My ‘86 300E sunroof unexpectedly stuck about three quarters closed. After working it back and forth with the switch and manual assistance I managed to get it completely closed. Initial research indicated the repair is extremely complicated and should be performed by a professional. Local MB specialists would not even consider the repair which left the MB dealer as my only option. More research found dealer repair costs from one to two thousand dollars.

Then I came across this site and the information found was enough for me to take on the repair. Convinced the problem was the sunroof motor I purchased a replacement on ebay. After removing the original motor I found the gears were worn but not the source of the problem. Unfortunately the new motor’s mounting bracket was different. Since everything was apart I decided to just use the gears from the new motor. Next I removed the headliner from the sunroof to inspect the bracket attaching the sunroof to the cable. The bracket was good so I detached the bracket to inspect the cable. With the cable removed the problem was discovered. One of the nylon ferrules on the cable was worn and binding in the tube. Having already spent a couple hundred bucks on a motor I decided to remove the worn ferrule and reinstall the cable. The cable and tube was thoroughly cleaned with brake cleaner and lubed. Using a rod with a bit of rag taped on the end I cleaned and lubed the rear portion of the tracks. After everything was back in place I found the sunroof moved faster and smoother then ever. The entire process was accomplished in about six hours.

I wish to thank the members of this site for the invaluable information they have provided, for giving me the courage to take on a repair, and saving me a considerable amount of money.