CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Convertible fluid issues

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Old Mar 4, 2021 | 09:21 PM
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Brendon Pearson's Avatar
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From: Bay Area, California
2011 E63
Convertible fluid issues

Hey I’m new to this forum, but I’m having issues with my 2001 clk 430 convertible. It hasn’t worked for a while but I noticed today that the fluid in the reservoir connected to the convertible motor is pretty much empty. I can put the top down manually, and put it back up using the button, but it only goes a little bit at a time before stopping. I then have to let it sit for a minute and do the next little bit and slowly it goes up. It also makes a weird struggling noise that I noticed also happens when I lower the rear headrests. I’m thinking it could be the fluid is just too low for it to really work properly but I don’t want to spend the money if I don’t need to because I might be selling the car soon. Also when I try to put the top down from inside the button just flashes. Any thoughts?
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Old Mar 5, 2021 | 07:04 PM
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Serndipity's Avatar
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From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
Hello Brendon.......welcome to the forum, where you'll find a treasure chest of information on the power roof's operation, diagnostics, trouble shooting and repair (for short money).

Specifically, the lack of fluid in the reservoir is because you have a leak in the roof's hydraulic system, which dollars to doughnuts, is likely caused by an ubiquitous leaking rear bow lock and/r compartment cover compartment locking cylinders, which you can verify by inspection, by simplify removing the carpeting within the soft compartment cover.

If you find that either the compartment cover or rear bow lock cylinders are leaking, given the superior reviews earned by TopHydraulics rebuild service and support, the $55 /cylinder rebuild is a bargain.

More importantly, TopHydraulics has produced a 13 chapter video series, detailing how to easily replace any/all cylinders (see below link).

https://www.tophydraulics.com/conten...benz-a208-info

However, should you need additional information, on how to diagnose/troubleshoot/repair your power roof, please let me know.


Last edited by Serndipity; Mar 6, 2021 at 07:32 PM.
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