MBWorld.org Forums - Side flaps convertible w208

The flaps, are part of an assembly that includes the flap, a bracket and a mechanical cable.

The purpose of the flaps folding, is avoid a potential collision between the normally extended flaps, when raising or lowering rear bow.

It's a very simple system. None of the components are ever under high stress, so your situation is somewhat of a mystery.

Specifically, the flap is attached to one end of the bracket, with the other end attaching to the soft top cover. The bracket is made of sheet metal and has a spring loaded hinge. Additionally, one end of the cable is attached to the end of the flap and the other end is anchored inside the compartment storage area.

When the soft top compartment cover opens (e.g. to 90 degrees vertical), upon either opening or closing the roof, the cable becomes taut, which folds the flaps downward, about 90 degrees. After the rear bow completes it's movement, the compartment cover lowers, unloading the cable/spring tension and the flap returns to it's normal position.

My first suggestion would be to check that the bracket has not become bent, because if so, the cable may not fully release the tension to unload the spring hinges and/or spring end stops have moved, keeping the flaps from aligning with the adjacent panels.

By design, the power roof roof can be stopped during any stage of operation, by just releasing the the operating switch, which will provide access to an area for inspection and/or repair. Thereafter, pressing the switch will complete the power roof cycle.

With respect to the replacement of the missing flap assembly, you should be able to get what you need from a 'pick and pull' recycle yard.

Note: You'll be able to unlock the rear bow and soft top compartment cover using the instructions for manually operating the roof, that's in the practical hints section of your owner's manual.