ww208 CLK230 Cab roof prob roof control unit

[unit504]

hi does anyone know if the roof control unit on a 1998 clk230
can be replaced? with a roof control unit from another clk?
as i have had a diag test done a MB and they have said i need to replace the roof control unit!!!

any advice would be great regards all!

you can get me on also my email:
simonhunt504@hotmail.com

[aka$h]

Should be fine, they are not vehicle coded, but probably best to phone a parts department and ask if they are vehicle coded.

[unit504]

hi thanks for the reply - i have been told by one garage that they are chassis lock and the other one said they are not locked? confuzzed! lol

[BlackC55]

I don't think they are chassis locked and can't think of any reason why the should be.

But..... They may need some coding alterations done with a star depending on your cars spec.

[unit504]

mmmmm a new unit from MB is £488.00 and ive been offered one from a scraped clk for £185+vat (£217) im just wondering weather or not just to get it and give it a go if they are straight forward swap over units and they dont need any setting up :S all seem a lil gamble to me lol! i am right tho that the roof unit is the unit in the back next to the pump - which is a silver box with VDO on it aswel. regards all!

[jamesmc]

What was the outcome of this? Just thought it might be useful information for the future as I have pretty much the same car.

[unit504]

outcome in short:

bought a VDO/roof control unit from a scarped CLK 2000model,
had it fitted in, car had to be re programed (Via a Star) and then
we have lift off all working again!!

not a job you can do yourself :(


:)


What was the outcome of this? Just thought it might be useful information for the future as I have pretty much the same car.

[television]

outcome in short:

bought a VDO/roof control unit from a scarped CLK 2000model,
had it fitted in, car had to be re programed (Via a Star) and then
we have lift off all working again!!

not a job you can do yourself :(


:)
I remember all that,it was how we first met

[unit504]

thats so very true, the famous old roof problem :)


I remember all that,it was how we first met

[clk230komp]

I've blown my roof control unit too. Same black clk 230 cab. Just cos I went over a speed bump at 40mph. First the rear head rests popped out which casued the conv roof hydraulics to jam, and now Im told its the Roof Control Unit. Im also told I need to give the chassis number to get the right part. Any idea who I can call for a used part? Thanks.

[Lady Regis]

HELP PLEASE
Had an op on my hand two weeks ago, could not drive until today, lovely day, tried to open soft top.
Unlocked roof lock, lifted it 200mm, engine running, foot brake on (hand brake - I hate it), back of roof lifted, cover lifted, then nothing.
On top of this could not open the damn boot.
Merc opend boot but said oh hum, oh hum, you will have to book it in - I said what is it. They said oh well it could be a number of thinhs.
Thinks - can it be a fuse or is there a reset like on my pond pump ?
Lady Regis

[Lady Regis]

Well I think that by the numer of replies, within a matter of less than five hours to my initial post, there is something very wrong with the soft top mechanism. Considering how long these people have been bulding cars and the fact that my last one, a 320E M reg 14 years old and with almost 130K miles on the clock, gave me little or no trouble, Merc have something to answer too on this one.
I expect a washing machine or fridge to give me 8 to 10 years trouble free service, so with the reputation Merc have enjoyed over lots of years, to experience a problem like this that looks as though it may cost in excess of £500 to buy and have fitted by a main dealer is a pretty sad.
WHAT SAY YOU MERCEDES ?
As my old man will tell you, you have a fight on your hands with me, my 230 only having covered 34K miles.#
Come on every body - list all your similar problems and at what age or miles.
Computers are ten a penny now, so the time is here for us to not be ripped off any more.
I am, as you may gather not very happy and on the war path so come and join me or shut up.
Lady Regis

[Lady Regis]

Is there a facility on this site, to be notified when there is a reply to my posts. If not can one be set up please.
Lady Regis

[jamesmc]

Is there a facility on this site, to be notified when there is a reply to my posts. ................
Lady Regis

Indeed there is. Go to the top of the first post in this thread. Look to the right for 'Thread Tools' Then select 'Subscribe'
An email will then be sent to the address you have in your profile when someone posts. There are other options for that but you'll get the idea.

[Howard]

Is the hood button flashing red ?

