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How did you get the top to not move after sitting for about a minute? On mine if you partially open the top using the fob or vehicle's button it will move by itself to finish the cycle after a delay in time. Almost got my finger cut off the first time it happened. I was not expecting that to happen.
The answer is actually in the first couple of minutes of the video. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/lrvc_4CF008 Hopefully it helps you guys out. Thanks for the help of everyone who helped get us this far! Side note, anyone want to bring their car to Nashville, TN and I'll do this for a modest fee? Well, modest compared to Mercedes. I could use a few bucks to get my windows tinted, buy the smart top, and a few other things. Hehehe.
Konigstiger,
Do you know if there is a schematic/diagram of the cords and elastic straps for a 2004 CLK500? My cords are not frayed, they have just come loose from their attachment points. They have also moved from where they were, because I didn't notice they were detached.
Thanks!
Joe
C280 sport, Do you know if there is a schematic/diagram of the cords and elastic straps for a 2004 CLK500? My cords are not frayed, they have just come loose from their attachment points. They have also moved from where they were, because I didn't notice they were detached. Thanks! Joe
The answer is actually in the first couple of minutes of the video. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/lrvc_4CF008 Hopefully it helps you guys out. Thanks for the help of everyone who helped get us this far! Side note, anyone want to bring their car to Nashville, TN and I'll do this for a modest fee? Well, modest compared to Mercedes. I could use a few bucks to get my windows tinted, buy the smart top, and a few other things. Hehehe.
I’m aware of Smart top. What’s the point? You can put the top up or down while moving. You can also run the top outside the car already.
I’m aware of Smart top. What’s the point? You can put the top up or down while moving. You can also run the top outside the car already.
For me it was a game changer. You can open or close the top at the full distance your key fob unlocks from, it's a one-touch operation instead of standing next to the car and holding the button. Also, makes the top operation from the driver's seat a one touch thing rather than having to hold the lever until its done. There is another setting to automatically turn off the eco mode button after you start the car so the engine isn't constantly shutting off. There are a few more settings you can fiddle with, but these are the ones that make it most useful for me. Totally worth the cost IMO. The car is already great, this just adds convenience. I wish they could figure out how to make seat memory settings one-touch too!
For me it was a game changer. You can open or close the top at the full distance your key fob unlocks from, it's a one-touch operation instead of standing next to the car and holding the button. Also, makes the top operation from the driver's seat a one touch thing rather than having to hold the lever until its done. There is another setting to automatically turn off the eco mode button after you start the car so the engine isn't constantly shutting off. There are a few more settings you can fiddle with, but these are the ones that make it most useful for me. Totally worth the cost IMO. The car is already great, this just adds convenience. I wish they could figure out how to make seat memory settings one-touch too!
OK I'm sold. I went to smarttop.uk which looks like the official website but the only E Class module available it seems is for the A207's not the A238's. Do you know something I don't. I would like one.
OK I'm sold. I went to smarttop.uk which looks like the official website but the only E Class module available it seems is for the A207's not the A238's. Do you know something I don't. I would like one.
Do you know if there is a schematic/diagram of the cords and elastic straps for a 2004 CLK500? My cords are not frayed, they have just come loose from their attachment points.
Good news and bad news. First the bad - the wrap around the cords seemed to work really well at first, but after a few cycles, the cords started getting stuck in the eyes. The wrap just made them a little too thick. So now the good news. I went ahead and took the plunge, bought the needed parts, and did the full job this weekend. It went slowly but worked out very well. I'm pleased with the result. I took multiple videos in the process and am in the process of editing and adding notes in there for anyone else who wants to try it. All in all, this is a $100 job if I have to do it again. First time through I had to buy a couple of tools. It also took about 7 hours of garage time to complete. As suspected, this was not rocket science but was tedious and required some good basic car knowledge and experience. Not a job for a newbie or impatient person. Video to come soon!
Passenger Side before paint touch-up. Driver's side.
video ready? About resdy to replace the straps on mine
-Top down operation and rear cowl latch in place not happening, Dealer saying the aforementioned headliner string issue is culprit.
-Glass rear window is separating from canvas top itself. You can see the adhesive has failed in spots.
Dealer says neither covered under CPO. basically looking at a $10k+ repair to completely replace soft-top on a barely 5 year old car.
Car has 43k miles and well over a year remaining on CPO.
About to take this up with MB USA directly, but as always, I am open to any suggestions for help.
Our 2019 A238 was such a wonderful vehicle, however after my second cord / headliner replacement under warranty in the first two years, I traded the car back to MB. Unconscionable that this design is in production. Looks great when it works. When it doesn't, well. I do miss the A238, but my W213 wagon with the panorama sunroof is 'almost' a drop top!
Our dearly departed A238. The 'new' W213; our third MB wagon.
-Top down operation and rear cowl latch in place not happening, Dealer saying the aforementioned headliner string issue is culprit.
-Glass rear window is separating from canvas top itself. You can see the adhesive has failed in spots.
Dealer says neither covered under CPO. basically looking at a $10k+ repair to completely replace soft-top on a barely 5 year old car.
Car has 43k miles and well over a year remaining on CPO.
About to take this up with MB USA directly, but as always, I am open to any suggestions for help.
Thanks all. I will update for sure.
Dont know about the vinyl but, the top closing should be covered.
MBUSA. CPO coverage’s definitely include the top mechanics.
“Convertible/retractable top systems (if applicable)” Out of the brochure. I’d question this.
The exclusion for the soft top is cosmetic, like the paint and glass are also excluded
Last edited by Elvisfan0108; 03-09-2023 at 11:54 PM.
Dont know about the vinyl but, the top closing should be covered.
MBUSA. CPO coverage’s definitely include the top mechanics.
“Convertible/retractable top systems (if applicable)” Out of the brochure. I’d question this.
The exclusion for the soft top is cosmetic, like the paint and glass are also excluded
The claim is the headliner strings is causing the cowl not to the latch, which is interesting, because I inspected the strings before taking it in and only one on each side is frayed. Frayed, not broke, as white portion of string is intact but black sheathing has been pulled back.
This top has been down maybe 15x's over the past 2 years of ownership. My claim right now is either manufacturing defect or mechanical malfunction, both of which are covered under CPO.
And let me correct myself above, quote to repair top and glass is now $19,500.
The claim is the headliner strings is causing the cowl not to the latch, which is interesting, because I inspected the strings before taking it in and only one on each side is frayed. Frayed, not broke, as white portion of string is intact but black sheathing has been pulled back.
This top has been down maybe 15x's over the past 2 years of ownership. My claim right now is either manufacturing defect or mechanical malfunction, both of which are covered under CPO.
And let me correct myself above, quote to repair top and glass is now $19,500.
Yeah $10K was for the part I believe.
The strings are not your problem with the latch. You may want a second opinion at another dealer and don't mention strings being the latch problem when you get there. Let them figure it out.
I had many more frayed strings (none broken) and never had a problem with the cowl latch. All my strings were replaced as per the service bulletin under my CPO warranty and now the top just stays down all the time so they can't wear out again. Gotta love Florida.
The claim is the headliner strings is causing the cowl not to the latch, which is interesting, because I inspected the strings before taking it in and only one on each side is frayed. Frayed, not broke, as white portion of string is intact but black sheathing has been pulled back.
This top has been down maybe 15x's over the past 2 years of ownership. My claim right now is either manufacturing defect or mechanical malfunction, both of which are covered under CPO.
And let me correct myself above, quote to repair top and glass is now $19,500.
This really does not sound like a real quote but rather one of those "I don't want to do it so I am going to ask for an astronomical amount" quotes. Of course I could be wrong, but that is more than an engine replacement or the full ABC system replacement on the older S-Class!
Approx $9k for Black top part only plus tax - Blue has been discontinued as per website for 2018 E400
Lets say 16 hrs. at $250/hr = $4K
Add more taxes, shop fees, and anything else they can add into it and it's a $15K job. Add the fact that I bet you'll pay more for the top and wham $19K.
This really does not sound like a real quote but rather one of those "I don't want to do it so I am going to ask for an astronomical amount" quotes. Of course I could be wrong, but that is more than an engine replacement or the full ABC system replacement on the older S-Class!
To be fair, that included the re-stringing they claimed i needed, iirc was $1600.
And they don't do it in-house. It goes out to a 'vert top specialist.
Approx $9k for Black top part only plus tax - Blue has been discontinued as per website for 2018 E400
Lets say 16 hrs. at $250/hr = $4K
Add more taxes, shop fees, and anything else they can add into it and it's a $15K job. Add the fact that I bet you'll pay more for the top and wham $19K.
Why the assembly? The top itself is only $ $4k
238-770-30-00-64-9C19).
Besides, it should be covered by the warranty anyway.
Update:
They are sticking by the story that the string issue is why the cowl will not latch. I will hopefully not see another repair listed on the invoice in regards to getting this top to operate properly, for their sake.
Mercedes came back and offered 75% coverage for the issues with strings and rear window resolution. My final cost would be nearly $4k if i choose to go this route. I countered with them covering 75% of just the string issue and not to replace the top. They agreed.
Aftermarket tops are coming in at a cost of ~$4k to install for the E400 and the tops come with lifetime warranty. MB OEM replacement comes with a 12 month warranty for comparison.
So in the end, MB will repair the strings issue, cover 75% of costs and I will see if the aftermarket guys can epoxy the rear window in place which they said is possible and have had good results doing.
Not entirely happy with the outcome but I'll swallow my $400 repair bill in the hopes of not having to battle these guys.
I'm a little late to the game because I hardly drive my car...only 7k miles - 2018 C300.
Was quoted $5k to replace headliner/cords.
Spoke with a lawyer, he said if I can get enough evidence that this is a common problem he might be able to help me/us.
I'm seriously thinking about getting the problem fixed and then selling my car because they will be replacing with the same crap...but I love my car!
Anyway, if anyone would like to share their story with me, I can be contacted at pamela64_online@yahoo.com
08-01-2022, 10:36 AM
I could use a few bucks to get my windows tinted, buy the smart top, and a few other things. Hehehe.
