W215 sunroof mechanism

[Marty280]

Hello,
I have recently bought a CL500 (215) and everything is fine apart from the sunroof.
It doesnt open completely, when trying to close it will only close half and from there one needs to hold down the button to get it closed. likewise it wont lift completely and wont go back down so its like a millimeter lifted. All of this is accompanied by a grinding noise and the dashboard constantly shows a open sunroof message. SPR in Stockport - great guys btw - have looked at it and advised the motor is completely corroded and the mechanism needs an overhaul. The quoted 2 1/2 grand. I managed to get a complete sunroof cassette with motor from germany for GBP126 which i think is a good deal. Does anyone here know a specialist who will do the job for a reasonable amount of money? How big is this job? Obviously the lining needs to be removed etc so a fair amount of work but what am i looking at?
Can anyone advise please? Thank you!

 

[Flyinspanner]

I wonder if anyone has a WIS and can send you the relevant chapter?

2.5k is a tad ott

With the new cassette, give it a thorough clean and lube, check operation before you fit it. Be very careful with the body/sunroof seals on removal/ fitting.
Make sure the drain tubes are (a) clear (b) reattached when fitting.

Hope it all goes well

 

[Marty280]

Thank you! Im trying to learn more about it, have you heard of a company called Car Magic in HA2? Apparently they are specialists for sunroofs?

 

[Teego]

Marty, before you do anything else, you should clean the runners etc. I had similar problem on my CLS.
1. Vacuum any loose crap from runners etc.
2. Remove any fine crap with damp cloth.
3. Clean again with toothbrush or narrow paintbrush.
4. Repeat step 2.
5. Lubricate runners and any exposed mechanism with small amount of light oil. I used Scottoil chain lube which was lurking in my tool store.
6. Open and close roof several times to spread the oil.
7. Hit the road and smirk as you open the roof with a click and enjoy the feeling of saving megabux.
If this doesn't work, you haven't lost anything.

 

[Marty280]

Hi Tego,
thank you, i really appreciate that! SPR took it apart today and sent me a video, so the motor is a big pile of rust and it looks to me as if the runners were not straight? I will take it apart myself over the weekend and see what has happened but i also managed to buy a complete sunroof in Germany for £126 so ill use that as a back up just in case. i am more worried about damaging the headlining now i hope that will not become my next problem !