Automatic window operation with key off?

[John Hubertz]

I notice in one of the intro articles a feature discussed is that W116 power windows on LHD cars will operate whenever the driver's door is open - a "run them up in case of rain" feature that I don't know exists or not on mine. 

My best friend has Max right now - could someone check their car and let me know if this feature does exist? 

[CraigS]

Presumably with the ignition off, or key out. Don't know if it works or not since all of mine are RHD, but I can't see how it would work, except through the circuit that controls the inside light.

[BAR]

Modern Benz's have a button on their remote keys that enables all windows to be closed with the car switched off.  This is connected through the ignition control module [not engine management] and the computer takes care of elctrical operations etc.

To do something like this on a W116, well it may not be worth the effort, but you could manage to open and close the windows with the ignition off.

Find the circuit that powers the electric windows, break into this and fit a relay that switches on the power.  Then actuate this power by tapping into the forward interior light switch [operated when the front doors are opened].  You may also want to tap into the rear light circuit.

So after all this fiddling around and pulling thigs apart], you may find that for those rare occasions, it is better to put the key in the ignition and turn it!

[John Hubertz]

Electric window lifts are fitted as standard. In addition to a separate rocker switch on each rear door, there is a group of four similar switches at the front, on the console (within easy reach of both driver and passenger). Also on the console is a push-button which can be used to render the rear window lifts inoperative (for child safety purposes). Another good feature is provision for actuating the window lifts when the ignition key has been removed (the normal supply being via the ignition switch). This is achieved by means of an alternative supply, which is routed through a micro-switch in the drivers door jam. Thus it is necessary only to open the driver's door to actuate the windows.

This is a direct quote from the Auto Test 450SEL article in the resource list at the bottom of each page on THIS site!  I'm just curious if anyone has ever tried it... since Max is out getting my best friend lucky in love I can't test it right now.

[koan]

I notice in one of the intro articles a feature discussed is that W116 power windows on LHD cars will operate whenever the driver's door is open - a "run them up in case of rain" feature that I don't know exists or not on mine. 

The US wiring diagrams don't show anything like that would allow operation of the windows with the key off and door open.

koan

[CraigS]

Interestingly, there is a posting on the M100 site regarding the same thing for a 6.3, and had something to do with a 4 terminal door post switch.

[koan]

Interestingly, there is a posting on the M100 site regarding the same thing for a 6.3, and had something to do with a 4 terminal door post switch.

There are extra holes in both my 116 A pillars that would accept another switch identical to the courtesy light switch, always thought they were related to the US seat belt interlock setup.

koan

[TJ 450]

That option seems to have been standard on the 1980's cars with power windows. Neither of my W116's have it.

Tim

[Papalangi]

Interestingly, there is a posting on the M100 site regarding the same thing for a 6.3, and had something to do with a 4 terminal door post switch.

There are extra holes in both my 116 A pillars that would accept another switch identical to the courtesy light switch, always thought they were related to the US seat belt interlock setup.

koan

I have the second switch in the drivers pillar (left side). It is either for the delayed dome lamp or the key in ignition buzzer, I forget which.

My windows will only work with the key in the ignition position.

Michael

[koan]

I have the second switch in the drivers pillar (left side). It is either for the delayed dome lamp or the key in ignition buzzer, I forget which.

Do you have the seat belt interlock setup ?

koan

[Papalangi]

I have the second switch in the drivers pillar (left side). It is either for the delayed dome lamp or the key in ignition buzzer, I forget which.

Do you have the seat belt interlock setup ?

koan

No, that was dropped in '74 or '75 although I do have the seat belt buzzer/light combo.  I think there were sensors in the seat cushions for the interlock and I don't have those either.

Michael

[Papalangi]

I double checked the switches the other day.

Upper one operates the delay off dome lamp.  Lower one operates key in ignition buzzer.

Michael

[WGB]

That option seems to have been standard on the 1980's cars with power windows. Neither of my W116's have it.

Tim

126's had this option or at least my 1986 300SE did and it was a very useful feature. Another useful improvement on 126 over  the 116 was that you could lock and unlock the central locking from the boot.

Bill

[John Hubertz]

AHAH!  Another example of teutonic buggery by reputation and/or out and out lying about vehicular qualities.

Example:  The ONLY thing that made a type one volkswagen beetle worthy of the term "reliable" was the fact you could execute a complete motor swap in under 1/2 hour.

...after you'd done it the first three times...  in 50,000 miles.

THUS!

I throw down the gauntlet of truth (ummmmmmm.....  since we don't have Any of those in the USA might I presume to borrow one?) and demand that someone identify a 116 with this vaunted feature!

Clearly listed in introductory publicity - and thus...  obviously meant to distract us as we tried to occupy our minds during the glacial ascent of power windows on the 116.  I've discovered the original designer of the window mechanism had a previous job inventing Continental drift.

[GreaseMonkey]

For what it is worth, my 1984 W123 280E has something similar. I have had the car five years and only recently found I could open and close the windows without the key in the ignition.
I though it was faulty electrics, but maybe it was designed that way.
My 1975 280SE has wind-up windows, so no electrics to play with.
Chris M.