Alexfw

Hello all,

the other day my partner purchased an 08 ML350 in really nice shape. One of the coil springs broke which I was luckily able to repair. (It was a bear to replace but I successfully got it in, genuine MB part and I’ll be doing the next side soon).

today, I had to take the rear SAM out as it got soaked and cleaned it so the car is drivable until the pre programmed unit comes in the mail in two days. (I ordered seals for the lights too, but the dealer gave me some sealant since they were out of stock at the moment). Once I buttoned everything back up I had to reset the windows and sunroof from the battery being disconnected. When trying to reprogram the sunroof, it didn’t want to close fully which was odd as it had been working perfectly two days earlier. Now it seems to be crooked on the tracks and the motor makes a horrid grinding noise at either fully open or closed positions.

It wasn’t going to rain so once we got back from grocery shopping I was able to fiddle the thing shut. I disconnected the battery (should’ve just looked up the fuse but I had to clean the battery post regardless) to reset it. It did the normal inch to open and you hold it at the end. When closing it goes very slowly unless I push up like I would want to open the vent, which makes it speed up but still stops right before it’s going to cross over the deflector. I opened it back up, found two little broken plastic bits in the track, cleared them and saved them and it stopped at the same spot. What happened differently that time was that I was able to get it to shut completely by wiggling a small screwdriver in there to push the wind deflector down then hitting the normal close position, which shut it completely. Over here on the east coast we have been getting hammered with rain for two weeks so I couldn’t risk it being open.

when I do open it fully or operate the vent, it seems to shimmy open (corner to corner when operating the vent and side to side when completely opening it).

I know of the motor gear can be shimmed to stop the grinding, but what can I do to re align the sunroof? I have half the mind to just take the thing to a local MB mechanic and let them fix it and forking out the money. I’d also have them diagnose the non functioning lift gate pump while they were at it since I think it’s a dud (not a priority but would be nice to kill two birds with one stone).

any suggestions would help a lot!

Dewey Dog

LOL on the sunroof. Last year I opened the sunroof here in Naples for first time in many months and then it wouldn't close. Also noticed a couple of plastic pieces in the track that had broken off. Went to dealer in Bonita and he helped me get it closed by holding the wind-flap down (just like you did) and he then informed me of the astronomical amount to fix it. It's so dang hot here to begin with that I don't use the thing other than to open the sliding partition part to sometimes look at the stars w/o opening the glass roof. If I really want the glass open, I can simply keep a plastic shimmy to hold the flap up while closing the unit. I'll never get it fixed.

Re: the lift gate, lots of info on the sight. Probably is a malfunctioning lock actuator but could also be a bad lift motor, lack of oil in the motor, bad rear SAM that may have gotten soaked or even some pinch sensors that go around the door. They motor on my 2009 ML 350 4matic is under the spare tire. I did check all of these and added oil to the motor and then replaced the lock actuator with an ebay special. It did NOT work. I then bought an OEM part at my dealer and everything was fine. Good luck and have fun!

Alexfw

Makes me laugh. Good news is that I went and checked the trunk motor and it was all gross inside and the motor is shot. I was luckily able to source a part for under $200 that comes with a warranty and certification for a refund if it’s bad. I did check the power and module and they seem to be getting power, etc. it’s definitely not the lock actuator as it locks, unlocks and latches perfectly. I cleaned it too just to be sure. When you open it, the trunk “dings” as if the motor were working. If you go to close it, it just “dings” for about 45 seconds then stops because the motor is bad. Already ordered the parts and I’ll be fixing it in 2 days. I wouldn’t suspect it to be the SAM even though it got wet because all the buttons work perfectly fine and power is going where it needs to go. The motor is really gross/corroded from an old leak so I’m almost positive that’s it.

with the sunroof, I have multiple MB specialists in the area that I’m going to have take a look. I’m willing to fork out about $1000 since my partner loves the sunroof so much. I’m guessing a new motor and the tracks need to be realigned.