Need help with roof trim strip - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sokoloff · #1 04-06-2017, 05:26 PM

Need some help with the two roof trim strips that go from the rear window all the way to the bottom of the A-pillar. Mine are coming loose at the rear end thanks to a shoddy job a paint shop did for me a couple of years ago. See attached photos. I'm not sure exactly how the thing clips together, what comes with a new trim strip, if the clips are available separately or if some double sided trim tape would be good enough to hold things together. Right now the right side kind of flaps in the wind every so often, hits the roof and makes you think like you hit something or lost something. Anyone been through this exercise before and have some tips?

Thanks.

97 SL320 · #2 04-06-2017, 08:38 PM

I'm not so sure I'd blame the body shop years later for trim coming loose. Plastic clips shrink and are slightly worn when they are taken off then reused.

I'd think a new set of clips and careful inspection of the trim strip for bends should solve the problem.

sokoloff · #3 04-06-2017, 11:43 PM

Here is the rest of the story. Two years ago I had a little touch up paint work done including the roof. The body shop obviously tried but didn't know how to remove those trim strips. When I got the car back the trim strips has silicone caulk visible at the rear end to hold them down. So yeah, I think I can lay some of the blame on them.

Can you tell me more about those clips? I see the EPC shows five clips on each side, but it looks like there is a metal clip that attaches to the trim strip itself and then clips into the plastic clips in the roof channel. The part number for the plastic clip is 210 690 02 13. I can't tell from the EPC if the part of the clip that clips onto the trim piece is part of the clip that is available or if that metal clip comes with the trim piece? I sure don't see it listed as a separate part. It looks like I have lost at least one of the plastic clips and one or two of the metal clips.

Maxbumpo · #4 04-07-2017, 10:52 AM

Not sure which car you've got, but I'd advise that you purchase all new clips for both sides, and replace them all. On a 124, there are three different varieties, I couldn't decipher how many of each type, so I just ordered a bunch of all three. When I get the windshield replaced, I'm going to pull off both strips and replace all of the clips.

97 SL320 · #5 04-07-2017, 05:10 PM

These are probably the same clips on my 97 C280. From what I recall there was a wedge type portion that that you set and adjust in the car side groove first and a clip side that holds the trim. I believe that they are under one part number.

sokoloff · #6 04-07-2017, 11:22 PM

Well I only found one part number (210 690 02 13) in the EPC and ordered five of them for about six bucks each. There are five on each side. I hope it is complete and has the part that clips onto the trim piece as well as the part that fits in the groove. I'll pick them up next week. Took one piece of the trim off today - no real issues. I'll work on it and decide if I have to replace all the clips and if I then want to attack the other side.

Thanks for the replies guys.

97 SL320 · #7 04-08-2017, 09:25 AM

I just thought of something. The portion that stayed on the trim should be able to be removed and installed on the wedge portion then the whole assembly installed on the car and trim snapped down. This would make for one part number.

I'm betting the shop tried to reinstall the trim without doing the above.

sokoloff · #8 04-08-2017, 11:02 AM

Yeah , I'm curious to see exactly what the part number gives me before I can figure out what I can reuse and what gets trashed. I'm sure hoping that it is a complete unit and that part of the clip doesn't come with the new trim piece. I'll post some info and photos when I get them.

Junkman · #9 04-08-2017, 05:32 PM

The clips that hold the windshield trim on a 126 also tend to break but are still available.

sokoloff · #10 04-13-2017, 10:14 AM

Okay, here is an update.

Good news - I picked up five new clips at my dealer for about six bucks each. The new clips are complete, so there is nothing separately that is needed for the trim piece itself.

Bad news - so far the new clips have outsmarted me. Once they are placed in the groove, part of it must be slid over to lock it in place. I am not able to do that as yet. I tried to move it by hand, but it won't move. I'm afraid to damage the new clip if I give it too much force or if I take a tool to it. Anyone done this before or have a tip to offer?

See attached. I think the photos explain things better than my description.

97 SL320 · #11 04-13-2017, 06:17 PM

It's pretty much going to be a tight fit and there would be a special needle nose type tool used in the factory.

Have you tried to wiggle / slide the wedge when the clip is out of the groove? Perhaps working it back and forth once would loosen the ratchet up a bit making it easier to install when in the groove.

sokoloff · #12 04-13-2017, 08:52 PM

Nope, been trying it out of the groove - no luck. I thought about pliers also once it is in place, but didn't want to go over board with that just yet in case I was missing something simple.

sokoloff · #13 04-14-2017, 11:24 AM

SUCCESS!! I put a little Dawn soap on the ridges with a Q-tip and used a big pair of channel lock pliers to secure the clips in the channel and all went well. The trim piece snapped in relatively easily and now looks a lot better. One day I may also do the drivers side. If any of you have to do this job, I'd certainly suggest that you replace all five clips. The plastic is so brittle on the original clips that I doubt you can safely resuse them.