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
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
Torx bit set (T20, T25, T30)Essential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
13mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm)Essential
Window support bar or clampsEssential
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Parts
- Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Door panel trim clips (assorted) × 1 — Replace any broken clips
- Window channel adhesive tape × 1 — If worn or damaged
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 10 minutes for airbag system discharge
- Lower rear window to approximately 1/3 open position (if window still operates)
- Protect rear seat with towels or blanket to prevent damage from tools or trim pieces
- Identify and photograph door panel screw locations and electrical connector positions for reference during reassembly
Procedure
- 1Remove door panel lower trim and screwsRemove 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).
- 2Disconnect door panel electrical connectorsLocate 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 specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 3Remove door panel assemblyUsing 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.
- 4Remove water barrier and access regulatorCarefully 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.
- 5Secure window glass in upper positionManually 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.
- 6Disconnect window glass from regulatorLocate 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 specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 7Disconnect window regulator motorLocate the window regulator motor electrical connector. Press release tab and disconnect connector from motor. Note orientation of connector for reinstallation.
- 8Remove window regulator mounting boltsLocate 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 specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 9Extract regulator assembly from doorCarefully 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.
- 10Prepare and install new regulator assemblyCompare 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.
- 11Install regulator mounting boltsInstall 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 specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 12Connect regulator motor and test operationReconnect 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.
- 13Attach window glass to regulatorRemove 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 specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 14Reinstall water barrier and door panelCarefully 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 specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 15Final testing and window initializationReconnect 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 specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with positive lock engagement
- Verify water barrier membrane is completely sealed to prevent water intrusion into door cavity
- Check that all door panel clips are properly engaged and panel is secure with no rattles
- Confirm all door panel screws and trim pieces are reinstalled in original locations
- 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.
P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/OpenP0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/PerformanceP0089Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 PerformanceP0090Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control CircuitP0091Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit LowP0485Cooling Fan Power/Ground CircuitP0550Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit MalfunctionP0551Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/PerformanceP0635Power Steering Control CircuitP0636Power Steering Control Circuit LowP0685ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit /OpenP0686ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit Low
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