Need to replace both window regulators - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sokoloff · #1 08-27-2022, 06:59 PM

So today both rear windows of my '99 E300D gave up the ghost and fell down into the door. I bet I have replaced those regulators half a dozen times in the twenty years I've owned the car. It's been awhile though, so I'm asking for any updates from those who have done it recently. I have notes that I have replaced the rivets with bolts, lock washers and nuts, so I won't have to drill out or reinstall rivets. See attached photo of parts I happen to have in stock. I think the only part(s) I may need are the door trim clips in case any of them break. So please give me any advice you have and tell me if the only parts I need are the actual regulators for both sides. I have seen and will pay close attention to the "how do" articles here.
Thanks.

sokoloff · #2 08-27-2022, 11:51 PM

Let me also ask about any experiences good or bad you've had using Uro replacement regulators. They seem to be a popular choice at various sites.

Jorn · #3 08-28-2022, 02:27 AM

I think using bolts might be the reason they collapse so quickly. Being lazy and thinking I knew better I used a bolt as well. Failed within a year, it shredded the entire plastic part completely.

sokoloff · #4 08-28-2022, 09:26 AM

Thanks Jorn. I plan to dig into the doors today, so I'll see what things looks like. I do not have the replacement parts available, but I've at least got to get the windows in the up position until I can get parts. Wonder if I can fix one of the windows with the spare slide I show in my photo above. That would be a bonus to at least get one window actually fixed.

I'm probably going to just go with the bolts again, although you may be right. The car gets driven once every two months and maybe gets a thousand miles put on it every year. And since I have no friends, no one ever sits in the back seat and needs to lower the windows.

Sugar Bear · #5 08-28-2022, 02:16 PM

Len,
No advice specific to your car, you already know more about it than I do.

Some advice about regulators in general and making them last longer...when parking the car relieve the upward tension on the regulator by tapping the window switch downward as briefly as possible. Also don't run windows all the way up at full speed. Release the button just before a full close and then lightly tap it upward.

Good luck!!!

sokoloff · #6 08-28-2022, 02:54 PM

Well, got the door panels off of both doors. Discovered another issue I'd like to fix. The plastic pieces that hold the fasteners are supposed to be attached to the panel. However about half of mine came off when removing the panel. Now I recall this happened other times I did this job too. It's obvious I tried some kind of adhesive to fix the problem, but it didn't work too well. Any suggestions on what to use? I'm thinking about double sided tape that's used for trim pieces, etc. That may not hold up if/when I have to remove the panels again, but it should be good enough to hold the panels in place. What do you think? Other suggestions welcomed. See attached.

vince · #7 09-02-2022, 07:17 AM

I found Devcon Plastic Welder 22045 works very well for attaching the "mounts" to the panel. Clean off all the old adhesive from the mounts (make sure the holes are clear) and the panel. The panel has small nubs that locate the mounts. I apply some adhesive to the mounts and the panel. You want the adhesive to ooze up through the holes so a "button" will form.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NUGL9S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

sokoloff · #8 09-02-2022, 08:53 AM

Thank you Vince - just the info I was looking for. There is some evidence on a few of those mounts that I tried to use something similar the last time I did the job. I was thinking of using double sided trim tape, but that might make it tricky to line up the nubs. The plastic welder sounds like a better solution.

sokoloff · #9 09-03-2022, 07:16 PM

Got one regulator replaced, but have what I think is a minor issue The black plastic clip that keeps the regulator from slipping off the slide broke. See attached photo. Initial search online didn't come up with anything, but I think I have a solution. Tell me what you think. If anyone has a source or has one laying around that they want to get rid of, let me know.

I'm thinking about running a plastic tie through each end where the clamp goes, cutting off the excess and hoping that will work as a safety catch. Thoughts?

Also used your suggestion of Devcon on the plastic mounts. Looks like I might have done something similar the last time I did the job. Had to do eight of the mounts. I'll let them set up for 24 hours before reinstalling the door panel.

vince · #10 09-04-2022, 07:21 AM

It's been years since I did a regulator so I really can't offer and opinion on your fix.

sokoloff · #11 09-04-2022, 11:10 AM

Okay, one more request please. I hate it when I do a job and I have parts leftover, but here we go. This part came from somewhere in the left rear door. I think it may have been laying in the bottom of the door, but there is maybe a chance that it fell from its location when I was wrestling with taking the old regulator out. I looked for the part in the right side rear door, but could not find it. Any ideas? It is possible I guess that it has been laying in there for years and I missed it the last time I did the regulator. See attached for the part I'm referring to.

Thanks