rroth0r

The handle latch came loose for the front release for the convertible top on my 2000 430 clk cabriolet. The top is closed. If I peer under the plastic cover, I can see that the handle has a cylinder that fits up into a larger cylinder. There is a spring for tension that fits around the handle cylinder. There is a special ring around the handle cylinder that the spring hangs onto and that keeps the 2 levers in place that release the roof when you turn the handle. Both the spring and ring are loose, and I can remove the handle completely at this point.

Has anyone had this happen? Anyone have instructions, or a diagram of how it should be assembled? Is this something I can reassemble, or has it broken? Do I have to go to the dealer and buy what has to be the expensive part, or can it be repaired and purchased elsewhere? Last question- how should the handle cylinder stay in place when it's in the larger cylinder in the roof? I sure could use some advice/ help.