Roof wind noise on 2013 SL350

[Tarapoochy]

Hi all,

I’ve got a strange problem with the roof on my 2013 SL350. I first noticed a wind noise along the top above the windscreen. On closer inspection I noticed that on a sunny day the hot roof panel was bowed upwards in the middle. Closer inspection showed that the roof panel is very floppy and doesn’t seem to be attached to any kind of frame, therefore when it expands in the heat it bows upwards and creates a gap - hence the wind noise (on hot days). Normally having the roof open on hot days I don’t have the problem, but sometimes the boot is full and I can’t open the top!

I‘ve searched and not found anyone else post about this, so if anyone has had this problem please let me know the solution.
Thanks

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Do you have any pictures of the panel with the issue?

 

[Tarapoochy]

This is the best I can get. It’s not very obvious, but if you look closely you can see that the centre of the roof panel is bowed up in the heat so doesn’t make a seal. If I open the roof a little bit the top roof panel is very “floppy” and doesn’t appear to attached to the frame that runs along the front where all the catches etc are mounted.

 

[Blobcat]

This is the best I can get. It’s not very obvious, but if you look closely you can see that the centre of the roof panel is bowed up in the heat so doesn’t make a seal. If I open the roof a little bit the top roof panel is very “floppy” and doesn’t appear to attached to the frame that runs along the front where all the catches etc are mounted. View attachment 61103

Great picture - speaks a thousand words

That isn't right at all and should make a tight seal against the rubber on the windscreen surround

You can partially open the roof and hold it from closing back wit a broom or 2" x 2" post. Have a look at the leading edge of the roof and see if something's come adrift.

There will be something not clipped in or a screw missing

 

[Tarapoochy]

Yes, I’ve done that and it is clear that the top roof panel, which is in fact just a painted plastic trip sheet, should be fixed to the frame. If I push down hard at the edges I can hear it trying to stick back down, but it instantly pops back off so the adhesive (probably double sided tape I guess) has clearly lost it’s stickiness. I’ll contact my local specialist and see if he can find out if Merc have a repair bulletin for it. Otherwise there must be some way that Merc have designed it so that the panel can be removed and stuck back down. Fingers crossed he’ll be able to sort it. Will post back when I have it fixed.

 

[Blobcat]

There's a few members on here that have some exploded diagrams that might help @LostKiwi might have some info.

 

[Tarapoochy]

There's a few members on here that have some exploded diagrams that might help @LostKiwi might have some info.

Hi,

Thanks, I’m new to the forum and although I can see LostKiwi as a senior member I can’t find a way to message him. Can you let me know the best way to ask him about it?

 

[Blobcat]

Hi,

Thanks, I’m new to the forum and although I can see LostKiwi as a senior member I can’t find a way to message him. Can you let me know the best way to ask him about it?

I tagged him in my response so he’ll be notified in his alerts. He’s sunning himself in France at the moment so not as active on the forum at the moment. (We do occasionally let members have a week off)

 

[Tarapoochy]

I tagged him in my response so he’ll be notified in his alerts. He’s sunning himself in France at the moment so not as active on the forum at the moment. (We do occasionally let members have a week off)

Hi again,

After a long wait my specialist can't find any info on fixing this de-bonded roof. I never heard from @LostKiwi - any idea how I can get hold of him?

 

[Blobcat]

Hi again,

After a long wait my specialist can't find any info on fixing this de-bonded roof. I never heard from @LostKiwi - any idea how I can get hold of him?

He should be along, as he has been tagged - lot going on though

 

[LostKiwi]

I'm here. No diagrams though.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Not very helpful I'm afraid but just in case, attached R231 roof (basic) diagram and an old diagnostic I had for the R230

 

[Tarapoochy]

I'm here. No diagrams though.

OK, thanks anyway.

I managed to find a dealer who would take a look at it without charging (My local Merc dealer Guy Salmon wanted £168 just to look at it and tell me what was wrong - I already know what's wrong!!!) so I took it along to Hertford main dealer and they said that the only repair Merc could approve is to replace that part of the hardtop - estimate £2500+

I declined (to be fair they actually said that it was a rediculous price.)

When I get a chance I am going to try and wedge the gap open and get some kind of bonding in there, probably CT1 silicone adhesive, in the hope that it will stick back down.