Hi all,

I've just replaced the sunroof cable in my '79 300D with a used cable purchased from ************** (Part # BDP-123SRC). Everything works fine until the roof is almost closed. At that point it sounds like the cable runs out of the motor and there is a clicking sound (motor gear teeth clicking on cable threads?). It appears that the cable is too short. Have I gotten the wrong cable? If not, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any help.

-Eric

You sure it is too short? My old 240D's roof made that same noise just before closing. The cause was worn out teeth on the cable. A new cable fixed the problem. Maybe your used cable was worn out.

__________________
1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

The cable looked fine when I installed it and the sunroof moves beautifully just until it reaches the fully closed position. Then it stops and the clicking starts and I have to push it to the closed, locked position. From that point it won't open without another push. The motor spins when fully closed, just no movement.

Is the cable for a coupe rather than a sedan, as they are shorter? Did you compare lengths with the old cable before installing?

Acc. to the EPC there is a differnce bteween the cables for sedans and coupes and in the case of w123 300d there are 2 options:
A1237800489 - *026 UP TO DATE: (number)
026 112095
033 102015
120 314853
123 329277
130 276372
220 085657
223 100392
020/023/030/126 UNTIL PRODUCTION STOP
and A1237800889 -*027 FROM DATE:
026 112096
033 102016
120 314854
123 329278
130 276373
133 008387
220 085658
223 100393
And I suppese there is a difference between the coupes also. Did you provide the VIN when ordered the part?

Funny thing about the VIN. I've tried to do an online lookup for my car and it never works. The tag on the car for the VIN is "123.130 12 153194".

I didn't give the VIN when ordering but I'm in contact with Mercedes Source and they've been very helpful. They say the coupe cable is 4 inches shorter than the sedan. The cable they sent is 8 ft. 5 in. long (101 in.). I'm waiting for a response.

It turns out the cable they shipped is from an '82~'85 Turbo 123. The placement of the motor in the trunk and the design of the sunroof allows for a shorter cable. They're sending one from a parts car from the same year and model as mine. The correct cable is 104" instead of 101".

My wife pointed out that, yes, three inches can make a difference.

For the record, Mercedes Source has handled this very professionally.

-Eric