How to Repair the Window Regulator Failure of Mercedes
07 Jun, 19
Mercedes automobiles are widely renowned for being luxurious and well-built. However, that doesn’t mean that they are completely impervious to mechanical failures. Mercedes cars are prone to window regulator failure, which affects the driver’s ability to control the power windows effectively. This can be an annoying problem to deal with, especially considering that you have paid a premium price for your Mercedes.
Despite all of the bells and whistles that you’d expect from a quality Mercedes, it all amounts to naught if the windows do not work properly on demand. Luckily, there are solutions to this problem which can be resolved with a quick trip to your local auto repair shop.
What is a window regulator and what does it do?
Unless you are a mechanic yourself, or have fixed this exact problem before, you probably don’t even know the mechanics of a window regulator. The window regulator is the mechanism that controls the power window when the door switch is engaged. They are hidden inside each door panel. They require disassembly of the door panel to access. Because you cannot readily access the window regulator, it will probably require a trip to your local Mercedes mechanic.
You might be asking yourself, “If I can’t see the window regulator, how do I know when it is malfunctioning?” You won’t have to wonder if your window regulator has failed because the symptoms of a failure will render your power window almost completely inoperable. Let’s take a look at those below.
How to Spot a Window Regulator Failure
The signs that your car has a window regulator failure will be readily apparent to you as you control your power windows. Your windows will be severely hampered by the failure and may exhibit a myriad of symptoms. The window may roll up very slowly or very quickly. Strange noises may emanate from the windows, such as a rumbling or grinding noise. The window button may not even work altogether.
No matter which of these symptoms hampers your power window, you will notice the problem and it will get under your skin until you take your car in for servicing. Like a neglected tooth cavity, the problems with your window will only manifest the longer that you wait to repair the window regulator.
How to Repair Your Window Regulator Yourself
Although it is a bit tricky, it is entirely possible to repair your malfunctioning window regulator yourself, if you don’t feel like paying for parts and labor at a mechanic’s shop. However, this will involve removing the door panel by dislodging the plastic housing around the door handle and loosening the screw that is hidden behind it. There is also a small screw located behind an access panel in the armrest of the door.
After that, you need to detach the window regulator from the door frame. Using duct tape to secure the glass in the window frame, you must then remove the rivets holding the window regulator to the door frame using a rivet gun. Connect the new window regulator with four new rivets and reconnect the window glass to the regulator channel. Plug in the power window and test the power window switch. If it is working properly, place the door panel back onto the door frame with your screwdriver.
Using a Mechanic to Repair Your Faulty Window Regulator
If the above process seems too daunting for you, or if you do not feel like taking unnecessary risks with 
your expensive Mercedes, do not fret. The skilled technicians here at Santa Barbara Autowerks in Santa Barbara, CA are more than capable of making this repair for you.
The cost will typically run anywhere from $250-$400 dollars for both parts and labor. This is ideally the way to go, unless you are extremely serious about saving money. Generally speaking, if you are willing to pay the extra money for the elite driving experience that Mercedes offers, you won’t mind spending the money when a serious problem arises with the automobile.
Rest assured that your money will be well spent at Santa Barbara Autowerks. Our experienced staff will ensure that your window regulator will be in working order just in time for summer. After all, what is summer driving without your windows rolled down?