Mercedes Benz repair: 2000 clk 430 convertible opening problems, independent mechanic, 2000 clk 430

Question
my husband and i just purchased a used 2000 clk 430.  we love it, except for the fact that we CONTINUE to have problems opening and closing the top.  sometimes it will open, sometimes it won't.  other times it stops mid open or close and we have to manually close it.  either way it is driving me nuts!!!  i moved the roll bar around (back headrests) and now they are stuck!  i am just sick about this because we haven't even driven it anywhere and its already broken.  I know we bought it used, but its a convertible, the top working is one of the main things that should be right with it!

Can you please help me figure out what is wrong?  Why would the top not go up and down properly?????  is it something mechanical, i don't even know what to do.

Thanks for your help!!!

Betsy

Answer
Well Betsy here are some issues for you to note about the Clk convert. tops.
The tops are somewhat complex, as they consist of many components that must be operating normally or top function will cease.

I will tell you ahead of time that you will have to go to the dealership for this repair and I will explain the complexity of this system to you below. DO NOT take this to an independent mechanic, they will be unable to repair it and charge you a fortune.

The switch to open/close the top is a common failure as the electrical contacts in the switch can become weak and intermittantly cease to function.

There are several sensors in the trunk area that tells the control module what postion the top and the trunk lid are in to determine position of top and trunk lid. If any of those sensors are loose or inop, the top function will cease.

The top itself is a hydraulic operated system which consists of a hydraulic pump and several hydraulic lines. The hydraulic lines have been known to rupture causing a massive leak of hydraulic fluid which will ultimatly lead to top function failure. This is easy to determine as you will notice a fluid leak from the bottom of the car right in front of one or both of the rear tires.

Lastly, if the roll bar is now locked into place, this is a safety feature. The roll bar will become locked for many different reasons all of which are safety related. It would take hours to explain why. The roll bar can be manually released though. If you consult the owners manual, it will show you exactly how to release the roll bar. Or call the dealership, they will be glad to tell you how to release it.

Hopefully this has been informative. Let me know what you find out.