01 CLK430 rag top issues
 

Already frustrated with the W124 head gasket issue, I now have a problem with the top operation on my W208.

The rollbar light flashes after starting the vehicle, and toggling the switch gets no up/down behavior from the rollbar/rear headrests. I can hear a "click" when the switch is actuated, but that's it.

With the rollbar inoperative, the soft top operation is halted beyond the windows lowering when the front of the top is unlatched. The top lowering switch just flashes slowly.

I believe the inactive rollbar mechanism has something to do with this. Are there any tips/tricks to troubleshooting this w/o specialized diagnostics?

Are the headrests UP or down?

IF they are up...try holding the headrest switch in the UP position for 25-30 seconds to lock the ram back in place.

AS far as diagnostics go you do need a scanner....!

Headrests are down. They were operable at first even when the top didn't function, but eventually remained in the "down" position. I tried holding the switch in the "up" and "down" positions for nearly a minute each, but nothing happens.

Today I pulled the ground cable off the battery for about a half hour and reconnected to see if resetting the system would do anything. The rollbar switch still blinks when starting the car, and still no action. I did replace a blown 40-amp fuse in the rear fuse box that supposedly operates the soft top hydraulic system.

Bottom line is that everythig has remained the same. Looks like a trip to the dealer (as soon as I get the other ailing car back in my garage)...

Back from shop...
 

...and a $2800 repair bill!!!

Actually, about $2100 was the repair (did overdue "B" service while there).

Hydraulic pump motor burned out...can't buy seperately. Had to get entire pump and motor ($1200) + $921 labor.

So I spent more to fix the top on the wife's car than the top-end rebuild on the W124! We're eating ketchup packets for a few months!

Wife was happy that her car was back...I was weirdly pissed at the car (out of warranty six months ago). I refused to tag along with her in the W208...

Well it's gotta be said, that sucks, bad luck. How's the roof mechanism on SLs and old W124 cabrios? I wonder if it's equally prone to failure or its jsut a 'new mercedes' marvel we're looking at.

Her previous vehicle was a 1995 500SL (R129). Front top lock mechanisms eventually had to be replaced (common issue on these models), but at $120 each and easy replacement in the comfort of your own garage, not much of a hassle.

What I didn't like was the plastic rear window. Ours split in half six months after the car was purchased (used). Dealer didn't want to cough up any money, so I got in touch with the regional rep. They ended up paying for all but $200 of the repair.

Wife has owned a ragtop car of some sort since we've been married, but personally I find them troublesome (and expensive, when they are motorized)...