Driver's Window Regulator for RHD 6.9

[Oversize]

Styria, so how many window regulators does MB have in stock? I'd suggest the outrageous cost could reflect low stock levels.....

 

[Styria]

Mark, my face must have been white with anger and a feeling of derision when the price was quoted - I had only enquired as a matter of curiosity to try and look after ChrisP. in WA. I lost interest immeditely but I am determined that they will not get a single cent out of me - accordingly I set to task the following day to carry out an appraisal of what stock I could lay my hands on. As indicated in an earlier post, I think the situation is in hand now - enough used ones that will carry a six months replacement warranty, and I should also soon be in position to offer new after market replacement items. They are better designed units in any case - the windows operate much faster, the electric action is straight up and down unlike the convoluted lever arm arrangement of the original units supplied by Mercedes.

The unit in Gleaming Beauty was manufactured back in 1985, was fitted to Gleaming Beauty about nine years ago (second hand) and is still working quite well right up to now.

Just a word about Anthony's activities (abl567) - whenever I need parts that I don't need immediately, I have trusted Anthony to procure them for me from the Classic Centre in the US. The service is fast and efficient, and Anthony will pull out all stops to provide an excellent service. He can be contacted on 02-9674-2537. Try him. BTW, the US prices he has quoted are about ball park when compared pro rate with the Australian prices. Usually count on about 60% less. Regards Styria

N.B. Next job will be to determine stock of regulators for the 108 and 109 models.

 

[SEL_69L]

Styria: As you know, I invest in ancient coins, not car parts.

Centre grille strips rise in ?value? from $12 to $70? $120 for a genuine second hand driver's door window lift seem OK to me, but I would prefer the aftermarket one in this case.

No one is going to buy centre grille strips at $70. No wonder they have 1600 of them! ANY item has a value. It is what someone else is prepared to pay for it.

Charge reasonable prices, and you have customers.

 

[Oversize]

Perhaps we should get together with other MB enthusiast websites & petition MB to reduce their prices? After all, who else will buy this stuff?? I'd also suggest that we secure a reliable source of contemporary regulators as a replacement for the poorly designed originals (if Styria hasn't done so already).....

 

[s class]

There are two common failure modes for the front door regulators. The end pivot tears off as per the photos at the start of the thread, and the whole allow plate twists.

My 280SE had both front regulators fail, passenger one in 1997 followed by drivers one in 1998. Back then I was a trainee with minimal cash, so I was forced to be creative. I repaired the passenger one almost immediately. I removed it, and drilled or pressed out all the bushings, rivets etc. I had the torn-off pivot welded back in place by a specialist welding shop. I might add that I went to about 3 or 4 places before finding an artisan willing/able to tackle the problem. Apparently the material is some type of cast pewter. I reassembled the unit and its been in service since, though admittedly the passenger window doesn't see much use.

By the time the driver's unit failed in 1998, I was in the process of moving towns, and it was only sometime in late 1999 I managed to get it repaired, again having struggled to find someone to do the welding.

The driver's unit has now been in daily (several times per day) service for more than 10 years.

 

[Styria]

Perhaps we should get together with other MB enthusiast websites & petition MB to reduce their prices? After all, who else will buy this stuff?? I'd also suggest that we secure a reliable source of contemporary regulators as a replacement for the poorly designed originals (if Styria hasn't done so already).....

On many occasions, in bygone days and usually at the annual meetings of Mercedes Benz Club Presidents, the cost of spares was almost always on top of their agenda - in other words, clubs world wide felt that the prices of spares, particularly in relation to the older models, were inordinately high.
None of their efforts ever succeeded except for the fact that their pleas and approaches, and their attempts to negotiate better deals, fell on deaf ears. Thus, if the 'biggies' couldn't succeed, what chance do us mere mortals have - none. Regards Styria

 

[Styria]

Hi S-Class, you did well in finding a competent enough welder to repair a breakage of the base plate. I haven't gotten that far yet, but will soon attempt to address this problem by way of servicing/repairs. In the meantime, I have been fortunate enough to obtain two drivers' units (right hand drive) from an after market supplier. These units are far simpler in operation when compared to the convoluted action of the OEM units and they are priced at one third of the MB unit cost, and you receive a brand new electrical motor as part of the purchase.

One unit is being sent to ChrisP. in WA, the other I have as a new spare. Anyone interested ? Don't wait till none are available. As well, I have only one original used spare unit on hand. Once they're gone (new and second hand), it'll be back to the drawing board. Regards Styria

 

[s class]

styria, I've been wondering about having replica base-plates cut from steel plate, and then have it zinc coated. The cutting could be by spark etching or water-jet. Once the template is set up, they could be essentially mass produced.

 

[Styria]

Hi S-Class, I have thought long and hard about your suggestionto make up a steel plate and transfer all fittings to that plate. Unfortunately, in this lovely OZ country of ours, labour charges would render your suggestion at the expensive end of the scale and chances are that you'd finish up with numbers on the shelf that may take some time to move and tie up your money. SA may be different - labour costs appear to be much lower.

Anyway, I have managed to get hold of a new after market replacement unit - as previously indicated. This is what it looks like - made in Italy.....



As can be seen, a new motor is included and the whole box and dice is about 1/3rd the price of a genuine regulator that you buy from MB WITHOUT the motor. Regards Styria

Really, when you have a closer look, it is just that more simple than the Benz unit. Plus, it just goes straight up and down basically in alignment with the position of the motor - it's got to be more efficient and reliable.

 

[Styria]

Hi S-Class, I have thought long and hard about your suggestionto make up a steel plate and transfer all fittings to that plate. Unfortunately, in this lovely OZ country of ours, labour charges would render your suggestion at the expensive end of the scale and chances are that you'd finish up with numbers on the shelf that may take some time to move and tie up your money. SA may be different - labour costs appear to be much lower.

Anyway, I have managed to get hold of a new after market replacement unit - as previously indicated. This is what it looks like - made in Italy.....

View attachment 16605

As can be seen, a new motor is included and the whole box and dice is about 1/3rd the price of a genuine regulator that you buy from MB WITHOUT the motor. Regards Styria

Really, when you have a closer look, it is just that more simple than the Benz unit. Plus, it just goes straight up and down basically in alignment with the position of the motor - it's got to be more efficient and reliable.

This subject matter has not been brought up for a while. the aftermarket unit as illustrated can no longer be bought from that Company. Obsolete stock, and no demand. I still have a reasonable selection of various Regulators and, one of these days, I will sort stock, check for operation, and advise. It will be interesting if I would get any response. Regards Styria