Greetings folks! been lurking here for a few weeks. got a 1987 300sdl (W126 with an OM603.961) that's been in our family since new. went downhill for many years and served as several 15 year olds first cars. it has finally been passed to me and i am hoping to restore it to most of its old glory. 212K on the clock, original vacuum pump and #14 head. never been overheated that we know of. when i first got it it turned 0-60 in 26 seconds. after replacing all vacuum lines, cleaning hard lines, changing all fluids and filters and thermostat and strip fuse in GPR she will run 0-60 in 13 and some change! new vacuum pump is on the way along with a timing chain tensioner.

now for the sunroof.

im getting a ton of condensation in the car and its probably the sunroof drains im guessing maybe even in need of being rebuilt if thats even the proper term. BUT the sunroof is stuck shut, gotta repair that first. when i activate the switchi hear the cables/motor/something moving but nothing happens. probably bad plastic gear. anyway i found a good used replacement from a local indy but he warned me that it was a bear of a job to remove and replace the motor and then re-time /sync the cables? i cannot find any write ups or how tos on this so i figure i would ask you all. if anyone knows of the procedure or of an existing how to write up, could you please point me in that direction as it would be most appreciated! i would hate to get it halfway done and end up with sunroof stuck in the open or halfway open position. As i stated, i need to get this operational so i can address the water infiltration. This forum is awesome and you guys have helped me more than you could ever imagine already!!! thank you so much in advance!!

Caulked mine shut and it should have been the first step when it failed. Spent many hours working on it. Gave up when I would have to remove the headliner and pan for the next repair.

Recommend repairing it only if you enjoy the sunroof feature enough.

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Present
1987 300SDL
1991 300SL
1990 560SEL
2001 ML320

Past
1969 200D 1979-82
1983 300SD 1984-85
1972 250C 1982-02
1995 S350 2011
1997 S320 2012

i would like to keep it operational if possible. i think there may be some rust issues underneath that may need to be addressed and its just to nice of a car else-wise to let it melt away. i was hoping that someone here could give me some good pointers on the r&r for the sunroof motor.

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Grant

1987 300SDL - Current
1981 300D - Long Gone

Checked again today, even in sunny weather it seems that there is always water in both front floorboards? Any suggestions other than sunroof leaks? Could a leaky ac cause this condition? How do I test for leaky a/c?

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Grant

1987 300SDL - Current
1981 300D - Long Gone

Yes, a plugged A/C condensate drain line could easily, and commonly, cause that condition. Easiest way to confirm is to run A/C while parked and wait to see if condensate water drains on ground under car...from passenger side, as I recall. No water means evap box isn't draining, filling box, and then onto floors.

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If you don't like the way I'm driving, get off the sidewalk!