Very costly moonroof fix?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 699
Likes: 149
2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Very costly moonroof fix?
I brought my G550 into the dealership for an inoperable moonroof. I was told that the motor would need to be replaced for $1100 (plus labor)
now I'm being told that, and I quote: "It is the motor and it has wiring that connects through the vehicle. He just let me know that we need to order the overhead control panel so that the switch connects correctly for the motor. That will be $1070 additional and we need to order it."
Why would they need to order a new sunroof panel? Wouldn't the wiring on the existing motor be the same as on the replacement motor?
With parts and labor they are estimating this will come out to close to $4k. That seems way too expensive and this new part seems unnecessary. Thoughts?
now I'm being told that, and I quote: "It is the motor and it has wiring that connects through the vehicle. He just let me know that we need to order the overhead control panel so that the switch connects correctly for the motor. That will be $1070 additional and we need to order it."
Why would they need to order a new sunroof panel? Wouldn't the wiring on the existing motor be the same as on the replacement motor?
With parts and labor they are estimating this will come out to close to $4k. That seems way too expensive and this new part seems unnecessary. Thoughts?
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 475
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2001 E55AMG
Moonroofs are such a nightmare to repair, I'm not completely surprised. The rails/motors/wiring are all integral, and all prone to fail. While not ideal, a complete sunroof job like that at the dealer for $4k doesn't seem too out of line.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 70
Likes: 19
2016 G63 AMG
DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR TO BENZ. They always find ways to rip off people. Just find a good local shop who can order parts and install for a lesser cost.
Dealers are so greedy now because of the demand and seeing how people just spend money left and right. Dont pay 4k for a moonroof LOL!
Dealers are so greedy now because of the demand and seeing how people just spend money left and right. Dont pay 4k for a moonroof LOL!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 848
Likes: 504
From: NJ/NYC
2005 G55K
The motor part alone from MB is in the 800-1100 range, so they're not technically lying to you. There's a good chance the motor itself can be replaced by a much much cheaper alternative without all the supporting gears, pulleys, etc that is on the G specific one. I haven't looked into this as my sunroof still sort of works (I never use it), but would not be surprised if there are some shared motor parts between different MB models around the same year.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 763
Likes: 313
From: LA
1987 Porsche 911. 2008 G55
If you're handy you can easily take all the side panels out, the passenger seat out and pull off the headliner and assess what's going on.
This would be a 2hr job just to assess what is needed. The moonroof is such an archaic design on these trucks. There's a kind of corkscrew coil that actually pulls the roof back, when I took my entire roof and moon roof assembly off mine was teetering on being off track.
If you are capable it's something you can diagnose w tools you should have on hand... if you're not take it to an indy shop, have them diagnose it and go that route. $4k... nah son.
This would be a 2hr job just to assess what is needed. The moonroof is such an archaic design on these trucks. There's a kind of corkscrew coil that actually pulls the roof back, when I took my entire roof and moon roof assembly off mine was teetering on being off track.
If you are capable it's something you can diagnose w tools you should have on hand... if you're not take it to an indy shop, have them diagnose it and go that route. $4k... nah son.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 781
Likes: 266
G63, G65
Find a local sunroof shop and get a quote from them. It's not uncommon for dealerships to sub out that kind of work instead of doing it in-house anyway. See if there is a reputable shop near you that can quote it.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 299
From: Houston, TX
Built 2008 G55 & one big 80 Series LandCruiser !
Agree with all the others..... find a good Indy shop you can trust, or already do....stealerships solve things systemically it seems as their default....
where are you located ?
where are you located ?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
