Is the rear window blind on your 2002 Mercedes S55 AMG stuck in the down position? Does the motor just click frustratingly when you try to raise it? You’re not alone. Many owners of the W220 S-Class, including the powerful S55 AMG, experience issues with their rear sunshades over time. When my own sunshade decided to quit working shortly after purchasing my 2008 E550, I decided to tackle the repair myself. Initially, I was quoted a hefty price for a replacement, but I discovered a more cost-effective and satisfying DIY solution. While my experience was with a slightly newer model, the principles and potential issues are remarkably similar, and this guide can be adapted for your 2002 S55 AMG.
The problem with my sunshade was that it was jammed in the retracted position, and all I would hear was a clicking noise from the motor when I tried to operate the switch. Like many DIY enthusiasts, I prefer to try fixing things myself before resorting to expensive replacements. The prospect of a potentially simple mechanical fix motivated me to investigate further. While some might compare car repairs to less enjoyable tasks, like a root canal, I find a certain satisfaction in diagnosing and resolving automotive issues.
Upon disassembling the motor and gearbox assembly, I identified a key component: a small screw within the gearbox housing. This screw acts as a crucial “hard stop” for a metal gear inside. This gear features two flattened sections, positioned approximately 30 to 40 degrees apart. The repair process involved carefully reinstalling this gear and its accompanying spring. To avoid over-tensioning the spring and to ensure proper alignment, I employed a simple technique. I inserted the metal gear and spring back into the gearbox, then rotated the gear until one of the flattened sections just cleared the screw’s location. At this point, with the help of an assistant, I reinstalled the screw. This method allowed me to set a reasonable spring tension without guesswork.
Before fully reassembling everything and reinstalling the sunshade, I wanted to test my repair. Using a spare 12V battery, I directly powered the sunshade motor. Encouragingly, it moved smoothly up and down. For a final check before final installation, I held the sunshade assembly outside the vehicle (again, requiring an extra pair of hands) and connected it to the car’s wiring harness connector. Operating the dashboard switch confirmed that the sunshade was now working correctly.
With the successful bench tests completed, I proceeded to put everything back together in the car. Since the repair, the sunshade has been operating without issue. Regrettably, I couldn’t pinpoint the exact root cause of the initial failure. However, as a preventative measure, I thoroughly lubricated all accessible pivot points within the sunshade mechanism. To keep things working smoothly, I plan to exercise the sunshade periodically, hoping to prevent future problems.
It’s worth noting that obtaining a replacement sunshade drive motor from Mercedes-Benz as a separate part proved impossible. My local dealer only offered a complete sunshade assembly replacement, priced at a staggering $1400! Naturally, I declined this expensive option. While aftermarket complete assemblies can be found for under $1000, exploring component-level repair remains the more economical approach. If further issues arise, I might consider sourcing a replacement motor from an alternative supplier. The original motor in my unit was manufactured by Buehler Motor, Inc. in Germany. The motor part number is 1.61.068.501.02. I even located their US representative in Morrisville, NC, as a potential future contact for parts if necessary.
Hopefully, this account of my DIY sunshade repair provides helpful insights for owners facing similar issues with their 2002 S55 AMG or comparable Mercedes models. A little careful disassembly and reassembly can potentially save you a significant amount of money and get your rear window blind working again.
