MW_ATL

I have looked on the EPC and still haven't been able to figure this system out, so maybe someone has an idea:

Before the car went out from under (extended) warranty, I noticed the infrared system for opening/closing the windows and roof was not working. I took it in and they pronounced the key as the problem and provided a replacement key. It was working when it got home, and I had my original key, plus the spare, plus a nice new style key.

After that, I noticed that everything was working with all three keys, and that it works sometimes, and doesn't work sometimes. It seems to be an intermittant problem. I have tried to puzzle out what the problem could be, I'm not sure how everything is related. I know the IR sensors in the door handles could be an issue, but I can't see both sides giving a problem at once, so I would suspect something else. When it works, all three keys work on both doors, when it stops, none of them work on either door. I have not noticed a pattern to when it works or doesn't. It seems to be several days or weeks between changes -- it will work for a month or so, then stop working for a month or two. I don't really use the feature, it is just cool, but I would like for it to work.

07 Benz

I thought it only worked from the drivers side??

tommy

When all else fails, go for the obvious problem, which in this case I would say is the IR sensors. Especially since it seems so random, which is in keeping with MB's quality control on the sensors.

You might want to look into the mods4cars module; I bought one a couple of years ago, and am very happy with it. Since it uses the RF sensor, I can open up the sunroof and windows from much further away than the stock operation, and don't need to hold the key down, either.

MW_ATL

Tommy, Cool, thanks, I will try that.

07 Benz, The used to have them on both sides, I believe they changed, although I'm not exactly sure when, to just the driver's side. (Cost savings...one less thing to go wrong??)

aznmode

Mine sometimes doesn't work either. I've brought it to the dealers but they said it was fine. And ofcourse it was working when it was at the dealers. I think it tries to remember what you opened last and it tries to close that but I think sometimes it forgets and tries to close something else thats already closed. I've given up on this feature.

tommy

The mods4cars module is around $250, and it really is a lifesaver in summer.

I'm surprised that they haven't become more popular for our application (seeing how people here don't seem to bat an eye about paying $350 for a Service A).

aznmode

Isn't this for convertible tops only?

https://www.wit-usa.com/sms/shop/ind...on=home&menu=1

But either way...I don't think we should have to buy an module as an alternative for something that was supposed to work in the first place. Not ranting on you Tommy. Just my opinion.

MW_ATL

I just find the entire thing a bit puzzling. My first thought has been the IR sensors, but I find it odd that either both sides work or both don't work. Everything else on the car works like a charm. I think this is the "mystery" system, and the IR has always been very short range, I often wondered why they did it that way.

aznmode

I wondered the same thing when I found out about this feature. Even volkswagen uses RF to control windows.

Same thing I wonder about the radio channel control on the steering. It can only change stations and not to your pre programmed stations. German thinking I suppose. I know off topic but just wanted to add.

MountainStone

Threadjack ON: My 2002 C32 has the option to select how the channel-change steering wheel buttons operate; I can have them 'seek' or I can have them jump to the next preset station. Scroll through your driver-selectable settings or dig out the manual. Threadjack OFF

On topic: my window feature is also intermittent, and I have always hated how I have to hold the key one inch away from the IR sensor to operate the feature. I didn't know about the RF mod; thanx for mentioning it!

tommy

There have been discussions about this before - on later W203s, you are not able to toggle what the steering wheel up/down buttons do on radio searching.

aznmode - I fully agree about buying a module to control what should work correctly from the factory. However, when life gives you lemons...

LILBENZ230

Mine also worked on and off and the dealership replaced the door sensor and it has worked fine since.

MW_ATL

Well, while I'm replacing sensors, this is the *perfect* opportunity to go with the body color door handles, huh? I was wavering....

LILBENZ230

Body color door handles? Doesn't this come with the car?

MW_ATL

On the coupes it was part of the C7 package with 17" wheels, slightly different steering wheel, exhaust resonator delete and a couple of other things.

tommy

Yeah, the C7 package was an amazing bargain. Though I've now replaced everything from it with aftermarket goodies except the handles and Bose (hope to do that within the next year), that extra $750 was money well spent.

I'd go with the door-colored handles, too - makes quite a difference.

C230 Sport Coup

Yeh, me too....but they don't seem to last long.
I've had both sides replaced, and now they work intermittantly, and
sometimes neither works, or just one side...
I can't believe the sensors are that prone to failure.

We should turn the guy who repairs his own SAMS and TPS's. loose on this one.

FYI- 2002 US coupe came with sensors on both sides of the car.
2003 they decontented the car, took that out along with other stuff.
It's one way to tell a 2002 from a 2003-2004.
That and the extra air knob on top of the dash...