Convertible - Soft Top Wear & Operation
TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERSDATE: October 1994
(supersedes S.I. 77/24, June 1991 REF. NO. 77/26A and S.I. 77/26, Nov. 1991)
Revision: Damage code information added, topics updated.
SUBJECT:
MODEL 129
A. SOFT TOP COVER WEAR
B. INSTALLATION OF MODIFIED ROD ASSEMBLIES
A. SOFT TOP COVER WEAR
The operating ease of the electro-hydraulically operated soft top on model 129 has resulted in the soft top being opened/closed considerably more often than was the case with the manually operated soft top on model 107. As a result. the soft top cover material is subject to greater wear and tear than before.
The following criteria should be considered when diagnosing soft top cover wear complaints.
Note:
Soft tops are being inspected on a regular basis. Any replaced soft top that does not meet the criteria outlined will be returned and the dealer's warranty account debited.
REAR HALF OF SOFT TOP COVER
When opening the soft top, wear spots can develop in the rear area of the soft top cover, near the soft top locks.
REMEDY
If the binding has worn through. replace the rear half of the soft top cover. Modified rear locks with rounded-off upper surface are installed as of chassis end number 1F-015 396. The modified locks can be installed in vehicles with a lower chassis end number.
Note:
Figure 1:
Minor indentations and discolorations in this area of the soft top cover (arrow, Figure 1) are design related and do not justify replacement of the rear half of the soft top cover. Any soft top replaced for this reason will be returned to the dealer and the claim debited.
In Case Of Warranty
LONGITUDINAL SEAM IN FRONT HALF OF SOFT TOP COVER
Figure 2:
When opening the soft top, the longitudinal seam in the front half of the soft top cover (arrow, Figure 2) may rub against the gasket as well as the metal flange of the soft top storage compartment (soft top does not fold correctly.
REMEDY
Replace damaged soft top cover. Remove rod assemblies (without torsion springs) from sides of frames and install modified rod assemblies (with torsion springs) according to instructions described in this Service Information.
CAUTION:
Figure 3:
When opening the new soft top cover for the first time, make sure that the cover folds inwards between bows 2 and 3 (arrow, Figure 3).
In Case Of Warranty
BINDING ON REAR HALF OF SOFT TOP COVER
Figure 4:
If not properly adjusted, the slide rails in the storage compartment can damage the rear edge of the soft top cover (arrow, Figure 4) when the top is closed.
REMEDY
If the binding is damaged. replace the rear half of soft top cover.
On vehicles produced up to August 1990, check the rear areas of the left and right slide rails for sharp edges and close fit to the fender, correct if necessary.
Using a piece of wood and a mallet, bend the edge of the slide rail inwards to correct the position towards the fender, so that the sharp edge (arrow. Figure 4) can not damage the binding.
In Case Of Warranty
BINDING ON FRONT HALF OF SOFT TOP COVER, NEAR B-PILLAR
Figure 5:
When opening the soft top. the binding can rub up against the the rear lock covers (arrow, Figure 5).
REMEDY
If the binding is damaged, replace the front half of soft top cover. Using a plastic wedge, adjust the cover towards the lock, so that the sharp edge (arrow, Figure 5) can not damage the binding.
In Case Of Warranty
BINDING ON REAR HALF OF SOFT TOP COVER, NEAR B-PILLAR
Figure 6:
When opening the soft top, the cover may become pinched between the fabric bow and the rubber retaining strip. As a result, repeated operation of the soft top may damage the binding (soft top does not fold correctly, arrow, Figure 6).
REMEDY
If the binding is damaged, replace the rear half of soft top cover.
If the binding is not damaged, the folds in the soft top cover can be corrected.
Dampen the soft top cover, raise the rear fabric bow and adjust the folds. Subsequently, using a heat lamp, dry the soft top cover with the rear fabric bow raised. This procedure may need to be repeated until proper folding is achieved.
CAUTION
Figure 7:
When opening the soft top cover for the first time, the cover must be directed to fold outwards at the rear fabric bow (arrow, Figure 7).
In Case Of Warranty
BINDING ON FRONT/REAR HALF OF SOFT TOP COVER, NEAR B-PILLAR
Figure 8:
In certain cases, when operating the soft top, the top or bottom inside of the rubber retaining strip may have a ridge which can damage the binding (arrows, Figure 8).