[gbjeppm]

Well I think that by the numer of replies, within a matter of less than five hours to my initial post, there is something very wrong with the soft top mechanism. Considering how long these people have been bulding cars and the fact that my last one, a 320E M reg 14 years old and with almost 130K miles on the clock, gave me little or no trouble, Merc have something to answer too on this one.
I expect a washing machine or fridge to give me 8 to 10 years trouble free service, so with the reputation Merc have enjoyed over lots of years, to experience a problem like this that looks as though it may cost in excess of £500 to buy and have fitted by a main dealer is a pretty sad.
WHAT SAY YOU MERCEDES ?
As my old man will tell you, you have a fight on your hands with me, my 230 only having covered 34K miles.#
Come on every body - list all your similar problems and at what age or miles.
Computers are ten a penny now, so the time is here for us to not be ripped off any more.
I am, as you may gather not very happy and on the war path so come and join me or shut up.
Lady Regis

What year is your car, I assume that it is the old shape CLK (W208 series) the same as mine.

Whereabouts are you, you don't have to take it to Mercedes, a good indy might be a better bet for this.

What is the light in the switch doing, is it blinking slowly or rapidly?

[Lady Regis]

Sit in car.
Handbrake on
Start engine.
Undo roof
Push up 20cm
All windows open auto
Red light still on roof button - i.e. not flashing
Lift button - nothing
Press button as if to close roof, light flashes.
Help please.

[jamesmc]

Is the shelf in the boot in the correct position?

[gbjeppm]

OK,lets go through the basics first:

have you checked that the luggage cover in the boot is fully closed? and that the switch on the right hand side within the slider is fully engaged so that the car thinks that the luggage cover is closed?

Next, how old is the car, when did it last have a new battery? have you tested the battery for voltage recently? A battery on the way out "may" be the reason.

It may also be worth checking the Hydraulic fluid, see this post for how to
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=37598

When was the last time the roof was opened and closed and worked? a lot of CLK owners have problems at the end of winter, if the roof has not been used for a while, it is recommended to keep it functioning every now and then through the winter. ( a bit late now I know, but useful advice for when it is functioning again)

[jaymanek]

Im having the same problem with one at the mo... sometimes it flashes, sometimes it stays constant.... we ruled out the pump as the headrests operate...

its going to MB tomorrow as we are not having any luck with it..

[Lady Regis]

Thank you all for coming back on this roof problem.
Here are todays results.

Checked the switch in the RHS slide - seems to engage when I slide the roof cover into place.


Sit in car.
Handbrake on
Start engine.
Undo roof
Push up 20cm
TODAY THE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON THE ROOF SWITCH WHEN I LIFTED IT TO TRY TO OPEN ROOF - BUT NO MOVEMENT - NO NOISE - NOTHING.

230 is an 02 bought from Stratstone December 2007 with only 34K miles on clock. 3 month guarantee.
Battery is new.

Had an op on my hand so have not used car for two weeks, roof opened about three weeks ago.

Took it for a 30 mile drive yesterday - so assume that was sufficient to recharge battery.

Now the fluid job seems a bit too complicated for me, will need to ask hubby tonight. The link shows the roof part open though and of course I can't move it at all - OR IS THERE A WAY OF MANUAL OPENING ?

Thanks for the tip on regular opening gbjeppm - I'll remember that one, once I get the damn thing working. !!!!!!!!!!

Surely trhis isn't right for a car so young and with such low milage. Anybody know the MB UK Herad Office address or phone number please.

If jaymanek , who reads as though he might be a mechanic or have quite a bit of know how can't do it, I have no chance.

When you can buy a pretty good computer set up for less than £500, how come one tiny bit for this car is almost that - rip off Britain again I suppose.

Thanks for all the support so far, I will hopefully let you know about the fluid level tomorrow - any body got any more ideas mean time please. ?

Regards

Lady Regis
All windows open auto

[gbjeppm]

Now the fluid job seems a bit too complicated for me, will need to ask hubby tonight. The link shows the roof part open though and of course I can't move it at all - OR IS THERE A WAY OF MANUAL OPENING ?



There is a way of opening the roof manually. it is detailed in the back of the handbook, and there is a special tool, in the tool kit that allows this.

My feeling though is that this may well be a relay problem, I have only had mine about 6 months, but I know that mine had a relay replaced at 4 years old. I agree that these things should last longer, looking at the Bill which I got with the history of my car, it was about £150.

