I don't usually open the sunroof on my '98 ML320. But tonight I opened it for once, and I heard a pop as it opened. The connector to the wind deflector had broken loose on the left-hand side. The plastic bracket at the bottom broke. I managed to pull the wind deflector out so I could close the roof back up (of course I nicked the paint getting it out - arghh!!!!).

I wonder why it happened though - it doesn't look like it's something that's supposed to be kept lubricated, so I don't think the fact that it had none caused the problem. Maybe it was just "plastic fatigue" from being heated up in the summer sun over 5 summers.

I'll be asking the dealer about it of course. But, has anyone else had this happen?

 

I have read several posts about this problem. It's not uncommon in the older MY. Are you still under warranty? Maybe if you mention to your MB service people that it's a known problem they may consider just replacing it at minimal to zero cost.

 

Darkmann: I'm out of warranty but that's a good suggestion. I'll try that approach. Thanks!