CLK-Class (W209) 2003 on: CLK 270 CDI, CLK 200K, CLK 200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Soft top Fabric sticking out on both sides of back window.

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Old Dec 1, 2021 | 03:24 PM
  #1  
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CLK 550
Soft top Fabric sticking out on both sides of back window.

I have fabric sticking out of my soft top every time the top goes to a closed position (see photos). My car is a CLK 550 2007. Has anyone encountered this issue and have you been able to fix it?
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Old Dec 2, 2021 | 07:06 AM
  #2  
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CLK350
Cool

Originally Posted by CLK enthusiast
I have fabric sticking out of my soft top every time the top goes to a closed position (see photos). My car is a CLK 550 2007. Has anyone encountered this issue and have you been able to fix it?
This has been discussed numerous times in the forum. Do a search and glean what you can from them. I too have the issue on one side and hope for a backyard mechanics solution to the issue.
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Old Dec 3, 2021 | 12:48 PM
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2023 E450 AT, 1996 S420, (sold) 2004 CLK320 Convertible (v8, 6 speed)
Those things called "waterbags", there is a repair kit from Mercedes #2097780796 (unfortunately seems like they went up in price, I bought one about 3 year ago for around $70). Here is an instruction how to replace them:

Considering the current price for that kit (the cheapest I've seen is $277) I would consider replacing entire canvas with Robbins (I installed "German A5 Black" https://robbinsautotop.com/mercedes-...9-top-complete, amazing quality for aftermarket top, the waterbags are not as good as on original one but that's why I'm keeping that original repair kit ), but only If you can DIY its installation, it's very time consuming and would easily cost ~$2k to install in a shop.
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Old Dec 3, 2021 | 01:12 PM
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CLK 550
Thanks Dzmitri, I had seen this video but thought it was quite complicated. I will look into your other suggestion. Thanks again!
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Old Dec 3, 2021 | 05:11 PM
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From: California
2023 E450 AT, 1996 S420, (sold) 2004 CLK320 Convertible (v8, 6 speed)
Originally Posted by CLK enthusiast
Thanks Dzmitri, I had seen this video but thought it was quite complicated. I will look into your other suggestion. Thanks again!
You are very welcome !
BTW if you'll decide to install canvas yourself I can share some pictures I took while I was replacing mine.
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Old May 5, 2023 | 09:13 AM
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CLK 350A Cabriolet
Originally Posted by dzmitry
You are very welcome !
BTW if you'll decide to install canvas yourself I can share some pictures I took while I was replacing mine.
Hi, I would like to know if it was easy to change out your top? Mine is spliting on the seam, I ordered on from Gahh $1300 with tax it has a 5 year warranty and the Robbins said 3 years. I have a shop that will do it but can't get it in there until the 30th. Also, how long did it take to do it?
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Old May 6, 2023 | 06:35 PM
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2023 E450 AT, 1996 S420, (sold) 2004 CLK320 Convertible (v8, 6 speed)
Originally Posted by wagzbenz
Hi, I would like to know if it was easy to change out your top? Mine is spliting on the seam, I ordered on from Gahh $1300 with tax it has a 5 year warranty and the Robbins said 3 years. I have a shop that will do it but can't get it in there until the 30th. Also, how long did it take to do it?
it wasn’t very easy
If I remember correctly it took me about 2 weeks of evening work… so I’d do it only if you enjoy spending time in your garage
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Old May 6, 2023 | 09:11 PM
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CLK 350A Cabriolet
Originally Posted by dzmitry
it wasn’t very easy
If I remember correctly it took me about 2 weeks of evening work… so I’d do it only if you enjoy spending time in your garage
What I have found on Youtube is a fast motion vidio of a installation of a top. Is that the one you watched? Or did you find another one?
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Old Jun 2, 2025 | 09:28 AM
  #9  
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SL 300 1993, CLK 200 convertible 2005
Fix for fabric sticking out

I used some elastic to pull the fabric back in. Sew it to the lower corner of the flap inside the soft top and then secure the elastic to the frame of the soft top while pulling it slightly.

Before the fix
Before the fix
Sew the elastic to the flap
Sew the elastic to the flap
Secure the elastic to the frame of the soft top
Secure the elastic to the frame of the soft top
After the fix
After the fix
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Old Jun 8, 2025 | 04:58 PM
  #10  
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2005 W220 320 CDI 2003 W209 CLK 320 CONVERTIBLE
Hi all, in addition to Eamonn's great post above, I've found this video on youtube
which is easy to follow. Also, I have a question about a couple of other bits on the soft top that I haven't been able to find anything about. These parts aren't connected to anything....


The same parts are also loose on the other side of the car as well. The roof works perfectly ok, so they don't seem critical, but it would be nice to fix them back where they're supposed to be.
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