Rubber sunroof seals

[Beautifulbodywork]

I need to buy two new rubber seals for my 1984 Mercedes 230CE coupe's sunroof. Unfortunately Mercedes don't make these parts anymore.

I am told this may be the cause of rain getting in and soaking my driver's footwell area.

The parts I need are:
a1236821197
a1237820313

None of the dealers in UK hold these parts apparently according to my garage who have done a search. Can you advise me where I could purchase these parts new? I have tried using the Mercedes oldtimers website but it's not very user friendly and I don't know how it works. Nothing on ebay either.

Getting desperate with all the rain we get in London.

Thanks

William

 

[whitenemesis]

Might be worth contacting these people?

http://eshop.original-teile.de/inde...33e80900700&cl=search&searchparam=a1237820313

 

[Beautifulbodywork]

Thanks,

The site you suggest has the 2nd part in stock but not the first. Any suggestions?

William

 

[brandwooddixon]

I take it that you've already ruled out blocked water drains, both for the roof and the heater box intake?

 

[Beautifulbodywork]

Thanks. I'll mention that to my garage but they're urging me to try and find these rubber seals.

 

[LevisMerc]

Hi William,

Can I make a suggestion?

I'd say you really need to track down the exact source of your leak before throwing money at replacing seals.

The sunroof seals on a w123 aren't really designed to be watertight - that's why there are drains to take water away from the sunroof cassette. If these are blocked you'll get water in the cabin. The front ones run down the a pillar and exit near the door hinges. The rear ones exit behind the back side windows behind the chrome trim. I'd suggest opening your sunroof and tipping a bit of water into the sunroof tray/cassette and make sure it dribbles out of the four exit points. If the drains are blocked they can be cleared with compressed air. If the tray has started to rot out then its a sunroof out job for repair which is easier on a coupe than a saloon because of the pillarless design.

Other leaky points on a w123 are the drains from the bonnet spring area and if you have any rust around the windscreen or rear screen surrounds you will have water in the cabin. Also check in the heater intake panel infront of the windscreen - it's easy to inspect - remove the wipers, remove the air intake grilles and undo the two screws and four (i think) clips and you can inspect the drains from there.