As your car seems to be just out of warranty, I would suggest that you speak to the supplying dealer, and suggest that they rectify this under warranty for you. You have not used the roof since you bought it as it was winter, and now that Summer is here (well almost:p ) the car does not do what it was sold to do. You might get lucky.

It really though needs a diagnostic machine to find the fault codes. MB or good indies can do this for you at a charge, but would only go down this route if Stratstone don't step up to the plate.

EDIT: One final thought when you push the roof up, you need to ensure that the roof arms bend at the joint, I am sure you have done this, but just checking.

[Lady Regis]

Dear All,
Hubby just put test on battery with charger - power right down. Is it that the computer uses power when standing and there may not be enough to move the hood.
Will charge all night and let you know
Regards
Lady Regis

[Lady Regis]

Charged battery all night - still not hit the top light on the trickle charger, but no good - roof not working
Button flashes slowly now either trying to raise or lower.
All that happens when I undo roof and lift to bend the joint at about 20 cm is the windows go down.
Regards
Lady Regis

[gbjeppm]

I think you have run out of options on the basics, and it needs to have the codes read.

So choice now would be supplying dealer, if they will do it free of charge as just out of warranty!!

Otherwise a good indpendent merc specialist.

Sorry could not be more help.

[jaymanek]

MB Tamworth called me yesterday, scratching heads, code coming up on mine is overheating so they are replacing the control unit at almost £600... if it doesnt work i will be charged for labour only.. if its not that they are saying the pump..

[Lady Regis]

How on earth can a MC specialist tell you that. I know they say they will only charge you labour, but how much is that an hour for a maybe solution.

Stratstone have closed the showroom where I bought the clk and are turning it into an Aston Martin Showroom.

I asked at their closest outlet a few miles from it, where the astaff were and how to speak with one of them. They said they thought all had been made redundant - do I start with the Chairman of the group or what ?

I have found an independent auto elc co not too far awy with a computer facility, wonder whether to cut the trail and go to them, but it is the principle realy.

Regards

Lady Regis

[gbjeppm]

Use this link to contact Stratstone, they are a big dealership, but give them a chance to deal with you under warranty first.

It might take a few calls, and possibly letters, but if you are polite but firm in your demands, I would expect that in the end they will look after you.

If you can't wait, take it to the indie.

http://www.stratstone.com/static/aftersales.html?brand=mercedes-benz

[jaymanek]

We have all the kit, but the roof requires a proper star machine really..

labour is £91 per hour!! I hope it is just the control unit..

[jaymanek]

got a call from MB Tamworth..

Control unit made no difference.. they are really scratching their scalps hard now... they have ordered a new pump to rule it out...ive told them im not paying for a new one though...

[Lady Regis]

Have you heard of an indy Merc Garager / service / repair place called ANDY GALE . They are somewhere in Sandwell and I am told very competitive on price.

[gbjeppm]

I have no personal experience, but a few on the forum have used him happily.

Here is a link http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=4397

[Lady Regis]

Why don't you try to find a GERMAN MERC SITE.

Most Germans speak good English and may well have the answer.

OR

Write to MB in Germany - not good but you could try one of the translation progs - keep lines short.

Regards

Lady Regis

[Dave@swinburn66]

Hi, New to this sie but found it all usefull, Exactly the same problems as you all. After trying every known trick in the book with a trained merc mechanic I had to pay for star diagnostics.

Apparently my Hydraulic pump is overheating @137c!!!!!!!! Which then causes the ecu to cut power to it(Hence inop roof). I have been quoted £1866 plus vat for new one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obviously not paying that thanks to Jay, He put me on to WWW.bba-reman.com (http://www.bba-reman.com) who charge £50 plus delivery to test original pump if they can repair they will. Not sure on the outcome yet but I'm sure it will be a lot cheaper than £1866 plus vat!!

I will post the outcome hopefully soon before the sun vanishes!!!!!

[jaymanek]

Thanks for ringing dave, do keep us updated and I will report back when MB Tamworth get back to me on mine..

I have left several messages yesterday with no calls replied.. customer service not great so far.

[Howard]

Just been fiddling with my roof ...

Over the years the clip that engages the hard covering over the hood has nicked a little hole right on the front lip of the hood ...

Opened the hood halfway , and saw that the ram was loose, a bit of tinkering with a spanner and the ram is now tight again , and the hard cover lifts another inch which allows it to miss the hood !

Chuffed :bannana: will get the hood patched on the front lip with a semi circle of black cloth so it'll never notice !