REMEDY
If the binding is worn through. replace the soft top cover.
Install new rubber retaining strip without ridge. Carefully inspect new strip for ridges. Retaining strips with ridges should be returned to your facing PDC for credit.
In Case Of Warranty
CABLE GUIDE ON REAR HALT OF SOFT TOP COVER, NEAR B-PILLAR
Figure 10:
When opening the soft top, the cable guide on the side of the soft top cover may rub up against the edge of the soft top fabric bow as shown in Figure 10 (soft top does not fold correctly).
REMEDY
Figure 9:
If the cable guide has worn through (arrow, Figure 9), replace the rear half of the soft top cover.
In Case Of Warranty
Figure 11:
CREASE MARK IN REAR WINDOW CAUSED BY SPOILER
(Figure 11)
With the soft top open. the spoiler on the soft top may leave a crease on the rear window (arrow, Figure 11).
REMEDY
Ensure that the spoiler is properly positioned, correct as necessary to lessen complaint. See S.I. MBNA 77/6 with W.I. # 252 (March 1991) for correct installation. Follow only those steps required to verify and correct installation of spoiler. do not perform entire procedure.
Note:
The crease caused by the spoiler is design related and does not justify replacement of the rear half of the soft top cover. Any soft top replaced for this reason will be returned to the dealer and the claim debited.
In Case Of Warranty
CREASE MARK IN SIDE WINDOWS
Figure 12:
(Figure 12)
When opening the soft top, crease marks (arrows, Figure 12) may develop in the side windows (soft top does not fold correctly).
REMEDY
With the soft top closed. warm the side windows with a hot air heat gun. Then raise the rear fabric bow and correct the window position by hand. allow side windows to cool with rear fabric bow raised.
Note:
Crease marks in the side windows can generally be removed. Therefore replacement of the rear half of the soft top cover is not justified. Any soft top replaced for this reason will be returned to the dealer and the claim debited.
In Case Of Warranty
RUBBER STRAP ON REAR HALF OF SOFT TOP COVER, NEAR B-PILLAR
Figure 13:
Figure 14:
The rubber strap may have been damaged by the needle when sewn onto the the soft top cover. In addition, the bar on which the rubber strap slides may have burrs or a poorly finished weld (arrows, Figures 13, 14).
REMEDY
If the rubber strap 5 damaged, replace the rear half of the soft top cover. Check bar, and if necessary, remove any burrs or rework any poorly finished welds.
In Case Of Warranty
INDENTATIONS AND DISCOLORATIONS ON SOFT TOP COVER MATERIAL
Indentations and discolorations of the soft top cover material can occur if the outer surface of the soft top covers rubs up against itself with the soft top opened.
REMEDY
Indentations and discolorations can be removed by using a soft bristle brush and plenty of clean water.
Note:
Indentations and discolorations in the soft top cover material are unavoidable and therefore do not justify replacement of the front or rear half of the soft top cover. Any soft top replaced for this reason will be returned to the dealer and the claim debited.
B. INSTALLATION OF MODIFIED ROD ASSEMBLIES
Due to insufficient tension of the rubber strap (1) between the soft top bows (2, 3), the soft top may not fold correctly or bind when opening or closing the soft top. A modified road assembly should be installed on each side of the soft top frame to prevent this problem. The modified rod assembly has torsion springs. the previous version did not, thus eliminating the need for the rubber strap (1, Figure 15).
Procedure
1. Raise the soft top until the front half of the top stands vertical.
Figure 15:
2. Cut away and discard the rubber straps (1) between the soft top bows (2, 3, Figure 15).
Figure 16:
Figure 17:
3. Remove old rod (d) from both sides of the soft top frame by removing the screws and unscrewing the rod from the ball sockets (Figures 16, 17).
Note:
Before unscrewing the rod from the ball socket, note the installation depth of the rod in the ball socket. The modified rod assembly must be installed to the same depth.
4. Install modified rod assembly (d) on both sides of the soft top frame. When screwing rod into ball socket, make certain that the original installation depth is maintained.
Note:
Unless damaged, the rubber 0-rings (e) may be reused.
Parts And Warranty Information