Sunroof wont open
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
E320
Sunroof wont open
I recently bought a E320 4Matic, 1999 with 147K miles on it. Going into the deal I knew that there were issues and these would need to be addressed before the machine could be restored to its former magnificence. Knowing several resources for information/parts and being a DIY enthusiast, I went a head with the deal.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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My current project is the repair of the Sunroof. The Sunroof wont open! Not under power nor manually using the manual cranking tool. When one pushes the switch the sunroof make an attempt to move and flexes only to stop immediately. Amy one have any schematics of guidance? I purchased the DVD workshop manual set form Ebay but am unable to look up any data <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "schemas-IBM-com/appscan" /><st1:TestPolicy w:st="on"><st1:Tools w:st="on"><st1:FieldsReference w:st="on"><st1:URLs w:st="on"><st1:ScanData w:st="on"><st1:ApplicationData w:st="on"><st1:Remediation w:st="on"><st1:IssueCVSS w:st="on"><st1:Issues w:st="on">as</st1:Issues></st1:IssueCVSS></st1:Remediation></st1:ApplicationData></st1:ScanData></st1:URLs></st1:FieldsReference></st1:Tools></st1:TestPolicy> the search/lookup parameters are rather complex.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Thank you, for taking the time to read this post. Any insights that you can share would be greatly appreciated.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
My current project is the repair of the Sunroof. The Sunroof wont open! Not under power nor manually using the manual cranking tool. When one pushes the switch the sunroof make an attempt to move and flexes only to stop immediately. Amy one have any schematics of guidance? I purchased the DVD workshop manual set form Ebay but am unable to look up any data <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "schemas-IBM-com/appscan" /><st1:TestPolicy w:st="on"><st1:Tools w:st="on"><st1:FieldsReference w:st="on"><st1:URLs w:st="on"><st1:ScanData w:st="on"><st1:ApplicationData w:st="on"><st1:Remediation w:st="on"><st1:IssueCVSS w:st="on"><st1:Issues w:st="on">as</st1:Issues></st1:IssueCVSS></st1:Remediation></st1:ApplicationData></st1:ScanData></st1:URLs></st1:FieldsReference></st1:Tools></st1:TestPolicy> the search/lookup parameters are rather complex.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Thank you, for taking the time to read this post. Any insights that you can share would be greatly appreciated.<o:p></o:p>
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 691
Likes: 30
I wish I could help, but I have exactly the same problem on my '98 E320. Roof won't open, but it does go up and down. Socket that crank goes into rotates when switch is pulkled back, but sunroof does not move. Must be something in the linkages amiss, but how to get at anything when roof wont open?
Hate to go to dealer, but may have to.
Hate to go to dealer, but may have to.
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Yorkville il
2jzGTE Powered W210, 93 500E and swerv in a burb
dude those suck, you have to replace the whole sunroof casset and in doing so you have to remove the headliner and about half of the interior, i did a few and now i sub them out because it sucks so bad.. if your doing it on your own without a shop full of tools good luck man!!!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 691
Likes: 30
dude those suck, you have to replace the whole sunroof casset and in doing so you have to remove the headliner and about half of the interior, i did a few and now i sub them out because it sucks so bad.. if your doing it on your own without a shop full of tools good luck man!!!
I am going to try it!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 691
Likes: 30
For anyone else searching for clear instructions on how to correct a stuck sunroof, I found this great write-up on a UK site:
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...97&postcount=1
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...97&postcount=1
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 691
Likes: 30
Great - thanks for doing that.
Today I took my '98 E320 apart using that guide. Only discrepancy I found, was that I don't seem to have the drain clips he talks about, so just skipped that step
My roof control module didn't unclip as easily as he and other say. I had to force a small screw driver up between the clip and the headliner on each side. But this is probably first time this has ever come apart. I didn't see why he would want to leave motor hanging in place, so removed mine as per MB video. I did take a pic of the connectors so I would know how to put them back!
Fixing the removable panel by adding a second screw is a good idea. But I question why forces are so high that cable pops out. MB says not to lubricate, but I like posters idea of lubing everything with a no drip type of lubricant - I have some Teflon spray that I will probably use both on the cables and the slides.
I was able to straighten my cables, but decided to order new. Even although my Canadian dealer want $80 each when I can get them 1/2 the price from US on-line source! But from dealer I get them right away!
Today I took my '98 E320 apart using that guide. Only discrepancy I found, was that I don't seem to have the drain clips he talks about, so just skipped that step
My roof control module didn't unclip as easily as he and other say. I had to force a small screw driver up between the clip and the headliner on each side. But this is probably first time this has ever come apart. I didn't see why he would want to leave motor hanging in place, so removed mine as per MB video. I did take a pic of the connectors so I would know how to put them back!
Fixing the removable panel by adding a second screw is a good idea. But I question why forces are so high that cable pops out. MB says not to lubricate, but I like posters idea of lubing everything with a no drip type of lubricant - I have some Teflon spray that I will probably use both on the cables and the slides.
