123 Sunroof

[adrianb]

Hi people,

I've got myself an old '85 123 230te in a nice cream , the kids think it's a bit "Austin Powers" but at least it's got some character!
Body work and engine are both a bit tired in places, but it's a "good runner".
Sadly the sunroof leaks. I've checked out the drain holes, and one of them seemed to be blocked, so had a go at clearing them with an old bicycle brake cable. 1st tube no prob. second one the cable got well and truly stuck. I ended up losing my rag :x and gave it big pull. Out popped the cable, along with a short bit of clear plastic pipe. It looks like someone has had a leak in the original drain tube and forced in another section of narrower pipe to fix the leak and this has of course got blocked.

Anyhow, does anyone know if you can get a replacement drain tube?

Cheers,

 

[jaymanek]

Dealer, will cost about 20p!

 

[adrianb]

Cheers Jay,

12 quid/m so I reckoned 2m would be enough, and they had some other sunroof bits I was after . I don't suppose you know how to get at the hose to replace it? I'm guessing that you have to remove the headlining around the sunroof and the A-post trim but I'm not really sure, or what the best way of attacking this job is.
Cheers,

Adrian

 

[jaymanek]

To be honest, ive owned many 123's but none with a sunroof. I think you may hve to peel back the headlining, but not really a huge job.

Makesure you claer out all the drains in the engine bay etc while your there...

Jay

 

[TimN]

Check the condition of your brush seals. The drain hoses are only there to pick up the tiny amount of water that gets past the seals. If you are getting lots of water then the seals have probably perished. I would have thought that a couple of meters of the right diameter windscreen wash hose from your local motor factors would do the job.

I haven't done it myself but I would sart by removing then finishing pael from the front pillar which might give you access to it. Then remove the cover panel by your feet and finally take of the sun visor panel from the roof.

Anybody no the part numbers for the brush seals. MB have been trying to source then for 5 weeks but it would appear due to a policy implemented by Chrysler the local dealership refuses to order them as all parts are now non returnable so watch out.

 

[adrianb]

Cheers Tim,

Thanks for that. I've still got your old 230TE and that's running really well (absolutely reliable bar a couple of stops due to faulty fuel regulator - now replaced). I'm picking up some bits from my local MB shop so will ask them about the brush seals. The parts guys there are always helpful and are "old hands" so may know something useful.

Thanks again,

Adrian

 

[TimN]

Sorry didn't realise it was you. Glad to see it still going. Not sure why I sold it really. The interior is much more pleasant then it's replacement and the auto box much nicer to drive.

I don't think that there is anything wrong with the brush seals on that vehicle. Surprised that it is letting in water. It never did that for me.