause as you all have directed me and get back with my findings. I guess if I had it my way there wouldn't be a moon roof or those darn power seats that are a pain in the $ss to repair. There seems to be multiple minor problems and I will tackle everyone hopely one at a time to resole and restore this beauty back to original spec.

Thanks,

Charles