This is a thread that I posted on BenzWorld.org. Keep in mind that my install is also just for keyless entry.
This is the thread:
Well, I think it took me probably more than 24 hours physical hours to get my installation virtually completely installed. All I can say is, my hands are raw and ache of all the crimping I had to do!
Let me just add that a lot of those hours were wasted trying to sleeve all the wiring I had to use. It's really tough to get a bunch of loose wires to travel through a narrow PVC sleeve. In the end though, I got it right!
Just to recap, this is what I ordered from the US:
- Four genuine MB power window regulators and motors, from Autohaus
- One Valet 712T keyless entry kit
- Six Directed high-power door lock actuators
- Two Directed 530T window automation systems, from Digital4Cheap
So, after the old vacuum locking system had been stripped, I set out for yet another DIY project.
I invested in a good quality crimping tool when I bought all the crimping lugs and wires. Let me tell you, this tool is the best! The other one I had was truly dismall.
I've posted a few pics of the actuators' locations. I simply couldn't manage to mount the rear actuators where the vacuum ones were located due to a lack of space. In the end though, I think the rear actuators work great where I placed them. I completely removed the rod that was controlled by the vacuum actuator. The front actuators were easy to mount, requiring just a short extension to control the locking mechanism.
I really struggled to find a suitable location for the keyless entry control module and relays, but managed to make them fit in the passenger side kick panel. I didn't manage to fasten it due to the irregular profile of the body panel, but it fits snug in the crevace.
For the life of me, I couldn't find a hidden location for the window modules, except for the doors of course. However, there are so many wires going into the doors already, that more wires simply wouldn't fit too. So, the only out of sight location I could find was on top of the rear footwell air-ducts, just below the two front seats. In the end though, I think this is a great location, because it's dead-on center between the front and back doors (I connected each module to control one front and one rear window). I also posted a photo of it. The seat is in its most rearward position, so when moved forward in its normal position, the module is out of sight.
The installation of the new window regulators went without a hitch. However, I simply couldn't figure out how the rear regulators had to be mounted. After probably half an hour later, I figured out the regulator isn't mounted in the front of the door, but at the rear!
In the end, the hardest part was pulling all the wires throughout the car. If I should guess, I routed about 300 feet of wire!
On to the testing part, it went without any problems whatsoever. The entire system works great!
I connected the keyless system for progressive unlocking (first the driver's, then the passenger doors), domelight supervision when disarming and switching off of the ignition, doors lock on turning on the ignition, unlock when switching off.
The window modules also work fantastic. One-touch up and down for all four windows from the center console switches, auto-close when arming the keyless entry system, venting of the windows when pressing the auxiliary button on the remote.
The window regulators and motors are very smooth and quiet. I really cannot comprehend why some of you want to convert to manual windows!













F R A N S
1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E
320 000 km / 199 000 miles
Full MB Service History