Is your 1996 Mercedes Benz driver side window acting up? A common issue, especially in older models, is a malfunctioning window regulator. Before you rush to a mechanic, you might be able to tackle this repair yourself, saving time and money. This guide will walk you through removing the door panel and accessing the window regulator, and when it comes to sourcing high-quality replacement parts like the Partsgeek.com 96 Mercedes Benz Driver Side Window Bracket And Gear, we’ve got you covered.
First things first, let’s get that door panel off. Locate and remove the five screws securing the panel (as seen in PHOTO #1). You’ll find two hidden in the door handle recess, one in the lower door pocket, another behind a small grommet at the top right (pop it off carefully), and the last one in the door latch area (remove the screw and then the backplate). Don’t forget to remove the small triangular cover near the side mirror, positioned above the main door panel.
Once all screws are out, it’s time to detach the panel. You’ll need to unsnap approximately nine pins holding it in place. Start from the bottom of the door panel and gently work your way upwards. After the pins are released, lift the door panel upwards to disengage it from the top edge of the door.
Before you completely remove the panel, be careful! You’ll encounter two wiring plugs near the window controls (illustrated in PHOTO #2). These need to be disconnected. Push in the latches on each plug and gently pull them apart. These connectors can be a bit stubborn, so take your time and wiggle them carefully until they detach.
With the wiring disconnected, you can now fully remove the door panel, revealing the inner door structure (PHOTO #3). At this stage, you’ll see a plastic sheet protecting the inner door components. Carefully peel this plastic sheeting back. Try to be gentle to avoid tearing or excessively stretching it, and minimize disturbing the sealant putty. Ideally, you want to reuse this plastic sheet. By working slowly and carefully, you should be able to reattach it using the existing putty. Focus on peeling back enough plastic from the bottom and sides to access the window regulator area, leaving the top portion intact. Once you have sufficient access, tape the plastic sheeting up and out of your way to keep it from interfering with your work.
Now, let’s get to the window regulator itself. The regulator and motor assembly are held in place by 8 screws and a single wire plug. First, locate and unplug the wire plug situated on the right side of the opening (PHOTO #4). Next, unscrew the 3 screws securing the motor. Then, remove the 1 screw at the lower part of the regulator slide, followed by the 2 screws on the upper part of the regulator slide.
The last two screws are the trickiest. These attach the regulator assembly directly to the window itself. To access these, the window needs to be lowered to approximately the halfway position so the screws become visible through the opening in the door. If your window motor is dead and the window is stuck in the fully up position, you’ll need to remove the motor first (PHOTO #5). To do this, snap off the silver motor plate and pop out the cable spindle. This will release the cable tension and free the window (PHOTO #6). Once released, you should be able to manually slide the window up and down. Be cautious at this point to prevent the window from suddenly dropping.
After removing all the regulator assembly screws, carefully push the window upwards and out of your working area. Use tape to secure the glass in the fully raised position. With the window safely out of the way, you can now maneuver the entire regulator assembly out of the door. Start by moving the bottom of the regulator towards the right side within the door cavity. Then, tilt the top of the regulator to the left. By positioning it almost sideways, you should be able to slide the complete regulator and motor assembly out of the door.
With the old regulator removed, you’re ready for the replacement. For reliable parts like the partsgeek.com 96 mercedes benz driver side window bracket and gear, ensure you choose components specifically designed for your vehicle to guarantee a perfect fit and long-lasting performance. Replacing these parts can restore smooth and reliable window operation to your 1996 Mercedes Benz, and tackling it yourself is a rewarding DIY project.
