W124 LR window regulator - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chuck95e300d · #1 12-13-2004, 04:09 PM

Hi,

I have a 1995 E300D (W124). My LR window stopped going up all of the way. I searched the forums and apparently this is a common problem.

I pulled the door panel (thanks again to the forums for the instructions) and pealed back the plastic liner.

Apparently the metal jaw that holds the slide together had come apart and would not lift the window all the way up. I positioned the jaw to the right position and put up the window...it went all the way up. So then I dropped it down and snap! the jaw dropped open again. So I fiddled with it more and found that the plastic assembly had worn and was not holding together. I fiddled with it more...which I shouldn't have done...and the metal clip on the back of the assembly popped out. Those cables are @$%^@$# springloaded! Ouch. At one point the window dropped down on my hand. Ouch! It's like having your own mini guillotine. Not too mention there is plenty of sharp sheetmetal inside the door. Sometimes DIY is more like "injure yourself and get frustrated." OK so now my hand is banged up and the window regulator is broken even worse.

I checked around and apparently a new window regulator/motor assembly is available for $280 or so. The motor works fine but I don't see the other parts available separately. Here is my question: Can I buy a used assembly? With any W124 assembly work or only certain years work in certain cars? There is a 1989 LR assembly on EBAY for $69 or so right now. Would that work in my 1995 car. I would rather fix this myself for $100 rather than installing a $300 part X 2 hours labor for $500.

I have some pictures that I can post later tonight.

Chuck

chuck95e300d · #2 12-13-2004, 08:39 PM

Here are some pictures

oldfatman7 · #3 12-13-2004, 10:20 PM

Check Fast Lane, They should have the reg's with and without the motor.
Dan

Oreo · #4 12-13-2004, 11:24 PM

Chuck

I found mine in pieces too when I got my car. The cable was jammed in the spool but I managed to fish everything from inside the door. The PO actually put a table leg in there to hold the window up!

Anyway, it isn't difficult to put together.
1) Opened the spool up and coil the cable back on its track. Mine was jammed in there but you still need to do this to take the spool out to release the tension on the cables so you can put the ends togther where they popped apart. Study the way the cable winds around in case it unwinds but its really quite obvious due to the tracks.
2) Hook up the cable with the spring ends into its slot and use the little U shaped clip to hold it in. ---[> <]--- something like that

.
3) Slide the cable ends cover in place. Use zip tie(s) to reinforce the cover on as the plastic clip is broken.
4) Holding the cables on its tracks, pull the spool back into position and it will start to really tension up the cables. Then screw back the spool cover

Once I figured it out it took about 10 minutes to put back together. Good luck.

Oreo

AlexTheSeal · #5 12-14-2004, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldfatman7

Check Fast Lane, They should have the reg's with and without the motor.
Dan

No, the regulator and the motor are one unit for the rear windows on a W124 (the fronts are separate).

I've had good luck ordering used regulator/motor assemblies from Potomac German Auto. I think I got the last one for $80 or so. Much cheaper than new. They're not worth trying to fix, IMHO---too much pot metal. No fix is really going to last, and you'll just end up opening the door, tearing the vapor barrier, and risking breaking the panel clips again.

They were the same for the life of the W124, AFAIK. In any case, Potomac knows what works with what. They're good guys.

oldfatman7 · #6 12-14-2004, 12:33 PM

Alex,
I have a couple of w124's. My 98 e320 rear window reg broke and yes they do sell the reg without the motor. I have not checked older models.
Dan

chuck95e300d · #7 12-14-2004, 02:44 PM

I bought a used regulator today from Potomac German Auto...thanks for the contact info....

Will try to install it later this week. Thanks for the tips.

G-Benz · #8 12-14-2004, 02:45 PM

Fastlane sells that plastic jaw seperately...that is commonly what fails on these cars.

I lost both of my rears...back then your couldn't get the part seperately, so I had to spring for two new regulators!

chuck95e300d · #9 12-31-2004, 09:49 PM

I installed the used regulator today, works great. Installation of the regulator and connecting it to the window was the easy part, reinstalling the door panel took patience.

Actually messing with the door panel (off/on) was the hardest part of the job!

Thanks for the advice and source for the used regulator.

AlexTheSeal · #10 01-01-2005, 05:25 AM

Glad it worked for you, Chuck!

Those door panels are tricky, but they do get easier with practice. I've been inside so many 124 doors fixing regulators and lock actuators that I think I could R&R the panels in my sleep!