W124 saloon sunroof stuck open!

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IMD

Active Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2007
Messages
425
Location
Brighton & Yangon, Myanmar
Car
1997 SL500
Hi All,

I've just bought a 1990 w124 230e saloon. I was driving home, opened the electric sunroof fully, closed it fully, tilted it open and closed it, then tried it again and it's now stuck open! Why I tried this in the rain, I have no idea!

When I pull down on the switch to close it from this tilt angle, I can hear a noise that sounds like a relay clicking somewhere in the back headlining, but nothing happens. I've had to gaffer tape over the opening, as it's now raining (not the most attractive things to do and not ideal for the paintwork!)

Firstly, can I manually close it and if so, how.

Secondly, any ideas what it might be?

Let's hope the sun comes out! :bannana:

Ian
 
There's a white plastic hex head on the motor (behind n/s/r arch in front of sparewheel) which may make it possible to close the roof

If it takes too much torque two things will happen - you'll break the white plastic bit and the roof will still be closed

There's a relay hung under the back of the sunroof motor. It has a clip to stop it dropping off. There are two models - for early and late cars - and there are two models of roof switch to actuate the motor

Assuming the relay's OK the fault lies with the motor or with the bowden cable drive. I'd start with the motor & relay and wouldn't go anywhere near the bowden cable & roof cassette unless you understand the scale of the job. I wouldn't class sunroof faults as DIY jobs as most bits are hidden and it's hard to visualise what's going on

There's a garage in West Sussex that will tackle sunroof repairs - it's on the same site as the Smart specialist just outside Billingshurst

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
 
Last edited:
Thanks Nick, I'll have a look on Monday and firstly see if I can manually close the thing. It's strange as the roof went back and forth perfectly, nice and smooth, then the same up and down and up again, then nothing at all...just the slight relay click that I can hear.

I'll give it a go and let you all know. Thanks

Ian
 
it could be that the motor has burnt out or that one of the arms has broken, this will also make the clicking sound...
 
well ive never heard him being called that on here :D

The mods call me something else, but thats another story


The Micro switches can be heard to click and that is no indication that the switch is ok,,Its quite simple to check if you have 12 volts going to the motor when the switch is operated, no 12 volts means a fuse or switch faulty. if 12 volt an the motor and it does not turn then could be the motor
 

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