When Mecedes dealers replace defective electric window switches under warranty do they replace single switches or do they replace the whole switch panel? I ask because according to the warranty record on the used ML320 I puchased last week the vehicle has been in the shop for window switch replacement at 24K and 34K miles. I'm wondering if these switches die every 10K miles.

Thanks,

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Slowdriver

2000 ML320 (37K Mi)
1985 BMW 735i (155K Mi)
1989 Caravan (102K Mi) cargo hauler
2000 Montana (40K Mi) family hauler

They replace the whole panel that has all the switches. They should last longer than 10K miles unless the prior owner just continued to activate them when the window was already up or down as he desired. In that case I suppose they could get overheated and wear out even sooner.

On a positive note the whole panel only cost about $38. and takes maybe 15 mins. to replace.

They had alot of problems with these for about the first 3 or 4 years of production, but MB seems to have found a better supplier now, so hopefully you have a switch that will last alot longer now.

Gilly

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My 98 ML320's driver side window switch is about to fail soon, the death knoll has appeared via stuttering raise ups of the driver's side window.

I'm going to replace it and i read in Gily's post that the switch assembly (4 swiches, side mirrors and power locks) is only US$38.00. Any tips on where i can order it at that price and would they ship overseas? Its okay if they dont i can have it shipped to LA to my friend's house and he can ship it over here.

One last thing i read in another forum that the part number that i should order is 163 820 66 10 so that everything would be plug and play. Can someone confirm this?

The part number you quoted is correct. I purchased my last switch unit in July 2003 for $38. from Phillips Automotive Inc. (a Mercedes Dealer) located in Virginia Beach, VA. I deal with Malcolm in parts, his # is 800-613-7278. The dealers email is phillips@phillipsautomotive.com

Thanks for the info

can you recommend any mb only parts store that ships overseas?

number and url would help

The FastLane here http://www.peachparts.com/catalog/index.php3 has them listed. I'm sure they probably would ship overseas. Just click on the Online Catalog and enter all the info for your year, make and model, then click on Body Mechanical & Trim, then Window Switch and there they are .........

Window Switch
Console Mounted
This supersedes the quadruple switch for electric windows and mirror adjustment. This new switch contains (4) window switches, mirror adjustment child lock-out, window lock-out and heated rear window. $59.52 + shipping

I would just ask the place you buy the switch panel from to ship it to you using the USPS, Global Express Mail (EMS). It will cost about $28. which includes $100. insurance and you will get it in about 4 or 5 days so long as their are no customs problems on either end. The package can also be tracked online. This is not much of a problem for the seller; he only has to fill out a simple customs form, "PS Form 2976, January 2004", which he gets at the post office.

I have a friend in Germany and I used this service with no problems.

Thanks for the info guys but then again i have another problem. Since my power switch is laid out with a wood veneer what happens when i get the new switches (with new part numbers) do i have to cut and modify the wood trim around the switches or does it fit exactly like as in the old one?

See this link for the removal and installation http://www.grill.org/rodney/mclass/mlswitch/index.html

Just purchased one this morning from Phillips in VA and the price must have gone up. $68.00