TomMercBenz

Having changed out 4 rear windo lifting mechanisms in as many years, I've finally resorted to blocking the windos up permanently.
Given the rear windows are very infrequently used, the failure rate is surprising. The failure on all occassions was due to the cable anchor component (plastic) snapping.
The car is a 98 E430.

Is this a common problem elsewhere, is a sympton of being in a hot climate (Texas), has anyone come up with another permanebt solution (besides blocking up the window with wooden batons!!!).

The front windos use a ridged steel component and not cables, is there a upgrade for the back lifters? - Thanks

E-Klasse

Run them all of the way up and unplug the window motors.

You should look in to what is in the S-Class rear doors and see if it is any better and retrofitable...

jimmydagreek

Comon problem. I snapped both my rears and had them replaced also.

MARK CUMMINS

You should look in to what is in the S-Class rear doors and see if it is any better and retrofitable... [/B][/QUOTE]

The S Class Use the plastic ones also...They have a High Failure rate also!

E-Klasse

What do they use in the new W211 E-Class?

jfz219

I just experienced a rear regulator breakdown. Fortunately, it occurred in the last 500 miles of factory coverage. The service manager and road-side attendant stated that the failures occur in the rear windows because they are used infrequently and get corroded at contact points. They said that the drivers window is the same design and is never replaced. They also said that MB has a replacement regulator subassembly that lowers the replacement cost.

Their recommendation is to rise and lower the rear windows on a regular basis to keep the pivot points lubricated.

MARK CUMMINS

Uhhhh Yeah sure....
I Lower the windows..yes all four every night in the garage
and have replaced BOTH rear Window regulators...
The Front ...Still ok...Go Figure

To Replace the window regulator is NOT a big job..Once the door panel is off
drill out the rivets and replace the DEFECTIVE regulator.Install new rivets..and The door panel..Done is less than 30min

zero4588

I too rise and lower my window on a regular basis just to keep the regulator lubricated and three of them still fell off. The last one that has not fallen off is acting funny too, so I try not to use it as much as I possibly can. :o Try to rise and lower the window on a regular basis!! What's rationale in that?! I am surprised that Mercedes didn't even bother to recall the window regulator. I know a lot of recent Volkswagen cars have premature window regulator failure just like our cars and Volkswagen recalled these regulators and install new ones for free for their coustomers. By the way, does anyone have any information or links that show you how to replace window regulator?

MARK CUMMINS

[QUOTE By the way, does anyone have any information or links that show you how to replace window regulator?


Do A SEARCH on it..R/R The Door panel...Drill out the rivets and remove the Defective regulator..reinstall and replace the rivets
Very Easy!

Firenza

These past few years, Mercedes-Benz is so busy assembling cars that the quality control is getting worse!! I am so furious why they have not recall this window regulator for replacement??

E-Klasse

There is a difference between convenience and safety recalls. A recall of this type for the windows would cost them big money so they have no doubt calculated acceptable losses in customers without free repair or full recall.

johndoyle

they should buy them from Honda and Toyota, who seem to have no problem making parts that last the life of the car. My '96 E320 still has its original regulators, but my BMW has had a window regulator and a door lock actuator, as have virtually all of the other German cars I've had. There's something their inability to do the easy stuff that does not inspire confidence!