Convert power windows to manual crank
 

Just noticed this manual window regulator on eBay and am wondering what it would take to convert my W123 300D from troublesome power to failsafe manual windows. I am quite comfortable with cobbling and jury-rigging stuff for the benefit of the greater good.

Any ideas, along with successes and/or failures appreciated.

I've owned 5 different Mercedes from '87 to '97. Mileages from 88K to 205K. Replaced one regulator and 6 different window switches. I don't think this is an exorbitant price to pay for this convenience. Riddle me this: how are you going to roll up the right rear window while doing 80 on the interstate?
Anziani

Well I would think it work okay based upon my knowledge that some 240D's had manual windows, although the one I owned did not. The 123 door sheet metal should already have the holes needed, however, you would need to make a hole in the trim panel.

If you seldom have company riding with you, it might be novel to do the conversion on the drivers window only. That way you have the best of both worlds, remotes for the unreachable windows and manual for yours.:D

Converted my dads 85 300D to manual regulators with parts from a 240D. The backs of the door cards have a perforation where you can slit the upholstery for the crank rod.

Easy to do.

I have a set of 4 regulators if you need a "kit" PM me for more info.

This is the best way to do it

80?
 

Oh, my car does 80? Cool!

Sorry Paddy, I was lost in CL500 heaven!
Anziani

Well, I am half an idiot.
 

When I got the car it was obvious that the right front window was a mess. It was off the track and sitting in the bottom of the door. After taking off the door panel and easy inspection found the regulator bent, cracked, repaired, and now broke again. Since the left front was also down, I jumped to the rookie conclusion that it too was beyond repair, so I relentlessly ripped and tore that no good so and so out of the door with extreme prejudice.

Once out, and catching my breath, I finally slowed down enough to realize that it wasn't broke, but this did not deter me from amplifying my fear/hate of things I don't understand and really don't want to understand? What do you think?

So I still wanna go manual, but today, after finally getting my used Haynes manual, I decided to look at the fuses, and the left front/right rear fuse was blown, which makes me feel stupid.

So every time I pull over to the side of the road to crank a window up or down, I will still hear , "Riddle me this: how are you going to roll up the right rear window while doing 50[sic] on the interstate?"

So Anziani, no slight taken, for although I may forget your name your words will live on and on. And with those words I hope to remember not to arrogantly embrace hasty conclusions.

Oh, and just to be clear, armed with my new Haynes manual, I can now find more trouble to get myself into.

Convert power windows to manual crank
 

I have manual windows with a lot of trouble. The felt stripping is all beat and they freeze up and get stuck. The felt pulls out of the track and everything binds. Next time I take the panel off I'll try and glue it or zip tie or something. New felt is pricey, more than I paid for the car.

Be careful with the Haynes manual. If you have the 240D - 300D book some of the information is incorrect and misleading. Keep a particular eye out for dodgy conversions from metric to old money...

You are much better off with the factory service manual (FSM). This is available for free via www.startekinfo.com

Click on Workshop resources

Click on CD/DVD

It works best on windows and internet explorer

Doors => chapter 72

I owned a 1982 240D for 14 years (1994 to 2008) and put about 75,000 thousand miles on it. It had power windows and all four worked when I got it and never gave me any problem during my ownership. Not even a blown fuse. The point being that the 123 power windows can function flawlessly for many years and many miles. My car was garaged for most of its life, and I believe this keeps the seals in good condition and goes a long way to its preservation.

Just my $.02 worth.;)

Thanks I've got kinda working in my Chromebook, but I'll hsve to dust off my old ASUS net book. I was thinking of firing up the old Asus for another applicaton anyway. By the way, love the Chromebook, but it has some limitations. Maybe I''l try the FSM on Android.

But anyway, thanks for the tip, it'll come in handy for re-plumbing the heater hoses.

Yes sir, my felt has felt better days too. With the windows now jammed up with wood blocks, they don't wanna sty put. They'll jump right out of the channels, while just sitting on the driveway.

Oh, I bet you're right on the money. My car lived by the beach, it has beach sand in every possible nook and cranny. No doubt the sand chewed up the regulator. I've kinda got the windows weather tight for now, for I have bigger fish to fry now, for the cooling system is in a shambles.

I almost think that one of the previous owners was rebuilding things, because a lot of parts are just missing, but other parts are brand new. I am gonna try to find out the story because it is driving me nuts, like too many chefs salting the stew.

It is possible to work out direct links (URLs) to the PDFs so any real operating system can reach them too. (I hate ****dows and explorer)