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sunroof drain tube dilema

Started by rumb, 12 January 2023, 01:57 PM

rumb

While fenders are off, I broke off the end of the front sunroof drain tube flush with the area where it exits.  The drain tube is still available from MB, but the old tube is rock hard and I doubt I could extract the old one as it is completely enshrouded withing the A pillar.

Anyone ever replaced one of these?  I'm thinking the prudent thing to do is just seal the old one where it exits so water still will flow out.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

daantjie

I'm pretty sure multiple models used the same drain tube so you can just go to nearest pick n pull and grab a few off a w123 or w126.
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

rumb

That's not the problem, I can get new ones.  The issue is the old one is rock hard and I think it impossible to remove the old one.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

daantjie

Hmm yes.  I think from memory you can access the nipple on the sunroof pan by removing the A pillar trim inside the cab.  Might also have to remove the roof line trim as well on the side where the grab handles are.
Then maybe you can pull it into cab?  But yes I get your point if the rubber is rock hard then likely it'll just crumble leaving a bigger headache.
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

rumb

I came up with a scenario that might work. Insert a coat hanger wire in hose and hook the top of it. Then try pulling out. I'm still leery as the old one is rock hard and will have to somehow break, even to get out of the hole. The wire could also perhaps keep the pieces on the wire and not fall down into the abyss.

I'm not sold on that concept and may just caulk the end to keep water flowing. I'd hate to ruin whats in there and not be able to get a new one in.

'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

ptashek

If memory serves, this can't be done without removing A-pillar and front-top trim, and part of the headliner.
If you don't have leaks, maybe just extending the damaged end a bit would suffice as a stop-gap.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

rumb

For future reference here are photos of the areas involved.
close up of broken hose, other side showing how it is supposed to be, and the connection at the sunroof area.   
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio