280 sel windows - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

andyj · #1 12-04-2002, 10:48 PM

Every now and then my hairbrained ideas work out. A couple of weeks ago I was browsing Ebay and saw a 72 280 SEL out in LA. Opening bid was 1999. and buy it now at 2950. Started to hit the buy it now and decided I really didnt need it. Checked back a week later and with 3 hours to go no bids so I thought what the heck and bid 1999. Flew out from Dallas on Friday picked it up, changed fluids had it detailed and drove it 1700 miles back 80-90 mph without a hitch. Fell in love with it immediately. Interior is perfect except for the wood on top of the dash. Heater handles are broken, have them coming in. The only other problem are the front windows. The motor is operating but windows need to be helped up. Sounds like a belt slipping. Any ideas. Car has right at 100,000 miles, used less than 1/2 quart of oil in 2000 miles. No rust anywhere.

Tomguy · #2 12-05-2002, 10:44 AM

What USUALLY happens is that the piece that holds the entire mechanism together cracks, and the gear for raising the window no longer makes good contact with the drive gear. You need to replace the whole assembly usually.

I'm drawing this by memory so it won't be right but it'll convey the idea. I also can't draw for crap :p

The red are the gears and levers for raising the window: The small is the drive gear connected to the motor and the big half gear is connected to the lever that raises and lowers the window. The blue is a fracture line.

#3 12-05-2002, 12:15 PM

30 year-old lubricants that have turned into sludge play a contributory role.

Mark DiSilvestro · #4 12-05-2002, 04:15 PM

The alloy frames of these window regulators often warp, allowing the motor gear to get out of mesh with the window gear. If your frame is not cracked or broken, it may be possible to partly straighten it and/or shim the motor mounting to get the gear alignment closer, otherwise, you'll need a new regulator.

Happy Motoring, Mark

#5 12-05-2002, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PaulC
30 year-old lubricants that have turned into sludge play a contributory role.

This post has really made me feel god about going to Dallas on Sunday to pick up my 69 280SE sight unseen... Not to mention that I have FINALLY seen the word "contributory" used in a real sentence!!! Nice work Paul

andyj · #6 12-08-2002, 05:10 PM

Thanks for the help. I'll tear into it in the next few days.

psfred · #7 12-08-2002, 05:25 PM

Makes you wonder why anyone lets these cars go to bits, doesn't it? They are such a blast to drive.

If the wood isn't actually coming apart, it is fairly easy to refinish. However, if the veneer is loose or it has serious water damage, I'd wait until I replaced the front windshield gasket to take it out, else you will damage the loose veneer from the non-existant clearance pulling it round the doorpost.

Peter