'98 E320 (W210) Sunroof Disassembly
 

The sunroof on my '98 E320 stops about half way when I try to open it. I can see the sunroof pull on one side when it gets stuck. With a nudge, I can get it closed. Everything else works fine. From what I've read, it's a common problem.

I tried lubricating the rails with the MB grease, but it didn't seem to help. (I'm not sure I was doing it right though.) My next step is to dissassemble the sunroof and look for the problems described in previous threads. While I'm at it I'll go ahead and replace the sunroof cover plates with the redesigned ones (MB# 210 784 04 56) since the parts are apparently cheap.

How do I disassemble the sunroof? On a MB Tech Info CDROM I found, the video showed the tech easily popping of the plastic trim attached to the front of the glass. I can't get it off.

Any advice?

My advice is to replace the sunroof cover plates with the redesigned ones (2 screws instead of 1) before you think about taking apart your sunroof. The redesigned plates should fix your problem.

Ray,

Thanks for the response, I think you're the W210 sunroof guru around here. Excuse my ignorance, but how do go about replacing the sunroof cover plates? I picked some up at the dealership yesterday.

My understanding is that to do anything, I need to remove the glass panel first. But my problem is that I can't get the front piece of plastic off so that I can access the screws that fasten the glass panel.

The sunroof cover plates is about a 15 minute job.

First open the sunroof completely, you may have to assist it with your hand to get it completely open.

Next remove the old sunroof cover plates with a screwdriver. I prefer a cordless.

Next install the new sunroof cover plates with a screwdriver. I recommend a cordless screwdriver for this step since the new design uses two screws instead of one and you will be driving the screw through plastic. If you prefer you can drill a pilot hole, smaller diameter than the screw, then fasten the cover plates with the screws.

Last enjoy your working sunroof.

Ray,

I couldn't get the sunroof back far enough to access the sunroof cover plates.

I'm still trying to find the thread on mercedesshop.com that had a link to some technical information on W210. I sure thought I bookmarked it. It had a very detailed MPEG video on disassembling the sunroof. The tech in in the video made it look so simple...

Benzthere,

Try having someone activate the sunroof switch while you use both of your hands, one at each end of the sunroof, to assist opening the sunroof by applying even pressure on the leading edge of the sunroof as it opens.

If that don't work try using the manual crank instead of the sunroof switch.

sunroof
 

slide your sunroof open as far as you can and try to see with a penlight between the roof and the headliner. I've seen a few these where the insulation for the roof becomes detached and falls and obstructs the sun roof from sliding back. headliner removal. not a diy job. big $$$
paul

Problem solved. I went ahead and disassembled the roof according to the mpeg I saw. It wasn't all that hard. (I'll go mad trying to find the link to the mpeg again. I would not recommend trying it without knowing the right way to do it.) Ray Nonnie was right. The cables were pushing their way out of the covers.

I disassembled it, wiped everything clean, lubricated moving parts, and reassembled it. Works great now. I think what made the difference was synchronizing the cables and lubricating things.

I asked the parts guy at my local MB dealership about the revised cable covers, and he stated that the change was for cost reduction, and not an improved design. The two holes allows the one part to be used on both sides. That way they only have to manufacture and stock one part instead of two. They only intend on using one of the holes from what I understand.

Ray, you may want to share your "enhancement" with the MB engineers.

Thanks for the help.

It difficult to suggest enhancements to Engineers when the Accountants are forcing the Engineers to cut costs instead of improving designs.

Glad that your sunroof troubles are resolved.

Wow... all these 210's must have the same troubles at once... My sunroof started doing the same exact thing over the weekend.. Where is this video on the dissassembly ?? Does anybody have any pictures..??


Peter

mine has also done the same, only a couple of weeks ago
have not had time to look at it properly though.

I looked at it closer.. It seems like the spring that raises the front wind deflector has popped out from under the wind deflector mechanism and is binding against the windows and causing the the spring cover to pop out on one side.. I went to the dealership to get new covers. The new ones uses two screws I may need to order a extra screw. There was a choice on a 8mm or 10mm one.. I need to be able to get in there to see where that spring cam from/..

Peter

benzthere,
Can you give me that link to the video,,,

Peter

Sunroof glass removal
 

In a attempt to correct my problem. I may have to remove the glass. If I remove the 6 torx screws, 3per side, will I have to adjust the glass when I reinstall???. Should I mark the screws first?

Peter

another picture