Power Window Regulator
Dealer said that Y2k model of W210 have this problem quite often.
Just can't believe the M.B. quality control that they can accept such a lousy window regulator supplier that makes such a ****ty stuff. Anyone experience this too??
).If you do a search, you will find other members with the same complaint. I was told by my dealership that this is a cosumable item even if you don't use the window (vibration from road shock will wear out the regulator over time).
The way the structure is built, it is not repairable and designed to absorb shock. It makes we wonder if this was done to protect the window itself. It's very lightweight, easy to install and compact compared to a scissor type regulator, which you will find in the front of the vehicle.
This is a problem for W210s all around, not just a specific model year.
It cost me $120 in parts, but I've heard from people who got the regulators for less. Not really a big thing, but it is a pain in the rear to carefully remove and re-install the door cladding. The rest is pretty easy. On the other hand, my car is almost 7 years old. I wasn't too upset.
Last edited by haspelbein; Nov 27, 2002 at 10:51 AM.
I know the MB has modified the regulator rather slightly between my '96 model and the regulator for a '98 that I replaced it with. However, I do not see any substantial modifications.
If I really wanted to be sure that the window never goes down, I would remove the regulator, get a piece of wood (cut to size), and screw self-cutting screws through the holes for the regulator mounting rivets right into the wood.

I'm pretty sure that MB is aware of the problem. This has been going on for a while. While the problem is very likely to occur over time, it is also very infrequent overall.
I'm not aware of any aftermarket regulator that promises a higher reliablility. This is a rather specialized part, and even with the occasional failure, would probably not create a high enough demand to justify a 3rd party's engineering effort.
Last edited by haspelbein; Nov 27, 2002 at 11:33 AM.
They quoted me 275.00 parts and labor, but said that it might fall under that.
Im not too surprised since the first thing i did before buying the car was check the forums here for common problematic issues. Apparently the rear windows, and frequent bulb replacing were the main things i could find to go wrong (knock on wood) for my 97 E420
-=osiris667=-
Hmmm, the 'updated' regulator I got the last time looked awfully close to the original one. Interestingly enough, not plastic piece holding the window broken in my case, but a piece of metal connecting the cable to the regulator frame gave way. So, I believe this issue remains open.
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... just not using the rear power window should do the trick.
... until you've seen the 'Lamp Defective' message......
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I hardly ever use my rear windows, and the right one lasted 7 years, the other one is still the OEM regulator. Let's see how long that one lasts.
Thanks !!
Anyhow, you're looking at something that really shouldn't happen all that often. I've known people who put 120K miles on the E-Class, without having this problem once.
I'm still using my rear windows, but I'm not doing it excessively. I won't move them up and down in traffic, just to pass time. :p



