Thanks Hbofinger and Shaun (guest) for the detailed descriptor for the sun shade!

I have been searching and searching!

My 88 300 SE W126 has a factory installed power rear window sun shade that isn't working now, but apparently did when I first took it in to the mechanic.

It does slide up if I pull it and immediately retracts when let go. There is no motor noise when I press the button and I just changed ALL the fuses to bronze/copper.

My next step was to check the power to each fuse, as it was suggested by another forum to do so. I can't tell from the fuse legend which one it may be.

The other power items not functioning are: the passenger side mirror and antennae.

So from 2002 to 2014 ... the issue returns ... hopefully it will be painless, but it sounds like it will be painful to change ... OMG!!! But thank you for the detailed explanation!

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1988 Mercedes Benz 300 SE, W126, 184,986 km
1989 BMW 535i, E34, 351,000 km

Its been a while since I worked on mine. But one thing I recall is that the motor is very quiet. At least mine is. You may need a set of ears in the back to tell if its doing anything.

I can no comment on the antenna and power shade being on the same fuse, but it would make sense. They probably use the same ground point.

And assuming it is a power issue and you get it working, there is always the potential for the nylon rope being bad. I bought out my local dealer of supply for these because last I checked no more were being made.

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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car

Hey thanks LandYaghtlover! I will check the power for sure, no time today. Nylon rope...will check that too, thank you.

Did you change yours?

It is very odd nothing was posted on this issue since 2002, as I just bought my 300 SE and it is new to me, it was a challenge to luckily come across this thread!!!

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1988 Mercedes Benz 300 SE, W126, 184,986 km
1989 BMW 535i, E34, 351,000 km

BTW how is your 750 il? Was looking at one, but was warned away with the 12 cylinders and a gas hog.

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1988 Mercedes Benz 300 SE, W126, 184,986 km
1989 BMW 535i, E34, 351,000 km

I replaced the rope. Luckily it was not in tiny pieces and I think the directions here are what i used to repair it. But then the "cloth" gear broke - lost a couple teeth. And I have never had it working since. Occasionally on the lookout for a motor with gear for it, etc. But not a top priority, although I wish it worked.

The 750 is a dead project right now. Just no time to work on it. When running well, it should get much better milage than my 560 SEL.

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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car

Just had the rad flushed and they replaced the thermostat at the same time, as I was getting some heat but not alot.

Immediately noticed a massive difference in the acceleration and the responsiveness in general!

Still haveing problems with a very hard start, especially in the am ... takes 4 to 5 times before catching in a hesitant way, then working up to nice hum.

Any ideas what may be causing the hard starting? TIA

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1988 Mercedes Benz 300 SE, W126, 184,986 km
1989 BMW 535i, E34, 351,000 km

Those torpedo-shaped fuses should be replaced every ten years or so. All of them in the fuse box. They are not expensive. But they do go bad over time.

So go get a new batch, and replace all with the same color/amperage, and throw away the old ones. They can burn with nothing being wrong, or not connect well anymore.

Greetings from my home town of Stuttgart, where I just visited the Mercedes Benz Museum two days ago (and bought a book on the W126)!

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Henry Bofinger
1989 560 SEL (black/black)
2001 Audi TT Roadster (silver/grey)

Thank you HOBOFINGER!! Hello from Calgary!!

I would LOVE to visit the MBM!! How incredible it must be!! Do you have photos??

Someone else said exactly as you did - REPLACE ALL FUSES w bronze / copper which I did - only took 6 different stores to find all. It is a beautiful sight to see them all lined up!

I must have inserted one wrong as the running lights don't work now. And I was also told to clean the heads before inserting the fuses - it will happen when I get it back.

Just had Botox for the Benz - had the dents pulled out.

But I am experiencing a "hard start" takes 4 to 5 times before the engine catches .. alittle slow then comes on full. I left it w my mechanic to check it ... maybe a batter? (supposedly was newer and was ok).

Any other suggestions to check/watch for?

I'm totally in love with my 300 SE!!!

Was looking also a 300 D turbo - know anything about these? TIA!!!

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1988 Mercedes Benz 300 SE, W126, 184,986 km
1989 BMW 535i, E34, 351,000 km

The museum is simply Fab! You need to plan at least half a day for it. Very, very informative, and they ENCOURAGE you to take pictures! (Special photo spots)

Good you are doing the fuses.

On the hard start: Is it starting hard when cold? On my 560SEL, it would start fine cold, but had those symptoms you describe starting warm. This usually indicates a bad accumulator - not a serious issue, about $120 part, easy to replace yourself if you have clamps for the fuel lines.

I don't know much about the Diesels, but I am told to stay away from the 5 cylinder - the most troublesome of the Mercedes engines.

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Henry Bofinger
1989 560 SEL (black/black)
2001 Audi TT Roadster (silver/grey)

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Do you need to book museum in advance or is it open year round?

My "cold start" is the first time for each day ... 6 to 9 times before fully running, then anytime after that no problem on 1st sometimes the 2nd turn. I was told it could be the cold start valve? Anyway I found a mechanic that will diagnose it, and he told me to hold key on for 8 to 20 count and if it takes a 3rd time, gas down ~ 50% as it is a manual fuel injector not power.

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1988 Mercedes Benz 300 SE, W126, 184,986 km
1989 BMW 535i, E34, 351,000 km