Anyone replaced the entire sunroof frame assembly? Could use some advice.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 250
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From: Charleston, SC
2005 C230K
Anyone replaced the entire sunroof frame assembly? Could use some advice.
Sunroof started slowing down and has now gotten to where it won't fully open or close. I've managed to get it to stop where it's somewhat lopsided with one corner above the car's hood and the other side slightly below. Thought it might just need a new motor so I replaced that but it didn't help. Dealer told me the sunroof frame itself is corroded and needs to be replaced. They quoted me $3,000. I'm seeing I can get a used one off eBay for around $500 shipped, but has anyone DIY'd this? I'm guessing I'd have to remove the entire headliner just to access everything I need to. Part number is 2037800829 / 2097800029.
Backstory is in this thread from 6 months ago.
And yes, I cleaned and lubed the tracks regularly up to this point. My guess is the extreme heat and humidity here in SC likely played a role, plus the car is now 14 years old.
Any input is appreciated.
Backstory is in this thread from 6 months ago.
And yes, I cleaned and lubed the tracks regularly up to this point. My guess is the extreme heat and humidity here in SC likely played a role, plus the car is now 14 years old.
Any input is appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 110
From: WNY
2005 w203 C230
I’d search the forum a few people have dropped and even changed out their headliners.
Sadly, I’ve read of frames rusting.
So, I have to ask...does the car sit outside - prone to rain? If so, I’d recommend buying a large sheet of black magnet “film/sheet” off an auction site - and cut it to about 2” larger than the sunroof. Use it when sitting in rain.
That said, if your headliner isn’t compromised - I’ve seen technicians just drop them and “rest them” on the seats/interior while roof/sunroof work is performed.
I’d imagine with a helper or two, you could get it (sunroof assembly) down and out without taking out the liner.
Taking out the liner, might want/have to remove center console or you might get a crease...
So, I’d grab some foam noodles from the dollar store to rest the liner on flat seats and buy a box of latex gloves to constantly change to keep the liner clean.
Do you have a WIS cd or factory dealer tech sheets?
I have a spare A/B and C pillar if you want me to upload a bunch of pictures of the clips.
There are a few tricks to pulling it down, like pulling it down in front from the Velcro, and unsnapping it from the back...
You can see a little bit here @3:57
Sadly, I’ve read of frames rusting.
So, I have to ask...does the car sit outside - prone to rain? If so, I’d recommend buying a large sheet of black magnet “film/sheet” off an auction site - and cut it to about 2” larger than the sunroof. Use it when sitting in rain.
That said, if your headliner isn’t compromised - I’ve seen technicians just drop them and “rest them” on the seats/interior while roof/sunroof work is performed.
I’d imagine with a helper or two, you could get it (sunroof assembly) down and out without taking out the liner.
Taking out the liner, might want/have to remove center console or you might get a crease...
So, I’d grab some foam noodles from the dollar store to rest the liner on flat seats and buy a box of latex gloves to constantly change to keep the liner clean.
Do you have a WIS cd or factory dealer tech sheets?
I have a spare A/B and C pillar if you want me to upload a bunch of pictures of the clips.
There are a few tricks to pulling it down, like pulling it down in front from the Velcro, and unsnapping it from the back...
You can see a little bit here @3:57
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Back in the day, I was beeching to MBUSA tech rep about the lack of a manual (they have it now for a long time).
The tech rep gave me a CD that among other things has a video of them replacing a pano sunroof, frame and all.
They CUT the old sunroof out and put the new one in.
I have no idea where I put that CD. Sorry.
Check Davedrb's thread on sunroof repair. (though it's pano)
I provided him all the docs, and they are posted in the thread.
You could purchase the used one and use the parts....
but then they will be used parts.
I finally had to disconnect my sunroof and retire it.
Had same problem as you. It was cocked to one side.
Got someone to push on it while I work the hand crank, and
got it to go. Disconnected the motor, the end, till someday...
when I have a place to park it and tear into it.
The tech rep gave me a CD that among other things has a video of them replacing a pano sunroof, frame and all.
They CUT the old sunroof out and put the new one in.
I have no idea where I put that CD. Sorry.
Check Davedrb's thread on sunroof repair. (though it's pano)
I provided him all the docs, and they are posted in the thread.
You could purchase the used one and use the parts....
but then they will be used parts.
I finally had to disconnect my sunroof and retire it.
Had same problem as you. It was cocked to one side.
Got someone to push on it while I work the hand crank, and
got it to go. Disconnected the motor, the end, till someday...
when I have a place to park it and tear into it.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Jun 10, 2019 at 03:33 PM.
