The sunroof in my '83 240D has not been working for some time. The motor
works but the sunroof does not move like it should. When it first started
having problems, it would open fine but would not close by itself. To
close it required two people: one to push the button, and another to shove
the sunroof forward Now, it doesn't even open when I push the button.
The motor runs but the sunroof does not move properly.

My uncle (who was the original purchaser of this car) suggested that the
cable drive at the motor just needs adjustment, to make the motor "grip"
the cable a little better. I haven't dug around in there yet, but does
this sound reasonable?

Also, what points in the sunroof's sliding rails should be lubricated? How
often, and with what? I'd prefer it if this didn't happen again after I
fix it.

I suspect that an improperly-closed sunroof is the source of the water
leaking into my left rear floorboard.

Thanks.

- Nathan
'83 240D, 250k miles

Nathan,

As far as the kind of lubricant to use:
I use Gleitpaste from M-B. For my M-Bs, it is recommended for a wide array of lubrication jobs on the vehicles. I purchased mine from the dealer (don't have the part number with me), comes in a can about the same size as a can of peanuts, and costs around US $18.00. Not inexpensive, however, it has worked extremely well for me both on my M-Bs and around my house.

As far as where to lubricate:
If you refer to the M-B shop manual(s) for your car, it should show the precise spots. My manuals work this way.

Good luck-

Terry

When I was troubleshooting mine and looking for a new recycled sunroof motor, I remember a tech mentioning that the sun roof motor would fail in two places 1) the motor or (2) the drive gear. I'll send you their address offline; I dont want BENZMAC getting upset.

Just happened to catch your problem. I have an M114 (250C) and before you start to tear into your motor I suggest you look at your cable. If it is anything like mine, the cable will have some plastic rings attached to it. These rings are what rides on the inside of the cable tube. Over time, they can break off and/or partially shear and that causes the cable to jam inside the tube. If that is your problem, a new cable (MB Dealer price) for my 114 was $80.00. Either your MB shop manual or a Haynes covers the cable removal. If it is similar to my 114 it is not a big deal.

Just passing thru - wanted to offer my experience. Good Luck.