EXPENSIVE PANO ROOF ISSUE......$$$$$$$
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 94
Likes: 26
From: Houston, TX
2018 Lexus LC500, 2020 GLE350 4Matic, 2005 Jeep Wrangler
EXPENSIVE PANO ROOF ISSUE......$$$$$$$
I have begun to have issues with the PANO roof on my 2020 GLE. It started to sound a little clunky when opening and closing it, but still operated normally. A little later, it began to sound significantly worse (like it was binding), so I brought the issue to my independent MB mechanic when I took the car in for a recent service. He suggested that I no longer open and close the roof as it will definitely fail at some point and the cost to repair it is somewhere around $5000. That amount is utterly ridiculous to me, but I still want to use the roof on days that warrant it.
Side note: I literally just paid $5000 to repair the common A/C failure that requires the removal of the dash, so I don't mind paying for repairs when needed. I am just looking for a more cost effective solution so I can enjoy the roof.
Any ideas?
Thank you in advance for your replies.......
Side note: I literally just paid $5000 to repair the common A/C failure that requires the removal of the dash, so I don't mind paying for repairs when needed. I am just looking for a more cost effective solution so I can enjoy the roof.
Any ideas?
Thank you in advance for your replies.......
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 472
Likes: 299
2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
You want my advice - leave it closed and drive that lovely LC500 when you want fresh air. I got the same advice from my mechanic about the Pano roof on my S63. It's still very tight and rattle free. "You want to keep it that way?" he asked, "leave it closed".
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 187
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
A day late and a dollar short but....years ago I stumbled upon an article about MB sunroof grease. Every time I got I got one of our SUVs serviced, I asked the them to grease the sunroof. I think they did it because it showed up on the invoice. Never opened them much, but never had a problem either. Expensive stuff. https://www.ebay.com/itm/293656767190
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 300
From: Illinois
2021 c300 Cab. Arrived 7/28/21 . 24 GLE 450e.
I have begun to have issues with the PANO roof on my 2020 GLE. It started to sound a little clunky when opening and closing it, but still operated normally. A little later, it began to sound significantly worse (like it was binding), so I brought the issue to my independent MB mechanic when I took the car in for a recent service. He suggested that I no longer open and close the roof as it will definitely fail at some point and the cost to repair it is somewhere around $5000. That amount is utterly ridiculous to me, but I still want to use the roof on days that warrant it.
Side note: I literally just paid $5000 to repair the common A/C failure that requires the removal of the dash, so I don't mind paying for repairs when needed. I am just looking for a more cost effective solution so I can enjoy the roof.
Any ideas?
Thank you in advance for your replies.......
Side note: I literally just paid $5000 to repair the common A/C failure that requires the removal of the dash, so I don't mind paying for repairs when needed. I am just looking for a more cost effective solution so I can enjoy the roof.
Any ideas?
Thank you in advance for your replies.......
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1,205
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
A day late and a dollar short but....years ago I stumbled upon an article about MB sunroof grease. Every time I got I got one of our SUVs serviced, I asked the them to grease the sunroof. I think they did it because it showed up on the invoice. Never opened them much, but never had a problem either. Expensive stuff. https://www.ebay.com/itm/293656767190
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 4,569
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Im a firm believer in lubricating and cleaning and maintaining sunroof and the drain channels. Ive not had one failure in the last 25 plus years of driving with an electric sunroof. There are diagrams for the lubricating points posted here on MbWorld. I use the krytox equivalent which is in a tiny tube that allows insertion between seals. The tiny tube has lasted at least five years.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,989
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I'd consider Wurth HHS-Plus instead of Krytox for this use.
It was the lubricant of choice for both BMW and VW-P-Audi in the 80's. Doesn't draw dust/dirt, deep penetration, high pressure lube, spray can. Hinges, door latches etc. Non staining, doesn't drip.
I also use it on my table saw because of it's non-dust-attraction properties. Most recent success: it saved my 35 year old Vanagon sliding door mechanism as well as its shifter linkage.
