DIY Alcantera Headliner & Roof Rattle Fix
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 405
Likes: 12
From: Sacramento, CA
W204 C300 2010
Will the back of the sunroof still tilt up and down? If so, tilt the sunroof in the up position. There are two control arms or levers where the accordian bellows are expanded. Put your fingers on each one, move the arm back and forth, up and down, etc... I think one is getting worn or just popped out of place. There should be some free play, if not, it is the one that might be causing your problem. Once both arms feel the same, tilt the roof down, then up, then down a few times. Then try to move the roof back.
I was lubing the slides over the weekend with some silicone spray to try to get the creak/rattle noise out. I moved the rear arms around and the roof did not go back any more. I did the procedure described above and the roof started working again.
The creak noise went away for about a day. Then it came back the next cold evening. I relubed and did not here it this morning, but I will see if it makes noise on the way home tonight.
Rob Lee
I was lubing the slides over the weekend with some silicone spray to try to get the creak/rattle noise out. I moved the rear arms around and the roof did not go back any more. I did the procedure described above and the roof started working again.
The creak noise went away for about a day. Then it came back the next cold evening. I relubed and did not here it this morning, but I will see if it makes noise on the way home tonight.
Rob Lee
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Chelmsford, England
E430
I have a similar problem. The roof tilits but sticks when sliding back. If you apply backward force then it will continue to slide. It closes without any problems. I tried lubing it but maybe I haven't done it right.
Any ideas
Any ideas
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 405
Likes: 12
From: Sacramento, CA
W204 C300 2010
My Update...
Okay - after a few rounds of silicone spray on all of sliding and moving pieces, the noise was less, but not gone. Then, last night, going home from work. The roof started to really stick, it would not go back but a few inches, and not evenly.
So, I spent a couple of hours last night, and I think I've fixed the creaking noises and better yet, root caused the sticking situation.
I took pics too, but I left my camera at home today. I will try to post later this week (holiday and all..)
Anyways, here is short description.
a. The reason my sunroof would not slide back smoothly was because the rear rubber seal assembly fell off it's mounting points.
b. It mounts to the sliding roof at 2 places. If they come loose, the roof will still work, but the real seal does not return back to its original position. Eventually, it will get pushed diagonally, and this is what makes it drag, or even prevent the glass from sliding back.
c. This is also the source of the wierd rattle noise within the headliner. I used the carpet side of some adhesive "Velcro" on 2 sliding points to stop the rattle.
The pictures will show what I mean.
Regards,
Rob Lee
So, I spent a couple of hours last night, and I think I've fixed the creaking noises and better yet, root caused the sticking situation.
I took pics too, but I left my camera at home today. I will try to post later this week (holiday and all..)
Anyways, here is short description.
a. The reason my sunroof would not slide back smoothly was because the rear rubber seal assembly fell off it's mounting points.
b. It mounts to the sliding roof at 2 places. If they come loose, the roof will still work, but the real seal does not return back to its original position. Eventually, it will get pushed diagonally, and this is what makes it drag, or even prevent the glass from sliding back.
c. This is also the source of the wierd rattle noise within the headliner. I used the carpet side of some adhesive "Velcro" on 2 sliding points to stop the rattle.
The pictures will show what I mean.
Regards,
Rob Lee
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 536
Likes: 4
From: Orlando, Florida
**SOLD***2003 E500
Rattle in roof of 1999 E320. Help!!!????
Up visiting the folks in NY for the Holidays. Driving my folks E320, and noticed a rattle in the left rear part of the roof. Was wondering if any of you have encountered this before. Car has Moonroof, but no telephone kit and no antennas installed in roof or rear glass area aftermarket wise. My 99 E430 did not seem to have this rattle either, but then again I do not have th pot holes in Orlando, Fl. that NYC seems to have around every corner. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I will tackle this after the Turkey is served.
Thanks as always.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks as always.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 7
From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
I believe its the sunroof shade,which,when the roof is open or the shade is back,rattles when you hit those certain road maladies.
I have the same noise,but when the shade is closed,its minimal.
I have the same noise,but when the shade is closed,its minimal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 2
From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Vague memory but wasn't this a typical W210 problem - already discussed? Something needed to be replaced or slipped inside to stop the rattling.
Help please fellow brothas, mine's starting to rattle a bit too....
Help please fellow brothas, mine's starting to rattle a bit too....
Last edited by Whitey; Nov 27, 2003 at 10:19 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,997
Likes: 0
From: Fullerton, CA
'07 R350. '05 C230. '93 454SS Truck. '71 Chevelle SS.
Let me throw my E in the mix on this one. I too have the same problem but only when open. As I am traveling, at the speed limit mind you 
, the shade begins to rattle annoyingly! I do believe the dealer can install weatherstrip material to both sides of the shade and correct the problem. I'm sure it can done at home also for those with their warranties expired. I'm waiting to take mine in as soon as my service comes up. 
Oh and yes, apparently it is a very common malady for our series cars...
, the shade begins to rattle annoyingly! I do believe the dealer can install weatherstrip material to both sides of the shade and correct the problem. I'm sure it can done at home also for those with their warranties expired. I'm waiting to take mine in as soon as my service comes up. Oh and yes, apparently it is a very common malady for our series cars...
