W220 A Few Problems
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 34
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From: florida
2005 Mercedes Benz S500 4Matic
W220 A Few Problems
I own a 2005 MB S500 4Matic (W220) and I have a few problems that I need to fix. Can anybody help me figure out if these are broken or not?
1: When I hit the rear window automatic up button the back windows come up halfway then go back down without hitting any buttons. If I manually hold the button up they come up fine and shut.
2: My driver headlight is purple and flickering (I have a bi-xenon headlight) and I think a new bulb will fix it. Or is there something else that is making it flicker?
3: I am having an issue with my key fob where it will not unlock/lock the car. I have changed the battery 3 times and it is still not working. It is like the key fob I am holding is for another car. However the car can be started with the smart key it just wont lock, unlock or open the trunk.
4: When the key fob DID work and I try to open the trunk with it, the trunk opens a few inches then stops. I click the button on the key fob again and it goes up another few inches and stops again. However when I click the automatic buttons ON the trunk itself the trunk opens and closes just fine.
If anybody knows how to fix these issues/what I need to do to fix them please let me know.
Thank you!
1: When I hit the rear window automatic up button the back windows come up halfway then go back down without hitting any buttons. If I manually hold the button up they come up fine and shut.
2: My driver headlight is purple and flickering (I have a bi-xenon headlight) and I think a new bulb will fix it. Or is there something else that is making it flicker?
3: I am having an issue with my key fob where it will not unlock/lock the car. I have changed the battery 3 times and it is still not working. It is like the key fob I am holding is for another car. However the car can be started with the smart key it just wont lock, unlock or open the trunk.
4: When the key fob DID work and I try to open the trunk with it, the trunk opens a few inches then stops. I click the button on the key fob again and it goes up another few inches and stops again. However when I click the automatic buttons ON the trunk itself the trunk opens and closes just fine.
If anybody knows how to fix these issues/what I need to do to fix them please let me know.
Thank you!
Last edited by SmokeyS500; Feb 18, 2015 at 10:56 PM. Reason: Extra info
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
Rear Window
The windows may need resetting.
to do that hold the button to roll the window up. When the window reaches the top, continue to hold the button for ten seconds. Press the button to roll the window down. When it reaches to bottom, hold the button for ten seconds.
The window may have excessive friction between the window and the seal.
Some folks have reported good results by using a silicone grease on the edge of the glass. Try hard to avoid getting any silicone on the car's finish.
There is a setting for the amount that the trunk lid opens. I don't have that option, so I don't know how to set it.
Search is your friend. Start at the threads in light blue at the top of the W220 Forum Home page, where it says START HERE. You should find help for each of your problems there.
The windows may need resetting.
to do that hold the button to roll the window up. When the window reaches the top, continue to hold the button for ten seconds. Press the button to roll the window down. When it reaches to bottom, hold the button for ten seconds.
The window may have excessive friction between the window and the seal.
Some folks have reported good results by using a silicone grease on the edge of the glass. Try hard to avoid getting any silicone on the car's finish.
There is a setting for the amount that the trunk lid opens. I don't have that option, so I don't know how to set it.
Search is your friend. Start at the threads in light blue at the top of the W220 Forum Home page, where it says START HERE. You should find help for each of your problems there.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 37
From: North Carolina
2003 S500 - Toyota Corolla (in the rain)
To reset the trunk, sit in the car with the door shut. You can either start the car or put the key in position #2. Now just hold the trunk open button that is on the driver's door down for about 5 second (pushing it towards the front of the car). This should reset the trunk opening.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 986
Likes: 6
From: Kingsville Ontario (South of Detroit)
2003 S500 4Matic (SOLD) + 2004 S55 (SOLD) 2005 CLK 500 Cabriolet 2008 S 450
The headlight scenario could also be a defective ballast. Try moving the good bulb to the other side. If the move shows the bulb working well in the new location, your problem is the bulb. If the bulb movement doesn't correct the problem your issue is probably the ballast.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: florida
2005 Mercedes Benz S500 4Matic
I have done everything you guys have said and so far I fixed the windows and the trunk. I also ordered 2 OEM bulbs from Mercedes Benz. The only issue left is the key fob not locking and unlocking the car. But it does start the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
The key fob uses short-range radio to operate the locking system. There are several threads on system problems on the Forum. An advanced search should give you quite a bit of info.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 37
From: North Carolina
2003 S500 - Toyota Corolla (in the rain)
Do you have the keyless go option on your car? If so, you should be able to touch any door handle even with the key in your pocket and the door should unlock.
If no keyless go, does the car lock/unlock with the buttons on the dash?
Another way to test the key fob is to stand near the car (about 2-3 feet away) and hold the unlock button on the key down without releasing it. If it is working properly the sunroof and windows should all open. Also, if you hold the lock button down after the windows and sunroof are open they should all close. You should be able to do this from either side of the car.
One simple question - are the batteries in the key fob inserted properly?
If no keyless go, does the car lock/unlock with the buttons on the dash?
Another way to test the key fob is to stand near the car (about 2-3 feet away) and hold the unlock button on the key down without releasing it. If it is working properly the sunroof and windows should all open. Also, if you hold the lock button down after the windows and sunroof are open they should all close. You should be able to do this from either side of the car.
One simple question - are the batteries in the key fob inserted properly?
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