124 series sunroof perimeter gasket
 

I just replaced the old dried out sunroof gasket on my '95 E320. It fits perfectly into the groove all the way around the sunroof frame in the roof of the car. The problem now is that the sunroof slides forward and then binds as it closes that last inch or so. The back of the sunroof panel doesn't pop up flush with the rest of the roof. It just slides forward and then seems to get caught on something. I can't figure it out for the life of me. Has anyone ever replaced one of these before?

You need to make sure the seal is fitted properly, its stopping the roof from closing. I had the same problem when I replaced my seal.

I have. I checked WIS, it said to start at the rear two corners with the part of the gasket that has those two "notches" at each back corner. Push in from there. If you looked at it now, you would say it's flush and fits perfectly all the way around. I can't understand what's catching...

Its hard to say since im not looking at it. All I can say is pull it back out and put it back in.

Is it a OEM seal or aftermarket?

Since the 124 uses rubber all the way around the sr opening, you first need to determine if the seal is or is not seated completely. I would first spray Windex or sylicone spray on the entire seal and see if this helps the closing of the panel. If it still doesn't close, then the problem has to be the seal not seating completely. You should be able to feel any bad seating by running your finger around the entire length of the seal.

I'll look at it again. I used a rubber mallet to push it in. It looks exactly like the old one I took out - meaning flush fit. I'll feel for imperfections though. I just tried some syl-glide on the rear of the gasket too, but that did nothing. It's OE, bought it from the dealer.

go hit it some more:D

Do you think you could make a video of it trying to open and close? Maybe we could get a better idea of where it is hanging up.

I may be able to...

that should help