It was the lubricant of choice for both BMW and VW-P-Audi in the 80's. Doesn't draw dust/dirt, deep penetration, high pressure lube, spray can. Hinges, door latches etc. Non staining, doesn't drip.
I also use it on my table saw because of it's non-dust-attraction properties. Most recent success: it saved my 35 year old Vanagon sliding door mechanism as well as its shifter linkage.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1,205
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
Theres also this small kit of genuine.
https://mercedessource.com/store/sun...and-pad-grease
If you look in wis they also have a rubber lubricant mentioned but its super expensive and ive never used it.
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/000989...RoCt8UQAvD_BwE
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 784
Likes: 403
From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
I'd consider Wurth HHS-Plus instead of Krytox for this use.
It was the lubricant of choice for both BMW and VW-P-Audi in the 80's. Doesn't draw dust/dirt, deep penetration, high pressure lube, spray can. Hinges, door latches etc. Non staining, doesn't drip.
I also use it on my table saw because of it's non-dust-attraction properties. Most recent success: it saved my 35 year old Vanagon sliding door mechanism as well as its shifter linkage.
It was the lubricant of choice for both BMW and VW-P-Audi in the 80's. Doesn't draw dust/dirt, deep penetration, high pressure lube, spray can. Hinges, door latches etc. Non staining, doesn't drip.
I also use it on my table saw because of it's non-dust-attraction properties. Most recent success: it saved my 35 year old Vanagon sliding door mechanism as well as its shifter linkage.
If you have your maintenance done at the dealership. Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks is one of the things they are supposed to be doing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
I used to use 303 Products Areospace protectant back in he day.
Makes the rubber non sticky., but it's also not greasy, so it doesn't stick to the glass on hot days, and
protects against UV. Good stuff. Found it at West Marine but maybe now lots of places.
Makes the rubber non sticky., but it's also not greasy, so it doesn't stick to the glass on hot days, and
protects against UV. Good stuff. Found it at West Marine but maybe now lots of places.
I use the Wurth HHS-K on my door hinges.and latches I use this stuff on the rubber seals. https://www.amazon.com/nextzett-9148...004B8GTQG?th=1
If you have your maintenance done at the dealership. Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks is one of the things they are supposed to be doing.
If you have your maintenance done at the dealership. Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks is one of the things they are supposed to be doing.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
GLE 450 SUV 2020
I use the Wurth HHS-K on my door hinges.and latches I use this stuff on the rubber seals. https://www.amazon.com/nextzett-9148...004B8GTQG?th=1
If you have your maintenance done at the dealership. Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks is one of the things they are supposed to be doing.
If you have your maintenance done at the dealership. Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks is one of the things they are supposed to be doing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
The Wurth HHS-Plus is also what my local MB dealer uses + the MB branded Lube. I use this on all of my sunroof lubrication and it is a BMW lube (in small packs).
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...57321kt/?gQT=1
For the rubber seals, the stealer also use the Wurth Rubber Care. These are very expensive lubricants and if you have a good relationship with your local shop foreman you might get a can or two if you ask nicely (hint-hint).
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...57321kt/?gQT=1
For the rubber seals, the stealer also use the Wurth Rubber Care. These are very expensive lubricants and if you have a good relationship with your local shop foreman you might get a can or two if you ask nicely (hint-hint).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,989
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
The Wurth HHS-Plus is also what my local MB dealer uses + the MB branded Lube. I use this on all of my sunroof lubrication and it is a BMW lube (in small packs).
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...57321kt/?gQT=1
For the rubber seals, the stealer also use the Wurth Rubber Care. These are very expensive lubricants and if you have a good relationship with your local shop foreman you might get a can or two if you ask nicely (hint-hint).
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...57321kt/?gQT=1
For the rubber seals, the stealer also use the Wurth Rubber Care. These are very expensive lubricants and if you have a good relationship with your local shop foreman you might get a can or two if you ask nicely (hint-hint).
They are a little more expensive than competitors but they last f-o-r-e-v-e-r.
I also use the latest version of Wurth Rost Off, which seems work better than PB Blaster for rusty or seized fasteners.
Last edited by mikapen; Jul 31, 2025 at 04:55 PM.
