W124 sunroof repair ... dare I try? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BodhiBenz1987 · #1 04-06-2007, 04:06 PM

OK guys, spring project time. When I finish fixing the passenger mirror that got knocked cockeyed by a grocery-cart boy last night (grrrrrrrrr), I'm thinking about tackling my sunroof. Here is the deal with it:
Two years ago I had it open in the tipped-up mode and when I went to close it, one corner went down, and one stayed up. The left corner went up and down, no go on the right corner. Eventually the right corner went about halfway down and there was some cracking and a few pieces of black plastic fell into the car. With that corner still halfway up, I took it to my mechanic, who pushed the panel flush with the car's roof and basically said don't open it and just pretend you don't have a sunroof for the time being. When I asked him recently about fixing it, he was pretty honest and said he wouldn't gamble with it because it can be tedious and he wouldn't want to have to charge me for all that labor (but obviously he can't do it for free). He said he's advise against it because of the possible cost. But I really want a sunroof. When you push the tilt function, the left hand side still tilts ... kind of halfway, though. The righthand side kind of tries, but gets stuck ... it pops up a tiny bit and won't move from there ... you have to kind of punch it down to make it flush. When you push the button to open the roof alltogether, it does not go, but you can hear it motoring. I suspect the panel is out of allignement because of whatever popped out. Given the nature of the malfunction and the plastic jetsam that fell into my car, I suspect this is a broken clip of somesort. Is anyone familiar with these beasts enough to tell me if that's a likelyhood? Do I dare try to disassemble this thing and replace said clip? I'd love to have that thing cracked open and enjoy the sunshine this summer ...

deerefanatic · #2 04-06-2007, 05:19 PM

I have had some experience with the tilting/sliding roof as I am retrofitting one into my 126 SD from a 126 SEL.... I believe they're the same roof.. Let me do some research and I'll get back to you......

deerefanatic · #3 04-06-2007, 06:38 PM

The roofs are very similar and share many parts..... Looks like I can help you troubleshoot.

Give me a call any weekday or saturday..., 269-432-3884.... Ask for matt and tell whoever answers you're from the mercedes forum....

Also, visit http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb1.asp?TP=1&F=124130%5F501&M=603%2E912&GA=722%2E415&GM=717%2E430&CT=F&Cat=501&SID=78 and take a look at the diagrams to familiarize yourself with the workings of the system...

Contrary to popular opinion around here, they are really are simple and if none of the major parts are shot, they're not too horridly expensive to fix.

Furthermore, there's a 124 at my local junkyard with a sunroof, so I might be able to get parts off it...

BodhiBenz1987 · #4 04-07-2007, 07:28 PM

Thanks ... it'll probably be a while before I get good enough weather (and time) to tackle it. Big drawback is I have no garage ... so I'd better have time to put it back together, or at least rig up a really good makeshift cover if need-be. I have the body/chassi FSM, which is very confusing, but I think it might make more sense when I actually see what its describing. I'll keep your # on-hand when I crack this thing open ... chances are I'll hit some snag along the way ...

2.5Turbo · #5 04-07-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deerefanatic

The roofs are very similar and share many parts..... Looks like I can help you troubleshoot.

Give me a call any weekday or saturday..., 269-432-3884.... Ask for matt and tell whoever answers you're from the mercedes forum....

Also, visit http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb1.asp?TP=1&F=124130%5F501&M=603%2E912&GA=722%2E415&GM=717%2E430&CT=F&Cat=501&SID=78 and take a look at the diagrams to familiarize yourself with the workings of the system...

Contrary to popular opinion around here, they are really are simple and if none of the major parts are shot, they're not too horridly expensive to fix.

Furthermore, there's a 124 at my local junkyard with a sunroof, so I might be able to get parts off it...

Yeah, the 124 sunroofs share a ton of parts between the 126 and 201. Many of the part numbers on the sunroof parts in my car say 126 or 201.

deerefanatic · #6 04-07-2007, 08:59 PM

and several of mine are 124!

If you don't have a garage, I'll give you my cell number in-case I'm out when you hit your snag.... PM me and I'll give it to you.....

Austin85 · #7 04-07-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deerefanatic

and several of mine are 124!

If you need, i can get you the AllData DVD & Cd that covers your car... WAAYY better than the factory FSM!

Also, if you don't have a garage, I'll give you my cell number in-case I'm out when you hit your snag.... PM me and I'll give it to you.....

If I fly you to south FLorida, you think you could fix the SR on my 85 300D?

I have already had 2 German MB mechanics tell me they work on anything BUT sunroofs.

WHat is confusing the heck out of me is I have new felt sliders from dealer- new plastic sliders- a straight black T- bar - a straight headliner tube - a straight cable - a clean tube ( used 1/2 can of brake cleaner )

And with out the cable in - the SR slides smoothly
BUt
with the cable in you couldn't move it an inch, with 2 people trying on each side.

MY motor works fine & I have a "New" orange fiber gear, form a donor car that must not have used his too much.

I also have the "How to Repair Your Sunroof..." manual from Kent at **************....

Thanks! anyone.

..

deerefanatic · #8 04-11-2007, 05:30 PM

Ok, here is a question, how easy does the sunroof cable slide when it's not connected to the roof? Maybe the tube has a small kink in it? maybe the roof itself is out of wack in its geometery...... Feel free to give me a call at the number I listed for Bodhi up above.......

Number11 · #9 04-15-2007, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Austin85

If I fly you to south FLorida, you think you could fix the SR on my 85 300D..

Hell yea... im gonna do mine, and ill take a ticket to s flordia..

jbach36 · #10 04-15-2007, 08:53 PM

Luke, LUKE! It is your DESTINY. (Star Wars).

Conquer it. You can do it.

BodhiBenz1987 · #11 04-16-2007, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbach36

Luke, LUKE! It is your DESTINY. (Star Wars).

Conquer it. You can do it.

Thanks for the encouragement ...

. Think I'll wait a few days though. We're having some light rain in the area here. More than four inches ...

Theurig · #12 04-17-2007, 09:45 PM

Ok I am having the same exact problem. I live in Miami, when are we flying him down. Mine just happened last week. I gotta have a sunroof!!!! I gotta!!! I am thinking of taking this thing to the stealer!!!! 1990 420sel . I gotta have a sunroof!!!

Number11 · #13 04-18-2007, 06:33 PM

whoa sweet are u guys serious? ill be there man u guys just cart me around yo! hehe.. am researching parts, have service cd... keep me posted on everything

Theurig · #14 04-18-2007, 06:42 PM

Serious as a !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is great Time to be down here BTW.