is it supposed to open?
 

I have an 86 300E and i can get the sunroof to slide back, but is it supposed to lift just the back up?

It's supposed to tuck down in the rear and slide back when you push/pull the switch toward the rear and open/crack the rear of the roof up when you push the switch up.

Can you hear it run when you push the switch toward the rear?
If the lift angles are broken it can possibly still crack the roof up/open in the rear but might not be able to close it and cannot open the roof normaly.

What do you hear and observe when you operate the switch?

I got the car about a month and a half ago, and it never lifted the rear, it always just lifted till it was flush with the outside roof. Then monday morning it lifted about 3/8" in the rear.
It tucks down and slides back just fine, i think it might be a little slow but some cleaning and lube should help that.

Well to lift/close the rear -push the button up /pull the button down.

Be carefull not to use any lube but MB sunroof paste.

And if it seems sticky or resistant, dont run it too much as that's when old fragile bits can bind and break.

Holy sniekees! I didn't even know it worked up and down. I just ran outside and it all works normal now.
Thanks Marty

One last function tip.

If the roof os open, and you push/hold the button up, it will close normally and continue to pop up the rear.

Not that useful really but as long as we're on the topic.

ok thanks Marty