I was able to straighten my cables, but decided to order new. Even although my Canadian dealer want $80 each when I can get them 1/2 the price from US on-line source! But from dealer I get them right away!
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
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1999 e300td, 1998 E300TD
Sunroof problem
I have 99 E300TD and 98 E300TD. 99 has the problem with the sunroof, it will not open. I checked the motor and panel with switch, installed them in the other car and they are working. I disconnected the wiring and check the voltages on the 99 and 98 and they are the same with the power on and off. I am out of ideas, any help would be appreciated. 
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
From: Hobart, WA
1999 E320, 2001 S430
For anyone else searching for clear instructions on how to correct a stuck sunroof, I found this great write-up on a UK site:
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...97&postcount=1
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...97&postcount=1
Step 2 is: "Next we need to slide the sunroof closed and tilt it open in order to remove the side belows, one on each side." Again, my sunroof won't move. Won't go up in back. In fact, it's stuck just a bit down in back - not enough to let rain in, but not flush with the roof, either.
If I could get those side belows off I think I could follow the rest of the instructions. But for now I'm stuck. It's not the motor or electricity, it's mechanical. When I press the switch you can hear the motor try to move the glass, but then it quits (probably a thermal cut-out saving the motor).
Can anyone help? Or am I stuck paying some shop $1000 or more?
P.S. Where's the crank? The owner's manual says it "comes with the car" but it's not in the toolkit in the trunk and I can't find it anywhere. I assume it's lost, but should I obtain a replacement, where does it live?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,942
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
eh, it's up to the previous owner where they decided to store it, natch. trunk,
with tools, or glove box, or owner's manual valise
it's a dogleg hex wrench 4mm, about 7" long and offset for leverage as the
cranking effort can be pretty high. some folks will chuck up a 4mm hex into
their cordless drill and power that roof open. if you opt for this, be very
careful your torque clutch is set low (to release) so you don't overpower the
roof. better to do it by hand if you can as the touch is better.
pn 2028990180
should be between $5-10 or so if they're not thinking of the almighty profit margin
(i dont drive my E320 much and it is kind of a garage queen. i actually took it out
for a 40 mile leg stretch out towards your neighborhood last night)
with tools, or glove box, or owner's manual valise
it's a dogleg hex wrench 4mm, about 7" long and offset for leverage as the
cranking effort can be pretty high. some folks will chuck up a 4mm hex into
their cordless drill and power that roof open. if you opt for this, be very
careful your torque clutch is set low (to release) so you don't overpower the
roof. better to do it by hand if you can as the touch is better.
pn 2028990180
should be between $5-10 or so if they're not thinking of the almighty profit margin
(i dont drive my E320 much and it is kind of a garage queen. i actually took it out
for a 40 mile leg stretch out towards your neighborhood last night)
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
From: Hobart, WA
1999 E320, 2001 S430
Thanks for the reply - and the part number! I was figuring worst-case scenario: Roof open, rain starts, can't close roof, reach for the hand crank. In that case would you want to have to dig it out of the trunk tool set? So I figured there was probably a place for it somewhere in the passenger compartment. Guess not.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
From: Hobart, WA
1999 E320, 2001 S430
Thanks to raymond's info I got out my 4mm hex driver and a ratchet and tried to fully close my sunroof. That didn't work - it's as closed as it's going to get. So then I tried to open it, and I could hear the cables buckling in their tracks as the roof did not move a bit. It's stuck. Any suggestions on how to get it free? I'm reluctant to push down on it in back to help it along.
Also, can the hand crank make it pop up in back, or is the hand crank solely for emergency closing? Since the switch has a separate movement for up/down in back I suspect there's a separate motor for that, correct? I also suspect that I'm in way over my head here.
Also, can the hand crank make it pop up in back, or is the hand crank solely for emergency closing? Since the switch has a separate movement for up/down in back I suspect there's a separate motor for that, correct? I also suspect that I'm in way over my head here.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,942
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
N,
I'm rushing to complete a job for UW so unable to give you anything concrete
but here is a link to Kent's MB cave in bellingham. I am pretty sure i've seen
some sunroof DIY video tips from him before. good luck r-
https://www.youtube.com/user/Mercedessource/videos
I'm rushing to complete a job for UW so unable to give you anything concrete
but here is a link to Kent's MB cave in bellingham. I am pretty sure i've seen
some sunroof DIY video tips from him before. good luck r-
https://www.youtube.com/user/Mercedessource/videos
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
CL500 w215
Hidden key
I assume you found the tool. Read Raymonds post if not. Counter clockwise to open on my CL500(S class). Don't force it and it will be fine if it is the other way for your model because I do not know if they all used the same equipment for the E class. It is not a plastic gear. I am guessing the overhead panel isn't responding? I switched out my map lamp module with a junkyard one and the sunroof works but I now have a error so it needs to be programmed to the car by MB of coarse. My model uses the rain sensor to close the roof unattended.
