TAR

On behalf of my sister who owns a '01 E320 wagon, I am asking for some assistance. Today while cleaning her car of snow, she noticed that the one of the bolts that holds the roof rack in-place has loosen. This is not the side to side rail but one of two rails that are affixed to the roof. Please refer to the attached images.

Have you ever heard of a bolt coming loose? How does it get secured or (re)tightened in-place? Is this a DY project?

TIA. My sister appreciates your interest and assistance!

Plutoe

regrettably to access the four nuts per rail requires the removal of the headliner and bla bla---hopefully you sister has a boy friend with tools and experience!!

TAR

Pluetoe, have you experienced or heard of a roof rack coming loose from a W210 wagon roof?

BTW, I spoke with a MB mechanic about this need for repair, a guy I have used for decades who works for a large metro MB dealership so his experience base is both broad and deep, and he expressed surprise and disbelief when I shared the photos with him.

I always knew my sister was special. I am comforted to know her specialness extends to her car (being an anomaly.).

TIA.

TAR

Plutoe

Yes the gaskets deteriorate with age-----and one thing leads to another---now the issue will be water egress then the headliner gets stained and bla bla


Yes sisters are like that, however, mine lucked out she married into old money---they all drive very expensive Italian and German leased imports--they haven't owned a car in 40 years---her only owned car was a red VW bug and the rear seats caught on fire!!

Cape Breton

Would it be possible to stick a sharp pin beside the loose bolt into the headliner to determine where a person could drill a hole big enough to refasten the nut. A plug could be placed over the ensuing hole. For synchronicity an similar plug could be attached at the opposite side.