Throwing in the towel here...I am chasing down a cabin rainwater leak and I have come to the conclusion that my sunroof drains in the A pillar are the most likely culprit. Here's the rub, in spite of reading dozens of threads online I am unable to get the front headliner trim piece off. This is the piece which spans the width of car and runs from the windshield aft to the leading edge of the sunroof.

I've removed the sun visors, the rear view mirror, the front dome light, and the thin trim at the aft edge of the piece. Yet, its still stuck fast to the car. Clearly I'm missing something else. I just want to try and remove this section and leave the headliner alone, in order to get to those drain tubes.

Any suggestions?

PS
I have already fixe the AC evap tube, checked the hood hinge pockets for obstruction and pulled the battery tray. I've also run a garden hose all over the front windshield seal and the cabin fresh air intakes. No leaks noted, but leave it out in a rainstorm and the carpets are soaked on the SIDES of the car, immediately forward of the front door hinges. I have read that the tubes connecting the sunroof pan to the A pillar drain tubes rot away with age.
oldmako is online now Report Abuse

What car?

83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

I'm sorry. I am used to that info being next to my avatar. It's a 1985 300CD.

I just stumbled across a great write up for a w124, and I picked up a few things there, so I'll head back to the garage with some additional info. It appears as though the front trim piece that covers the drains needs to be pulled aft to release clips attached at its leading edge. Thanks for your reply.

No experience from me but here's some reading for you - W123 sunroof drains and repair thread

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

It's been a while since I did it, but I think you are on the right track. I think that the cover trim on the A-pillars may have had to be loosened or removed.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

Just to recap for the next guy, the following need to be removed...

1. Sunvisors
2. Sunvisor clips
4. Rearview mirror
5. Rearview mirror bracket
6. Thin piece of trim at the forward edge of the sunroof opening.

Then the piece needs to be shoved aft and up. There are small clips which hold it tight to the roof. The piece also fits underneath the door opening trim and need to be pulled free.

The remainder of the headliner stays put.

Hopefully the link below will help you troubleshoot and resolve the leaking sunroof issue. If you have anymore questions or need specifics, feel free to post a Comment just below the article and we'll do our best to give you more details.

Mercedes-Benz W123 Sunroof Repair | W123 (1977-1985) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article


-Dmitry

you ever go to look at a car on a sunday,when dealers,are supposed to be closed.Then some devil salesman comes running out at you?
I wish the sales team would stay off the forum which survived for years when it was PeachParts.

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran