I am going to list the reasons why I like this seal better than the genuine Mercedes seal. I know that some will prefer the original, so we will offer both individually with instructions. NOTE: if you purchase my sunroof master service kit, you will receive the aftermarket seal
Product Details
NOTE ON INSTRUCTIONS: The instructions only cover removing the old seal and the trick to installing the new one. It is best to remove the air dam if you have a W123 or W126 to aid in the installation of the new seal. If you need instructions on air dam R&R, see related products below.
When recently filming the procedure for replacing the front sunroof seal ( and this can be a real pain in the ... ) I experimented with three different seals, and I found one that I like better than the genuine one. Here are the reasons why.
First, it is slightly smaller around, which makes it easier to install in that tight groove under the front edge of the roof. OE is on the left, and this seal is on the right.
The side curvature fits better into the roof without excessive stretching. OE is on the left and this seal is on the right
And, more importantly, the bonding of this seal is stronger than the genuine one. I will show you the bonding locations below where the seal starts to make the curve. I have had two genuine seals come apart at that junction during the assembly. The glue used is not very strong, and if you are not careful it will rip apart trying to force it into the grove. This seal has a much stronger seam, and I do not have the same caution or problem when installing it.
Here is a close-up of the seam on the genuine seal.
Here is a close-up of this aftermarket seal in the same location.
I
Your choice...you make the call for your car.
Related Products:
1968 to 1985 Sunroof FRONT Rubber Seal Replacement Kit w/ Instructions
GENUINE MERCEDES FRONT SUNROOF SEAL
1962 to 1979 Power Sunroof Service and Repair: Full 5-Part Video Series by Kent Bergsma
Also covers the 1980 W116 sedans.
1980 to 1985 Sunroof Panel Removal, Service and Repair, and Replacement - On Demand Video
This is part 2 of Kent's 9-part video series on servicing and repairing the power sunroofs on the 1980 to 1985 W123, W126, and W201. This video will cover ONLY those issues related to the sliding roof panel.
1968 to 1979 W108 W109 W114 W115 W116 C107 Master Sunroof Service and Repair Kit
These old power non-tilting sunroofs are now 45-plus years old. These are specifically the sunroofs that used the early-style rectangular sunroof motor and separate drive mechanism connected by a rubber drive bushing. They did not come with deflector air dams.
1980 to 1985 W123 W126 Master Sunroof Service and Repair Kit
These old power non-tilting sunroofs are now 40-plus years old. These are specifically the sunroofs that used the later style round motor.
1968 to 1985 REAR Sunroof Seal Replacement Instructions - On Demand Video
In this short video, Kent will demonstrate how to prep the sunroof if there is rust in the seal area and how to install a new rear seal using the tool, lubricant, and glue provided in his kit. PLEASE NOTE: The sunroof panel has to be removed from the car.
Sunroof Air Dam Removal and Replacement - On Demand Video
In this video Kent covers the removal and replacement procedures for the sunroof air dam or otherwise known as the air deflector. Using a special technique and a plastic trim tool can prevent damage to the plastic clips. He also covers troubleshooting the reasons for improper operation.