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Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
From: DC/VA/MD
C230 Kompressor Sport
Is it a rattle or more of a creeking noise? I have a creeking type sound that I notice that is toward the back of the roof. I notice it when I'm driving, for instance, on a driveway apron where the surfaces are not level. I was thinking that my car just did not have good body rigidity...has never been in an accident. It just ticks me off and thought it would be something I have to live with...like the poping sound from the poorly engineered driver's seat that is an enginerring flaw. I guess it's true that these newer MB's have quality issues?
I have some loyal Benz owning friends (who've owned MB's for 25+ years) who are starting to steer away from MBs! I used to chide them, but now I'm beginning to see their logic.
Still loyal, yet wondering. -DL
I have some loyal Benz owning friends (who've owned MB's for 25+ years) who are starting to steer away from MBs! I used to chide them, but now I'm beginning to see their logic.
Still loyal, yet wondering. -DL
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 2
From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Hey DL (my initial's also DL btw), IMO the value of MB's is in their engineering and safety, not minor details like these that don't affect performance. I often curse when my power window gets stuck and the rattling, recently but I have peace of mind (and pleasure) when travelling at high speeds. Don't know if you've read ScottAMG's earlier thread but I'm sure others who have been involved in an accident in an MB will attest to that. My $0.02
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
From: DC/VA/MD
C230 Kompressor Sport
Whitney, Thanks for the words, you're right, that's the mantra I always espouse, yet my frustrations have all come to a head I guess. Read my posting on the "how many miles" thread. I guess we'll blame it on Chrysler?!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 2
From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Hey, no worries mate! I've been called "witney", "whitney" and stupid or probably worst but that doesn't matter - as long as we know who we're talking about.
IMO many of those hiccups only become a hassle and expensive becuase the stealers make it that way. This forum, threads like these in particular, has been great in keeping repair costs and headaches to a minimal. Stay on-line and keep posting - the brothas here are great and are helping each other get wiser each day!
IMO many of those hiccups only become a hassle and expensive becuase the stealers make it that way. This forum, threads like these in particular, has been great in keeping repair costs and headaches to a minimal. Stay on-line and keep posting - the brothas here are great and are helping each other get wiser each day!
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
2001 E-430 4-Matic
Moon Roof Shade Thumping
I also had the thumping of the moonroof shade when it was in the open position. M-B dealer performed the following at no charge:
771220 R and R sunroof and add felt to back of glass
680000 R and R partial headliner - left side and insulate at roof area.
The thumping went away and made a huge difference in the enjoyment of the car.
BTW, I had one additional noise. It was a squeak, coming from the rear headrests, which required lubrication.
The car now drives rock - solid.
771220 R and R sunroof and add felt to back of glass
680000 R and R partial headliner - left side and insulate at roof area.
The thumping went away and made a huge difference in the enjoyment of the car.
BTW, I had one additional noise. It was a squeak, coming from the rear headrests, which required lubrication.
The car now drives rock - solid.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 405
Likes: 12
From: Sacramento, CA
W204 C300 2010
Okay, better late than never. I finally found the pics that I took when I fixed my sunroof. I was using a new camera at the time and the "macro" or close up function was not on all of the time. Here are a couple of pics that go along with my fix from the previous post.
http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/sho...le&parentname=
Maybe this will help someone.
Regards,
rob lee
http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/sho...le&parentname=
Maybe this will help someone.
Regards,
rob lee
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
2009 c300
Sunroof Noise
I tried searching - maybe someone can explain the best search to enter ( as opposed to the standard answer "DUH did you try searching?")
Anyway, my 99 e300 has a rattle from the sunroof. I know somewhere I read about a fix for this. Is it as simple as a new rubber seal or some thing? It is driving me INSANE.
Any tips, hints or links would be great.
Thanks - Dylan
Anyway, my 99 e300 has a rattle from the sunroof. I know somewhere I read about a fix for this. Is it as simple as a new rubber seal or some thing? It is driving me INSANE.
Any tips, hints or links would be great.
Thanks - Dylan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 5
From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
There is definitely a fix for that, if it's the same noise that I have seen described elsewhere. Some part breaks inside the roof and it creates more of a thump than a rattle. That symptom seems to happen when you hit a bump or rough pavement.
If it is truly a rattle, check the rails to see if they appear to be tight. And like Josh wrote, it can't hurt anything to lubricate the seals and any other moving parts. I'd try some sort of silicone for that.
If it is truly a rattle, check the rails to see if they appear to be tight. And like Josh wrote, it can't hurt anything to lubricate the seals and any other moving parts. I'd try some sort of silicone for that.
Last edited by Musikmann; Apr 23, 2007 at 09:21 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 5
From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
I tried a search for "sunroof" and "sunroof noise" and saw several threads on various problems. Also, try searching "all forums" under advanced search because most of these sunroofs have the same guts.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
2009 c300
Thanks for the replies - I will try the search again. It just seemed to return so many result that had nothing to do with sunroof.
The noise sounds like the glass is loose, towards the rear. If I open it a crack all is good. Seems like some sort of pad or seal is worn. I did see a rubber strip when I looked in from the top while it was tilted up. I'm going to order this from the dealer and see if it helps.
And, REALLY? your dad told you to keep it lubed? That is kinda kreepy.
The noise sounds like the glass is loose, towards the rear. If I open it a crack all is good. Seems like some sort of pad or seal is worn. I did see a rubber strip when I looked in from the top while it was tilted up. I'm going to order this from the dealer and see if it helps.
And, REALLY? your dad told you to keep it lubed? That is kinda kreepy.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
2009 c300
