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6.0L V12 BiTurbo M275RWDAUTOMATICgasM275turbo
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electrical

Power Window Regulator - Rear

for 2012 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG 6.0L V12 BiTurbo M275 · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
15
Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear window regulator assembly on the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, including door panel removal, window removal, and regulator replacement.

Warnings

⚠️Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 10 minutes before starting work to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge. Side impact airbags are located in door panels.
Window glass is heavy and fragile. Properly secure window before disconnecting regulator to prevent dropping and shattering.
Window regulator cables are under tension. Control regulator removal to prevent sudden unwinding.
ℹ️Work area should be clean and free of debris to prevent scratching window glass or interior trim surfaces.

Tools required

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Parts

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Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 10 minutes for airbag system discharge
  3. Lower rear window to approximately 1/3 open position (if window still operates)
  4. Protect rear seat with towels or blanket to prevent damage from tools or trim pieces
  5. Identify and photograph door panel screw locations and electrical connector positions for reference during reassembly

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove door panel lower trim and screws
    Remove the rear door pull handle cover by carefully prying from the rear edge using a trim tool. Remove T25 Torx screws behind the handle. Remove the lower door panel storage pocket by releasing clips with trim tool. Remove all visible T25 and T30 Torx screws securing door panel perimeter (typically 3-4 screws along bottom and sides).
  2. 2
    Disconnect door panel electrical connectors
    Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors behind door panel including window switch module, door lock switch, ambient lighting, and any other connectors. Press release tabs and pull connectors straight out. For the window switch module, remove mounting screws and carefully withdraw entire module from door panel before disconnecting.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove door panel assembly
    Using trim removal tools, carefully release all door panel retaining clips by working around the perimeter. Start at bottom corners and work upward. Lift door panel upward and away from door to disengage from window sill. Set door panel aside in safe location with interior surface facing up to prevent scratches.
  4. 4
    Remove water barrier and access regulator
    Carefully peel back the water barrier membrane starting from one corner. Work slowly to avoid tearing - this must be reused or replaced. Expose the window regulator assembly, motor, and mounting points. Clean any debris from inside door cavity.
  5. 5
    Secure window glass in upper position
    Manually raise window glass to fully up position. Use masking tape to secure glass to door frame from outside, or install window support bar/clamps to hold glass in raised position. Ensure glass is securely supported before proceeding - it will be disconnected from regulator.
    Verify window is properly secured before disconnecting from regulator. Glass will fall if not properly supported.
  6. 6
    Disconnect window glass from regulator
    Locate the two window glass mounting bolts where glass attaches to regulator carrier (accessed through service holes in door frame). Remove both 10mm bolts securing glass to regulator lift mechanism. Carefully separate glass from regulator carrier while ensuring window support holds glass in place.
    Support window glass during bolt removal to prevent sudden movement or dropping.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Disconnect window regulator motor
    Locate the window regulator motor electrical connector. Press release tab and disconnect connector from motor. Note orientation of connector for reinstallation.
  8. 8
    Remove window regulator mounting bolts
    Locate all window regulator mounting bolts (typically 4-6 bolts depending on regulator design). Remove all 13mm mounting bolts securing regulator assembly to door frame. Support regulator assembly while removing final bolt to prevent dropping.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Extract regulator assembly from door
    Carefully maneuver window regulator assembly out of door cavity through access opening. May require tilting and rotating assembly to clear door frame and internal reinforcements. Control cable tension during removal - cables may be under slight tension. Remove old regulator completely from vehicle.
    Regulator cables may be under tension. Control movement to prevent sudden unwinding or component damage.
  10. 10
    Prepare and install new regulator assembly
    Compare new regulator assembly to old unit to verify correct part. Ensure regulator is in proper position for installation (typically mid-travel position). Carefully insert new regulator assembly into door cavity through access opening, maneuvering around internal door structure. Align regulator mounting holes with door frame mounting points.
  11. 11
    Install regulator mounting bolts
    Install all window regulator mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque all mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern sequence to ensure even mounting pressure. Verify regulator sits flush against door frame with no gaps.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Connect regulator motor and test operation
    Reconnect window regulator motor electrical connector ensuring positive lock engagement. Temporarily reconnect battery negative terminal. Test regulator operation by activating window switch - regulator should move smoothly up and down without binding or unusual noise. If operation is confirmed, disconnect battery again before proceeding.
    ℹ️Test regulator operation before attaching window glass to verify proper installation and function.
  13. 13
    Attach window glass to regulator
    Remove window support tape or clamps. Lower window glass carefully onto regulator carrier. Align glass mounting holes with regulator carrier mounting points. Install both glass mounting bolts and torque to specification. Verify glass sits properly in channels and moves freely with regulator mechanism.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  14. 14
    Reinstall water barrier and door panel
    Carefully reposition water barrier membrane ensuring complete seal around door perimeter. Press firmly to reactivate adhesive. If adhesive is compromised, use appropriate sealant to restore water barrier integrity. Reconnect all door panel electrical connectors. Position door panel and engage upper clips into window sill, then press firmly around perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Reinstall all door panel screws including those behind handle and in storage pocket areas, torquing fasteners to specification.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  15. 15
    Final testing and window initialization
    Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Perform window initialization procedure: hold window switch in UP position for 2 seconds after window reaches top, then hold switch in DOWN position for 2 seconds after window reaches bottom. This programs window auto-up/down and pinch protection features. Test all window functions including one-touch up/down and anti-pinch operation multiple times to verify proper operation.
    ℹ️Window initialization procedure is required after regulator replacement for proper auto-up/down and safety feature operation.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with positive lock engagement
  2. Verify water barrier membrane is completely sealed to prevent water intrusion into door cavity
  3. Check that all door panel clips are properly engaged and panel is secure with no rattles
  4. Confirm all door panel screws and trim pieces are reinstalled in original locations
  5. Test window operation through complete travel range multiple times before returning vehicle to service

Verification

  • Window should operate smoothly through entire travel range without binding, hesitation, or unusual noise
  • Auto-up and auto-down functions should work properly after initialization procedure
  • Anti-pinch protection should function correctly - test by gently obstructing window during auto-up operation
  • Window should seat properly at full up position with no gaps or misalignment
  • Door panel should be secure with no rattles or loose trim pieces
  • All window switch functions should operate correctly including one-touch and comfort features
  • Check for proper window alignment with door frame and weather sealing

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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