Hi all!
I'm new to the forum, and to MB as such, also I am an imbesill when it comes to DIY, just so you know where I stand technically.
I' ve been all over google and YouTube, appart from various MB forums, and so far not seen anything that cover my case.

obviousely the cab is essencial, living in Gran Canaria... So here goes:
it's a 2000 clk 230 kompressor convertible, with all electrical arrangements regarding the soft top recently replaced and fixed.
so, engine running...open the hatch..tilt the top up as recomended...windows go down...rear window open to horisontal position...cover open...
back window foldes down...top retracts and foldes beautifully down in the compartment....cover close....ALMOST....FAILING 5-7 centimeters...

And here I am, in possible one of the best places on earth to have and use a convertible car, driving with the top UP =)))

additional info:
Right door window blocks up half way down ( European car
The bow over the rear window is slightly lower on the left side ( like someone hit something with it in a garage )
everything seams to work seemless..not a sound to be heard anywhere, or at any time during the sequence.
It simply look like the soft top doesn't retracts properly into the compartment.

I can also stop and reverse the sequencees (up/ down) at any time ...no problem

Surely some one out there have some brilliant advice?

best regards
Ole

Hi, Ole.

I'm a recent owner for a CLK230 too however my roof doesn't work. From operating it manually, I can give this hint as a clue.
When lowering the roof into the compartment, I need to raise it a bit then lower again. It seems the fluid wasn't able to properly leave the cylinders which prevents a full retraction.
After this step, I'm able to latch the cover and drive roofless.

Check your fluid level on the pump reservoir. If the lift cylinders' shafts are dry then they should be in good health (ruling out possible leaks).

If you want, by releasing the pressure valve from the pump (turning it two full turns to the left) and operate the roof manually will allow to feel some resistance when folding into the compartment.

Hi!...sorry for late reply, but thank you very much!
before I had the chance to try your method, my hydraulic system decided to start leaking!!
seems to be comming out in the trunk (in the middel behind the headrests where the pump sits, and running down in the bottom of the trunk.
As far as I can tell ( before moving the "torpedo wall" behind the rear seats ), my reservoar level seems to be somewhat below the "low" mark. So now I have something to do for the comming afternoons.

one more question if you dont mind...
I suspect that when the soft top retracts, the problem could be that the first part to go down ( the rear window and rear bow ) does not sit correct, and from there it just get worse.
My question is this:
when fully retracted in the (soft top ) compartment, is the rear window located sort of flat, or is it at an 45-60 degree angel ( from the back of the compartment and up towards the roll bars/ rear head rests?

best regards
ole

We all got lives outside the interwebs!

Check if it isn't the bow lock cylinder behind the seat wall. Some uncarpeting needs to be done. Top Hydraulics has a YouTube playlist solely for the W208. They're based in California.
Could have been for that hiccup on lowering the roof.

Also check the roof liner folding for any obstacles with the frame and cylinder while operating them.

Regarding how it sits in the storage compartment, I believe to be flat. Although I have seen it already, didn't pay enough attention.
Good news is the weather is opening up so I might just place the top down - manually, still - and confirm. Even provide pictures.

Hi, and tnx again for swift reply!...these are all good advice, and as I was pulling out the carpets, I took out the top lock cover in the middel of the "torpedo wall" behind the rear seats, hoping that gave access to the pump...
obviousely, that's where the top lock is, and it didn't seem to come from there.
Today and tomorrow I am busy elsewhere, so it will be wednesday till I can get anything done...that will be having out the wall, reveiling the pump ensemble, ..hoping it will be some real easy fix,...but more likely I will be stuck...just stearing at it =))))))))
Although, I am in good faith that you, youtube and others on the forum might help me through.
Very exited though how that rear window sit in the compartment.

best regards
ole

Short update:
today wednesday I opens the bow lock manually, then the cover, and had easy access to everything.
Now, mandat I was obviousely not thinking straight, AND YOU WERE ABSOLYTELY RIGHT about the bow lock cylinder..
Not lying upside down in the trunk, but having good view and access, I had a look at it again, and there it was, so thanks!
As for the window....on each side, about half way from the top of the window, there is a ensembly of ords and links that tilt the window up and down, or maybe in and out...you can see the movement very clearly at the end of the closing sequesce, when the end bow window comes down towards the bow lock....just before that, the window tilts to the correct angle.
anyway, this mecanism sit inside the soft top (in what would be the C pillar, and is difficult to access.
The precios owner have tried to remove the back window framing (and thereby destroyed the inner plastic frame ) but gave a good look inside......where I founded that the right side mecanism worked seemless.....the left was totally stuck....couldn't move it one millimeter.
long stort short, I fixed it, and hooked it up with the spring/ wire/ knee cap joint, and now the window tilt correctly.
Until I get the bow lock fixed I have to operate it manually....but living in Gran Canaria....you have to drive open!!

Thanks a lot for tips and advice, No doubt, I would still be stuck, just looking aimlessly at the whole thing without this help.

best regards
ole

Hey, Ole.

Haven't driven the car yet. Have been walking more with this pandemic. However, tomorrow for sure I will be doing the opening sequence and register with pictures and, if possible, video.
I will point to where the folds might occur which prevent full storage.

Leakage from the bow lock cylinder normally gets hidden by the felt cover. Top Hydraulics recomends for full replacement instead of replacing the o-rings.

A problem which is easily fixed by the weather, you lucky devil!

I haven't forgotten the promise. I made an attempt to record a video and take video evidence on how the rear window folds however forgot I needed to open the circuit to manually operate the top and was late for a meeting
Therefore, if you still need it I can make since the sun is shining on Portugal.

From what I could understand, it almost sits flat. The angle is lesser than 20º.