DIY Panoramic Sunroof Clip Repair in Place
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
DIY Panoramic Sunroof Clip Repair in Place
****** UDPATE 6/20/22 ********
I've updated the material to a stronger carbon filled material that seems to be holding up quite well. I'm using a set on my personal vehicle and also have positive feedback from a number of other testers with some age on theirs installs.
I have a large qty. printed now (after some downtime on my 3D printer).
Pricing is $30 per pair of clips (per vehicle side).
Venmo me @davet797 and include your shipping address.
I'm also attaching an install instruction sheet to this post for reference.
************************************************** ******************
Hi all....I recently started to do a DIY lube maintenance on the panoramic sunroof on my C400 and realized that one of the plastic v-shaped guide clips was broken.
After researching this problem, I realized that this is a pretty widespread issue with this OEM sunroof design and many people have reported a similar issue. This ultimately causes road noise and binding during opening/closing.
The published repair involves removing the entire headliner in the vehicle to gain access to the end of the guiderails in order to slide in the replacement clips (a lot of work).
I decided to design a repair-in-place clip to solve this issue. I printed them on my 3D printer out of PLA and installed on my car and it has been in service for about 2 months now without any issue. They are working amazingly well!
The clips will install on the guiderail, then the sunroof yoke will slip down into the grooves, then the retainer inserts will get a dab of superglue and be pressed into place to lock it all in place. Allow the glue to cure for 4 hours before using sunroof.
I was a bit leery that super glue would have enough "guts" to hold up....but it turns out the super glue is actually stronger than the PLA plastic.
Attached are a few pics showing the design.
I'm looking for anyone else who has the broken clip issue and would like to try out my clips? I want some additional feedback on how well they'll hold up with use.
Anyone?
I've updated the material to a stronger carbon filled material that seems to be holding up quite well. I'm using a set on my personal vehicle and also have positive feedback from a number of other testers with some age on theirs installs.
I have a large qty. printed now (after some downtime on my 3D printer).
Pricing is $30 per pair of clips (per vehicle side).
Venmo me @davet797 and include your shipping address.
I'm also attaching an install instruction sheet to this post for reference.
************************************************** ******************
Hi all....I recently started to do a DIY lube maintenance on the panoramic sunroof on my C400 and realized that one of the plastic v-shaped guide clips was broken.
After researching this problem, I realized that this is a pretty widespread issue with this OEM sunroof design and many people have reported a similar issue. This ultimately causes road noise and binding during opening/closing.
The published repair involves removing the entire headliner in the vehicle to gain access to the end of the guiderails in order to slide in the replacement clips (a lot of work).
I decided to design a repair-in-place clip to solve this issue. I printed them on my 3D printer out of PLA and installed on my car and it has been in service for about 2 months now without any issue. They are working amazingly well!
The clips will install on the guiderail, then the sunroof yoke will slip down into the grooves, then the retainer inserts will get a dab of superglue and be pressed into place to lock it all in place. Allow the glue to cure for 4 hours before using sunroof.
I was a bit leery that super glue would have enough "guts" to hold up....but it turns out the super glue is actually stronger than the PLA plastic.
Attached are a few pics showing the design.
I'm looking for anyone else who has the broken clip issue and would like to try out my clips? I want some additional feedback on how well they'll hold up with use.
Anyone?
Last edited by flyboyusa; 06-20-2022 at 09:12 PM.
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benzdude (11-26-2020),
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draemux (11-28-2020),
and 5 others liked this post.
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flyboyusa (11-24-2020)
#3
Member
Awesome to hear!! I’ve never opened my pano roof on my C400 because I’m afraid of this happening maybe I’ll give it a try now, knowing there’s an easier/cheap solution!
#4
Senior Member
Thanks for sharing! Can you share the file so those of us with 3D printers can try them out?
Im sure mine will break in time. kinda afraid to open the roof to grease things without having a fix ready on hand. how does the PLA hold up with heat?
Im sure mine will break in time. kinda afraid to open the roof to grease things without having a fix ready on hand. how does the PLA hold up with heat?
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
The PLA seems to be holding up very well, no issues so far in the summer heat.
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
#8
I’d like to try them!
Hi all....I recently started to do a DIY lube maintenance on the panoramic sunroof on my C400 and realized that one of the plastic v-shaped guide clips was broken.
After researching this problem, I realized that this is a pretty widespread issue with this OEM sunroof design and many people have reported a similar issue. This ultimately causes road noise and binding during opening/closing.
The published repair involves removing the entire headliner in the vehicle to gain access to the end of the guiderails in order to slide in the replacement clips (a lot of work).
I decided to design a repair-in-place clip to solve this issue. I printed them on my 3D printer out of PLA and installed on my car and it has been in service for about 2 months now without any issue. They are working amazingly well!
The clips will install on the guiderail, then the sunroof yoke will slip down into the grooves, then the retainer inserts will get a dab of superglue and be pressed into place to lock it all in place. Allow the glue to cure for 4 hours before using sunroof.
I was a bit leery that super glue would have enough "guts" to hold up....but it turns out the super glue is actually stronger than the PLA plastic.
Attached are a few pics showing the design.
I'm looking for anyone else who has the broken clip issue and would like to try out my clips? I want some additional feedback on how well they'll hold up with use.
Anyone?
After researching this problem, I realized that this is a pretty widespread issue with this OEM sunroof design and many people have reported a similar issue. This ultimately causes road noise and binding during opening/closing.
The published repair involves removing the entire headliner in the vehicle to gain access to the end of the guiderails in order to slide in the replacement clips (a lot of work).
I decided to design a repair-in-place clip to solve this issue. I printed them on my 3D printer out of PLA and installed on my car and it has been in service for about 2 months now without any issue. They are working amazingly well!
The clips will install on the guiderail, then the sunroof yoke will slip down into the grooves, then the retainer inserts will get a dab of superglue and be pressed into place to lock it all in place. Allow the glue to cure for 4 hours before using sunroof.
I was a bit leery that super glue would have enough "guts" to hold up....but it turns out the super glue is actually stronger than the PLA plastic.
Attached are a few pics showing the design.
I'm looking for anyone else who has the broken clip issue and would like to try out my clips? I want some additional feedback on how well they'll hold up with use.
Anyone?
The following users liked this post:
C3004matidriver (07-09-2021)
#10
Junior Member
Where to buy?!
My left side facing front of car. The sunroof is broken! That exact clip and I have a 2015 c300. I’d like to try! Do you have any installation instructions? The dealership quoted an insane amount to fix for me as well. I’m genuinely surprised it’s not a warranty fix complaint. I do see it’s an open investigation by NHTSA though as of this year under this specific 2015 model year.
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C3004matidriver (07-09-2021)
#11
My left side facing front of car. The sunroof is broken! That exact clip and I have a 2015 c300. I’d like to try! Do you have any installation instructions? The dealership quoted an insane amount to fix for me as well. I’m genuinely surprised it’s not a warranty fix complaint. I do see it’s an open investigation by NHTSA though as of this year under this specific 2015 model year.
do you have the link to the open nhtsa investigation news? Also, are there any class actions we can join regarding this. W205 is junk between the wrist pin issue and this sunroof I wish I bought a Toyota honestly would have been more reliable. And Mercedes won’t do a damn thing but tell you sorry it’ll be 10 grand to fix. Never buying a Benz again
also, did you try his clips did they work/last??
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2003
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2015 C300 4Matic Sport
do you have the link to the open nhtsa investigation news? Also, are there any class actions we can join regarding this. W205 is junk between the wrist pin issue and this sunroof I wish I bought a Toyota honestly would have been more reliable. And Mercedes won’t do a damn thing but tell you sorry it’ll be 10 grand to fix. Never buying a Benz again
also, did you try his clips did they work/last??
also, did you try his clips did they work/last??
#13
Hopping around all the threads, there doesn't seem to be an easy / inexpensive repair to this problem. Your fix appears to be the simplest yet effective method. Thanks.
