Replacement window cranks

[n/a]

I recently purchased two replacement window cranks for my 68 280SL over the Internet. The parts I received are genuine MB parts, but are somewhat different. the old ones have one slot, with a recess on the back for the insert clip to slide into.

The new ones have two slots and no recess, so the insert doesn't want to slide on. Also, the hole for the attachment screw is too big, allowing the screw to go straight through.

The knobs are also different, with the silver stripe being on the outer edge of the knob instead of on the face. Finally, the cylindrical section that pushes up against the door is longer, so the crank sits out farther. Other than that, they're perfect!

These seem to be the typical replacement offered by several sources. I searched the forum, figuring this must've been covered before, but came up blank. Any suggestions, other than rechroming the old ones?

Download Attachment: window_cranks.jpg
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John Livingston
Newport News, VA
1968 280SL 4 speed

[rwmastel]

Just a guess here,  the part number starting with 123 suggest that they fit or were originally made for the W123 chassis sedans & coupes produced from 1975 - 1985.  It may fit the crank, but the insert may not fit and the knob may not look correct.  Can you show a picture from the other side to see the knob?  I hope I'm wrong and you can still use them.

My 230SL parts book (NOT for 250SL or 280SL) shows the following part:

110 760 04 02 - window crank arm

Do you have manuals for your 280SL?  Most people recommend the following:
MB Shop Manual
MB Spare Parts List Manual
MB Technical Specs Manual
Haynes Repair Manual

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[n/a]

That sort of occurred to me when I saw the "123", but I thought maybe they shared crank designs and that was all that was available. I was told that it was for the W113. At least the front brake hoses they sent fit. I'll see if they can exchange it.
I do have the manuals you mention, except for the Technical Specs manual, I think. Guess it's time to start using them!

John

John Livingston
Newport News, VA
1968 280SL 4 speed

[Douglas]

I'm not positive, but I think it may be the same window crank as a W 114/115 sedan. If this is true, you could certainly find spares from a W 114/115 parts car. I know the MB Tex insert  is the same.

The one thing I don't like about the new replacement part is the insert -- it's flat textured plastic and not padded MB Tex.

(This would be a good ? for Joe Alexander or Achim Ahlert to answer.)

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #018260

[ja17]

Hello John,
The earliest version window cranks had a screw holding the crank handle in place. In later years the crank was re-designed and the small insert itself became the clip that kept the crank in place on the shaft. Unfortunately, the shaft on the window mechanism also was changed so that they are not interchangeable. Then along came the 123 chasis cars and the window cranks even look a little different. This 123 style window crank does not fit on the earlier W113 cars but will fit on the later W113 cars but will look a little different from the originals.
 
The situation may be that Mercedes may no longer supply the early "screw type" window cranks. I am seeing more owners face this problem as time goes on. I do not know what the prescribed cure is. In order to use the later window crank on an earlier car some type of modification would be needed. A new replacement window mechanism  from Merceces would probably already be set-up for the newer crank.

There are three types of correct window cranks for the W113; the screw style with small knob (early cars), the screw with large knobs (early 280-SL's) and the clip style with large knobs (latest 280-SL's). It seems that Mercedes may only be supplying clip style W123 large knobs which will only work on late 280-SL cars.

Doug has the solution. The sedans of that era have the same part. Find a sedan with crank-up windows and you have found four of the correct window cranks (enough for two W113 cars). If you are lucky you may find one the corect color or you may have to dye it. You will need to find a sedan with the same or close production year to get the right style.

Early cars (screw type small knob) will find the correct cranks on Mercedes Finback sedans and early W108 , W109 sedans. Later (screw type large knobs) can be found on early W114 and W115 cars, later W108 and 109 cars. The clip on version can be found on the later sedans. Keep away from the W123 chasis cars if you want something to match.

If your window cranks  do not match the knobs on your  rest of your dash you have the wrong parts.

I will post some photos this evening to help clarify the differences.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Cees Klumper]

At the Veterama (a big auto jumble / Hershey type of affair) in Mannheim, Germany, I bought a couple of used replacement cranks, "just in case". They cost me $1 each, were in a box filled with at least twenty of them, and fit the older-style mechanism (which is the kind fitted on my '69 280 SL).

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[ja17]

Hello,
Here are a couple of photos of the different variations;

Download Attachment: four different window cranks.JPG
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Download Attachment: window crank pads 2.JPG
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Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[drewsalisbury]

My 1971 280sl has one crank with the silver ring in the center and the other has the ring around the edge of the handle (one original and one replacement)...anyone have a similar mismatched set that would like to swap one or the other?
Drew

[n/a]

The window crank handles have been a sore subject around the parts department for a long time. You could use the 110-760-04-02 from the 230SL but you'd still have the wrong knob. The 123 handle will require a new pad, and you can back out the screw just for enough for the slotted clip in the pad to hook over the head of the screw. The knobs on the 123 crank handle are closer to the original 108 number that the early style 110. The 123-760-01-20 pad comes in a variety of colors and it's solid plastic, easily painted to match your interior.
tom hanson

[ja17]

Hello Drew,
Send me your mailing address.  I have dozens (good used) of the correct ones. No charge, just pay my shipping cost when you get the part.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio