1998 E320 how to manually close sunroof
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
If you mean that repeatedly pressing the switch does not cause it to close you may have a problem with the tracks or cables.
If you mean that you have to press more than once to get it to close, then it has lost 'sync'. To resync press the switch until it is closed then continue to hold the switch for 4 seconds before releasing. Loss of power causes loss of sync. Same issue with respect to the 'express' window feature.
As mentioned there is a hole for a crank under the left overhead light lens. I believe it is 5mm. If you no longer have the crank that came with the car (check tool kit, glovebox and console) you can use an allen wrench or similar. You need to turn the motor gear train so it's quite hard and slow. Be careful since if there's something in the track you may damage the motor.
If you mean that you have to press more than once to get it to close, then it has lost 'sync'. To resync press the switch until it is closed then continue to hold the switch for 4 seconds before releasing. Loss of power causes loss of sync. Same issue with respect to the 'express' window feature.
As mentioned there is a hole for a crank under the left overhead light lens. I believe it is 5mm. If you no longer have the crank that came with the car (check tool kit, glovebox and console) you can use an allen wrench or similar. You need to turn the motor gear train so it's quite hard and slow. Be careful since if there's something in the track you may damage the motor.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
98 e320
There's an awesome DIY write up on how to fix this issue if you end up needibg to replace the cables on each side. Just check the stickies and good luck, I too am having sunroof trouble so I know the feeling.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
E320
Thanks for al the replies. I had the crank but I did not know what it was for. I don't have a repair manual, just the info that came with the car. With all your help I was able to get the roof closed. I live in Florida and rain can be a problem. Thanks again as I know that I have just saved a lot of money.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
You sure
have since you potentially saved yourself the heartache of getting rain into the shift console and frying the shifter and getting stuck in limp mode or worse.
The supply of used shift modules is drying up so a ruined unit most likely needs a new unit to be hunted down if you do get water,coffe,soda,windex,etc in the shifter.
The supply of used shift modules is drying up so a ruined unit most likely needs a new unit to be hunted down if you do get water,coffe,soda,windex,etc in the shifter.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
E420
Thank you so much
Ok, so I had this issue on a 101°F day and it was awful not being able to close my sunroof, I looked online and figured out that you have to pop off the front dome light, and use the Allen Wrench provided in with the owners manual to crank it clockwise to shut the roof manually. I went to BenzWorld and a guy explained you have to open the sunroof so it's just angled down and not all the way open but dont let go of the button just keep holding it for a good 10 to 15 seconds and that should reset the motor. Then you should be able to close it again. 
