Driver side front window went down fine with express down but wouldn't come back up. All the other windows continued to work though. Before I go buying expensive parts that aren't necessary, how do you diagnose which part is actually at fault? Also, using the key fob to get the window closed didn't work. This is a '98 E430.

 

The odds are that your window motor regulator is bad. From what I have read, it is rarely the motor itself. It's also apparently an easy do-it-yourself job if you are comfortable with taking the door apart.

If either of the switches are bad, you should still be able to close the window using that function with the key.

 

Thanks! When I couldn't close the window with the key fob, I figured I'd better ask before I replaced the wrong part.

 

The rear regulators have been far more problematic than the fronts. Was there any noise when it went down? Does it sound like the motor is trying to move the window? The switches are part of an assembly that is $360 or so. I would pull the door panel and look around.

 

The window went down without any sign of trouble but wouldn't go back up. I tried the other windows just to be sure and they were fine. No motor noise comes from the driver door. Is there a separate fuse for each window? I should check the cheapest option before digging into the door.

 

Sorry, I have no idea about the fuse issue, but as you stated, try the cheapest (or most likely) option first. I still think it's a regulator but as Vince pointed out, I think this is the first time I've heard of a front door regulator going bad, the rears are a much more common complaint in this regard.

 

I wasn't that lucky. The fuse (40 amps!) was intact. Looks like I'll have to order the part and dismantle the door liner. It's strange that I didn't hear anything. No motor whine.

 

i have the same problem with the passanger side window, but it goes up sometimes after holding down the button for a while, and when the window is wet the window wont go up at all...

 

I would not order any parts before I took off the door panel and looked. See if the motor is getting the command to raise the window. I believe the window commands from the switches go to a control module and then to the individual window motors. Replacing the regulator can't fix that module if it is the problem.

I would either buy the DVD from MBUSA (P/N P-2700-210-05 for $149.95) and troubleshoot using it or find a good shop that can diagnose the problem. If they determine the problem is something you can fix on your own, then you can buy the parts and do the work. The regulator is an entirely different design than the rear and not very likely to fail (not unknown - just unlikely).

 

Well I was able to borrow a switch assembly from another car to help narrow down the problem. It failed to raise the window so it's either the motor or the regulator. If it was the regulator, I would've thought there would at least be motor noise.

 

I still think you are making some assumptions. I did some digging. The switch module (N72) sends commands to the individual Door Control Modules (N69/1 through N69/4 - N69/1 is for the driver's door). The command to the motor comes from the Door Control Module. Therefore, if the motor is not working it could very well be N69/1. That is why I recommend finding someone who understands the CAN on this car. It could save $ and frustration.

 

hi i have 1993 190 E 2.3 drivers and passenger front windows not wokin i know sounds silly duhh how do u take the door panel off to get to motor and regulator pls

 

Interesting thread from another forum that sheds light on a similar problem:

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...d.php?t=119119