Wing Window leak fixed - W108 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JeffreyNMemphis · #1 11-25-2008, 12:06 AM

Hello Friends,

I have a 1973 280SEL 4.5. The driver's side Wing Window has been leaking. The previous owner attempted to fix the problem by filling the weather strip with black "fish tank" caulking type stuff. The car is a garage queen, so the problem did not come to my attention until recently during a heavy rain.

German engineering is famous for quality and elegance. Thousands of hours over many years and benefit of experience have built advancement upon advancement. WHY! Oh WHY!! Do people think for fifteen minutes how to fix something themselves with a novel and unique solution like caulking up a window that is designed to open and close?

Ok.. I ranted. I raved.

The actual problem was that the Wing Window was not adjusted properly and was not closing tight against the gasket (weather strip). I painstakingly removed the caulking so as not to damage the gasket, then adjusted the lever so the window closes tight.

To access the adjustment, you have to remove the wood window trim left/right pieces, unscrew the lock button, and lift the uppermost door moulding (held on by four metal clips). There is a threaded rod with a hook attached to the Wing Window lever held on with a metal clip. Remove the clip and unhook the rod from the lever. The other end of the rod has a female threaded ball cap that can be removed by gently prying upward. To tighten the Wing Window, turn the rod counter-clockwise (which makes it longer). It took two complete revolutions to make the window close tight and snug.

Tip: Be careful when you remove the clip of the adjustment rod, if it falls into the door you will have to remove the lower door panel and doubles the time it takes for a simple job.

Don't ask me how I discovered this tip.

Here is a picture of what the adjustment rod looks like.

ARNOLDLewis · #2 11-26-2008, 08:22 PM

another thing to check is the rubber "ears" against which the triangular door windows seal. These have a drain channel which can get clogged with debris. A piece of coax cable pushed about 2-3 feet into this channel should clear it.

JeffreyNMemphis · #3 11-26-2008, 09:18 PM

Do you have a picture of the drain channel? I didn't see it when I was working on it. The previous owner might have filled it in with his caulking job. It would help if I knew where to look.

Thanks,

Jeffrey