Jjthejet

Hey y’all! So I am new to this MB world but I am happy to be here! Recently found a 2008 GL 450 with only 48k miles! Almost in perfect condition! So I had to get it! But sadly my trunk is getting stuck and my sunroof won’t open and seems to be stuck. (I was prepared for some issues since it is a 2008 but luckily the engine seems to be running great!) mainly having electrical issues or issues with old equipment?

I would love to be able to fix this issue myself without paying too much and was considering getting the xentry to have on hand to help with any issues.


here are my questions:
1. have any of you had trouble with the sunroof getting stuck? And if so how did you fix it (It opens up and down but won’t go back and forth if that makes sense, also it makes a cracking noise when I move it forward)

2. Is there an easy fix to reset the trunk? It also seems to be stuck and I can hear it opening and slightly opening.

MJ50

moved to X164 forum...

Max Blast

Read up on the sunroof and window synchronization procedure. It may be just that.

Jjthejet

so I looked it up and tried the procedure but no luck so far

Baltistyle

If you are handy and want to save a ton of money over the life of the car, get xentry. Don’t pay for diagnostics unless absolutely needed. That system will point to the sensor or module and answer your questions, is it jammed, a fuse, a motor, needs some lube (likely).

You’ll save time and money from day one. Going diy or benzninja for xentry is the next question. I diy and it’s been painless.

eric_in_sd

Agreed. You were undoubtedly hoping for a "replace fuse 12A and you'll be good" type of answer. Unfortunately, things are rarely simple on these vehicles, especially when it comes to the electricals. You have a very long learning curve ahead of you. You need to get a good diagnostic tool - now you're talking $1000 - and learn how to use it. You will need both aptitude with electronics and mechanics to climb the curve.

As the saying goes, there is nothing so expensive as a cheap Mercedes.

For the time being, don't use the sunroof. It's overrated anyway. And replace the power opener on the back hatch with manual.

BlownV8

If they go unused for some time, they will lock up. I tried to throw penetrating oil at it but they would not come unstuck. Like the aluminum corrosion welded everything together. Just left it as is since I never used the sunroof.

Max Blast

As you start digging into this vehicle, it might become evident why the car had so little miles in the first place. Several of us here are advocates of cars with full maintenance history and high mileage over with very low mileage and very little use.

Little use/sidelining/just parking it indicates some recurring problems that prior owners never got to the bottom of - unless there was a bona fide reason why.

That being said, we are here to help you with this one. just be ready for what you might find, using xentry.

Elbeau

First, can you tell if it's mechanical or electrical. If you can hear electrically induced noise - actuator or motor sounds, the parts are likely frozen from lack of use. Obviously, the vehicle wasn't used a lot. And those two things are likely to be used even less. However, if you don't hear any electrical noises, it could be either. If you get either to work, take a very close look at the need to replace rubber seals.

Elbeau

I generally agree with this and it has been my experience. I shoot for ones with "reasonable" mileage for the age. Very low mileage, even if not due to problems, is concerning if, after years of little activity, the vehicle will now be put into more normal service. On the other hand, very high mileage can mean things have reached their natural age, even if well-maintained, and are best left to skilled DYIers. Quite often, when a very high mileage vehicle is put up for sale, it's because a likely or necessary repair doesn't make sense for the vehicle's value. Especially for Mercedes, as a large segment of new vehicle buyers exchange their vehicles every 4 or 5 years.

BlownV8

I had more issues with my GL in the first 100k miles than in the second 100k miles.

Sallad

As for your liftgate issue, it could just be low on fluid. Simple fix.

(If you didn't know, there is a hydraulic ram in the upper passenger side of the liftgate. This opens and closes the gate. The pump and reservoir are located under the spare tire area.)

BlownV8

Is the rear liftgate not locking/unlocking or is it not lifting or closing?