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C3004matidriver (07-09-2021)
#14
Clips
[QUOTE=flyboyusa;8208277]Hi all....I recently started to do a DIY lube maintenance on the panoramic sunroof on my C400 and realized that one of the plastic v-shaped guide clips was broken.
After researching this problem, I realized that this is a pretty widespread issue with this OEM sunroof design and many people have reported a similar issue. This ultimately causes road noise and binding during opening/closing.
The published repair involves removing the entire headliner in the vehicle to gain access to the end of the guiderails in order to slide in the replacement clips (a lot of work).
I decided to design a repair-in-place clip to solve this issue. I printed them on my 3D printer out of PLA and installed on my car and it has been in service for about 2 months now without any issue. They are working amazingly well!
The clips will install on the guiderail, then the sunroof yoke will slip down into the grooves, then the retainer inserts will get a dab of superglue and be pressed into place to lock it all in place. Allow the glue to cure for 4 hours before using sunroof.
I was a bit leery that super glue would have enough "guts" to hold up....but it turns out the super glue is actually stronger than the PLA plastic.
Attached are a few pics showing the design.
I'm looking for anyone else who has the broken clip issue and would like to try out my clips? I want some additional feedback on how well they'll hold up with use.
Anyone?
I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND WOULD LOVE TO TRY YOUR CLIPS. THIS IS FRAUSTRATING.
After researching this problem, I realized that this is a pretty widespread issue with this OEM sunroof design and many people have reported a similar issue. This ultimately causes road noise and binding during opening/closing.
The published repair involves removing the entire headliner in the vehicle to gain access to the end of the guiderails in order to slide in the replacement clips (a lot of work).
I decided to design a repair-in-place clip to solve this issue. I printed them on my 3D printer out of PLA and installed on my car and it has been in service for about 2 months now without any issue. They are working amazingly well!
The clips will install on the guiderail, then the sunroof yoke will slip down into the grooves, then the retainer inserts will get a dab of superglue and be pressed into place to lock it all in place. Allow the glue to cure for 4 hours before using sunroof.
I was a bit leery that super glue would have enough "guts" to hold up....but it turns out the super glue is actually stronger than the PLA plastic.
Attached are a few pics showing the design.
I'm looking for anyone else who has the broken clip issue and would like to try out my clips? I want some additional feedback on how well they'll hold up with use.
Anyone?
I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND WOULD LOVE TO TRY YOUR CLIPS. THIS IS FRAUSTRATING.
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C3004matidriver (07-09-2021)
#15
Newbie
@flyboyusa ,All four of my clips broke last Sunday and I would love to buy these clips and give them a try. Ripping out your headliner to access the track bolts is ridiculous. Do you have them for sale?
Last edited by C3004matidriver; 07-10-2021 at 11:53 PM.
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C3004matidriver (07-15-2021)
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C3004matidriver (07-26-2021)
#19
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Hi everyone, the original set that I printed lasted about 3 months and now one has broken. I'm re-printing out of a stronger material that I'm hoping will last longer. I'm going to install and trial on my C400.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
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#20
Newbie
Hi everyone, the original set that I printed lasted about 3 months and now one has broken. I'm re-printing out of a stronger material that I'm hoping will last longer. I'm going to install and trial on my C400.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
The following users liked this post:
Ajcr619 (11-25-2021)
#21
Newbie
Hi everyone, the original set that I printed lasted about 3 months and now one has broken. I'm re-printing out of a stronger material that I'm hoping will last longer. I'm going to install and trial on my C400.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
#22
Hi everyone, the original set that I printed lasted about 3 months and now one has broken. I'm re-printing out of a stronger material that I'm hoping will last longer. I'm going to install and trial on my C400.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
#23
UK - Need the clips please
Hi everyone, the original set that I printed lasted about 3 months and now one has broken. I'm re-printing out of a stronger material that I'm hoping will last longer. I'm going to install and trial on my C400.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
If I'm able to print some extras, I'll send out to whomever can test them for me.
I'll re-post once I have more printed.
The following users liked this post:
Balalb7 (11-01-2021)