H

[Dieselman]

What was Bazzle saying about you being a mechanic...seems like he must've been right after all..

Result.

[Howard]

It would appear that the ram is held on with a bolt with a nipple on the end that screws into a captive nut within a box section ( which you cannot access ) ...

So by putting a little bit of sideways tension on the ram , i managed to pull the captive nut tight against the inside of the box section and nip it up .

If it doesn't hold , i guess the next option is to either put a couple of tack welds on the bolt to the box section or cut a small circular hole in the box section with a tank cutter to enable you to get a ring spanner into the box section to hold the 'not so' captive nut.

Any further developments , i'll let you know.

[Dave@swinburn66]

Thanks for ringing dave, do keep us updated and I will report back when MB Tamworth get back to me on mine..

I have left several messages yesterday with no calls replied.. customer service not great so far.


Any more info yet??

Pics look good from GTC..

[jaymanek]

yes i was just about to look for this thread.. got the car back today after FOUR WEEKS!!!!

Right well they faffed around, spent 18 labour hours looking for the fault as star was pointing them in the wrong direction apparently.

Changed the pump, control unit, various latches etc..

In the end it was a sensor on the roll bars that was faulty causing it to think they were up not down.

Anyway, we reached a compromise at 6 hours labour with 10% discount. Part was only £28...

Bloody electronics, if only we knew how to test all these switches properly i would be £634 lighter.

I need to buy myself a star... although im not sure it would have helped in this case.

[Dave@swinburn66]

Great result Jay, Ive just heard off my garage BBA-REMAN can repair cost around £300 plus VAT. It should be fitted by next Friday 4 weeks after first going wrong. They still don't know what caused it to overheat. But thankfully the bill will be around £700. Which thanks to you pointing me in the right direction is 2k less than first quoted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me thinks I owe you a few beers!!!!!

Thanks again JAY. Saved me a fortune:rock:

[jaymanek]

No worries, do let us know when its fully resolved.

[Dave@swinburn66]

No worries, do let us know when its fully resolved.

Hi,
Result, Got my car back. Roof works perfectly now. Its like having a new car again!

Hydraulic motor was reconditioned by BBA-REMAN for £310.

Including the labour 3 hours Stirling of Worcester charged me for and a relay my bill came to £696 including VAT.:bannana:

[jamesmc]

Good result! I'm pleased that it's sorted.

I know the previous owner of my car was conned into a new roof pump unit and a new MB battery to try and fix a roof fault that I later tracked down when it failed (not long after I took ownership) with the same symptoms as explained to me before I bought it.

The fault was the relay fitted to the pump. Cheap as chips in the end :bannana:especially on a DIY basis.


I do read a lot of.... 'The garage took xx hours to try and find the fault' or often..... 'Star was leading them in the wrong direction'.
If the mechanics can't figure out faults and the Star system can't get it right what hope is there?

What jacks me off is that cars are getting so complicated that not even manufacturer trained mechs/approved workshops can fix the things now.
The situation needs to change IMHO.

[Dave@swinburn66]

Good result! I'm pleased that it's sorted.

I know the previous owner of my car was conned into a new roof pump unit and a new MB battery to try and fix a roof fault that I later tracked down when it failed (not long after I took ownership) with the same symptoms as explained to me before I bought it.

The fault was the relay fitted to the pump. Cheap as chips in the end :bannana:especially on a DIY basis.


I do read a lot of.... 'The garage took xx hours to try and find the fault' or often..... 'Star was leading them in the wrong direction'.
If the mechanics can't figure out faults and the Star system can't get it right what hope is there?

What jacks me off is that cars are getting so complicated that not even manufacturer trained mechs/approved workshops can fix the things now.
The situation needs to change IMHO.
Hi,

I Agree Star just told them it the hydraulic motor topped out at 137c!!! ( And the car wasn't on fire!!!!!)

Stirling of Worcester is an independent garage/Merc dealer and honest, They showed me the motor off the pump it had actually partially melted into the casing. Melted all the electrics at the bottom of it as well. They and the main dealer using Star couldn't and still can't give me an answer to what caused it?? It is worth checking with your insurance because if my car had been proved to be fire damage via diagnostics they would of covered the costs. Or even vandalism!!!!! (roof being forced open!!).

Direct Line were very helpfull in advising me all I needed was a report detailing the correct details;) ;)