Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Commercial Advertising => Topic started by: lpeterssen on September 24, 2025, 14:08:32
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Dear Friends
A member of this forum came to me with a problem that needed solution since original parts are no longer available, related to can-style early power windows motors (with three leads) and the early switches.
On Mercedes Benz equipped car's with optional power windows, there are two system versions during the 60´
EARLY VERSION
The early version uses robust motors with three leads and a rubber cuppling to the transmission gear (window regulator) These motors are paired to an early style switches which deteriorate a lot, since a lot of current passes through, making them a common failure point. New switches CAN NOT be sourced (3 wire only) and used “good” ones sell for astronomical figures (+600$ each). So if you want to repair your actual system supposing that only main quad switch is damaged you need to invest 600$ minimum up to 1,200 (single switches are cheaper).
LATER VERSION
The second version of the 60’ Mercedes power windows system, used a different kind of motors with only two leads and a direct drive with gears to the window regulator. These later style motors were used on W108 and W111 from 69’ onwards and are also the same model as used in W116, W114, W123. So it had a large production run. These later switches worked on the polarity inversion approach instead of toggling a ground signal as early ones did.
NORMAL SOLUTION APPROACH
One possible approach for anyone having the early power windows system is to change all, wiring harnesses, motors, and window regulators to the late style system. This will obbly you to change the power windows switches position from driver door to a central console, changing your ride original look, and forcing you to invest a huge amount of money. Those harnesses are scarce, and same story goes to power windows motors with matching regulator's. In that approach you will have to invest close to 4,000 USD, and maybe I am too conservative.
CLEVER APPROACH
I came out with a clever solution that will allow you to keep the original motors, and power windows regulators.
This will be a totally new harness that will have RELIABILITY and LOOK as top priorities.
- Keep original engine bay fuse box (4 post) at passenger side fender
- Keep original relays next to fuse box
- Use modern Switches as came on later W108, W111, W116, W123. Not the double version but the single gang switches
- Install new switches into the original metallic bezel
- Keep original safety switch at driver door
- System will Pass through switches ONLY SIGNALS, no high current, increasing their lifespan
- Install an array of relays (MB Original cubed style) below the dashboard, just above driver and copilot footwell. These relays will be the ones that will deteriorate with time, but are easy to source and inexpensive (40$ original mercedes
- Use original mercedes cable color coding
I just contacted my suppliers around world to obtain the original plug connectors model 9685 from Kostal. Not cheap, but at least we got them.
I have on hands W108 harnesses, original ones, early version from where I can get all the dimensions to make a perfect fit product.
I do not have at the moment a harness from an early W111. Not yet. And it is needed as well
For those interested on this new product, please contact me sending a PM (Personal message) or go to my web’store www.wiredoktor.com and use the appropriate contact form.
Willing to hear from all you soon to see how many persons have interest in the product.
Best Regards
Eng. Leonardo Peterssen
Www.wiredoktor.com
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Here some photos for reference, showing original power windows switches.
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Here the later style still available from Mercedes Power window switches.
Single gang version.
These are the ones I propose to use on the new hybrid system. You will need 7X units like these
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Here some photos for the kind of OEM mercedes relay planned to implement on this solution.