SLK vario roof problems

Model : UK SLK 230 2001

Hi,
as I am knew to this forum and Mercedes ownership please go gentle on me !!!

I have recently purchased a 2001 UK SLK 230 and have noticed some scratches on the rear edge of the vario roof centre section that run centrally approx 6" along the length of the roof. The paint is scratched quite deep and I am concerned that the roof is contacting the trunk lid when closing or opening the vario roof.

I have also had difficulty opening the trunk sometimes and am guessing that if the trunk doesn't open and the roof starts to move before the trunk opens (when the roof is down and inside the trunk) it may hit the inside top of the trunk.

Are there any known problems with the mechanism that may lead to a potential collision and this damage, or are the scratches being caused by something else ?

Thanks in advance for your help guys ...

[DR.DIESEL]

Yes. There was a DTB talking about contact with the C pillar covers and the trunk inner liners when the roof is retracted.
The proceedure is to remove both L and R black plastic inner
trunk liners that cover the wheel wells. You cut out the thick carpet pad under the plastic in the area in which it is rubbing
on the roof. You will find, this is the high point right next to the upper shock not access doors in the trunk. Plus there will be paint rubbed all over the are of contact.
Talk to MB about covering this. For us, cars under warranty,
get paint repair paid for at no charge.
Good luck
DR.D

[joe p]

Other than the c-pillar issues the only time I saw contact was this lady who closed the thing on her golf club. (whoops) Sh had the cover pulled and latched but the club was sticking up on the left side.





Joe

thanks for your help guys.

I've taken the car into Mercedes who ran an electrical diagnostic check and found 3 of the (I think it was 6 total) microswitches that sense the roof mechanism position to be defective.

As the vehicle is under warranty these will be repaired foc. I am negotiating with them about the paintwork repair...

I'll let you know how successful I am.

[Gilly]

Given the location of the damage, I'd be concerned that the tonneau cover (the part you have to make sure no one sits on during a parade) has been sat on during a parade and is bent a little. If this gets bent, it can contact the top of the roof (in the middle, which is where the butt was resting) as it goes through the closing procedure (tonneau retracts to under the deck lid, just above the roof, and even when new comes scarily close to hitting the top of the now 2/3 retracted rood panel).

I'd seen this a few times, can't get it through an SLK owners head that this is NOT a good parade vehicle. If anyone reading this is an SLK owner, if you just HAVE to use it in a parade, make it a short one and make sure the person sitting "up" on the deck lid keeps their *ass* between the roll bars, not back on the tonneau.

Gilly