2018 Mercedes E400 Convertible Cord Repair

How to replace frayed convertible top cords on a Mercedes A238 convertible.

[@storm_merle_]

I just did my 2017 c43 cabriolet wasn't easy il tell u that but it was worth it mercedes dealer asked over 2k to fix i did it in my cando thank u so much for the video and the part number respect

[@Joshua-yg9bo]

This is a great video. A family member of mine bought an a238 cabriolet recently with damaged and ripped cords with the intentions to fix it together with me. This is the most helpful thing on the internet right now to do this by yourself. Thank you!

[@geoffandcheryl]

Grant J, I can’t thank you enough. Your video gave me the insights (and confidence) to tackle this myself. 5 hours later and… voila! She is good as new. Big, big thanks for sharing!

[@grantj3232]

Glad it helped!

[@mauricewright1575]

Hi Graham thank you so much for this video it gave me the confidence to do mine your tips etc were spot on I was quoted £600 from a garage to do the job 750 Dollars. Thanks again

[@alansleigh3431]

I have a 2018 A205 (C Class Cabriolet) in the U.K. with exactly the same issue. Looking at your excellent video it seems incredible that MB charge so much for the repair! I guess that they unnecessarily replace a whole lot more components as I can’t see them drilling out rivets etc. DIY style. A great video, thanks.

[@joshuapace85]

Awesome video- thanks for sharing. One thing that I find useful is to have a vacuum held to the rivets while drilling them out so any shavings are captured. Saves time when cleaning up later.

[@grantj3232]

Thanks I hope that helps others!

[@Kal.Wilkins]

Really helpful video, i can't believe they didn't use stainless wire originally. It's almost as if the cords are a built in failure for a future money making repair, but no, MB would never do that.....

[@grantj3232]

Yeah, to make this a wear and tear part but not provide maintenance instructions is sub-par for sure.

[@andrewsproson1410]

Grant Thanks for the video , very helpful.I can’t believe how poor Mercedes are for 1, having inferior quality 2, they don’t identify it at the service.Hand built engine , cheap roof ! I found on MB Club UK Forum a copy of the MB Service recommendation to rectify the issue with the kit, plus an Ombudsman Determination upholding a customers complaint and ordering MB to pay even though outside the warranty.It was a known fault when the car was sold.Might not apply in USA. Andy

[@SteveYingling-gj4qk]

Great info and detail! Actually asked my MB shop for a quote and they said "new liner" because one string pulled thru the "tunnel" where it connects with the rectangular crimped ring pocket on the liner. Any suggestion for repair/replacing that "tunnel"? They quoted $4,000+ for a complete new liner!

[@cvo121]

Just for information, i have finde kit for my mercedes C_klass w205 from 2018 and part number is exactly same part number like E-klass. same number from this video. I hope can help somebody. Mb dealer asking me for 3000 euro but probleem can easily fix with 50 euro.just f..king 50 euro. Very big different. Tanks for goed video that bring confident and saved my mony

[@storm_merle_]

Would this part number work for 2017 mercedes c43 cabriolet?

[@savithasubramanya4990]

Great video, Grant, thanks for sharing!

[@grantj3232]

Thanks, I hope it helps you out!

[@andrewwoods3801]

Great effort. Just had mine done by Mercedes.

[@andrewsproson1410]

Hi Andrew How much did Mercedes charge you ? Thanks Andy

[@markperkins384]

Great video thanks Grant, I have bought the kit and will do this weekend. You mention instructions in the video have you got them? also how did you attach the fishing line to the cord? My E53 is 4 years old and would have expected the cords to last longer, poor design!

[@grantj3232]

static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10164805-9999.pdf

[@stevejones181]

Great video! I'm glad everything went OK! How much did the materials cost overall?

[@grantj3232]

The parts from MB were $87 total. $4 for fishing line. I think that's it!

[@robbie21mcn]

I am going to have to attempt this on my A205. Very informative video. My plastics are damaged where the ring clamps have pulled away from it. Any ideas as to what I can use to permanently fix them back into place? I was toying with gorilla epoxy once they are in situ and just covering it all on the fabric panel. Any alternative suggestions?

[@grantj3232]

Can you show pictures? Glue is generally a very short-term answer to a problem like this, especially given how hot these tops can get in the sun. Hopefully the community can help!

[@Joshua-yg9bo]

When the plastic clamps on the interior roof are damaged, Mercedes charges you an extra 1000€ to install a brand new interior roof. I guess you have to try something like glueing it together if you don’t want to buy a new one.

[@Pedroalves-bb4kr]

Same issue here, it’s funny no one talks about those. How can I buy just the plastic pad myself?

[@en0mo]

May I ask where do we get the step-by-step instruction guide / instruction sheet that you mentioned in your video? Is there a link to download the instruction please? Thank you for this great helpful video.

[@grantj3232]

Hi, I got that from an mbworld.org post in the a238 forum. Easy to find if you're looking for it.

[@en0mo]

@@grantj3232 Thank you. I changed mine thanks to your video. I just have one further question. Now that I have changed both side.one of the sides closes perfectly and other side the lid still stays open by a 1 or 2 mm. Is there anything you recommend me to do? Should I look for wear and tear in other pleaces?

[@kiros007]

How did you keep the roof half open? I can not keep it like that, it closes automatically after few seconds

[@grantj3232]

It's in the video but I understand the vid is long... Open it halfway, turn off the power button on the car, then get the key 15 feet from the car. It should stay up.

[@kennyrobinson8504]

My 2020 C Class Conv just broke last night! Can you replace with S/Steel wire? Taking mine to a MB authorised garage 👍

[@grantj3232]

I wouldn't. The point of the style of cords is easy sliding through the eyelets. I'd suggest sticking with the MB parts, but if you try that let us know how it goes!

[@TMTSYSTEMSATL]

How do you get the top to stay mid open ? Mine keeps dropping back down after a minute

[@grantj3232]

It's in the video. I think I brought it halfway open then stopped. Then turn off the ignition altogether and get the key more than 15 ft from the car.

[@TMTSYSTEMSATL]

@@grantj3232 many thanks!! I’ll give it a try. This may be saving me $3400 quote from dealership just from a fraying cord. 😳

[@carloscarvajalortiz9118]

Muchas gracias Grant , me ayudaste mucho con tu video saludos desde México leon Guanajuato

[@ellaabela9225]

From where did you buy the kit please?

[@grantj3232]

Hi Ella, I got the parts from my local Mercedes dealer parts dept. The part numbers are in the video.

[@storm_merle_]

I have 2017 c43 cabriolet cords are wearing badly 1 is broken what is the part number so i can buy them please and thank u

[@grantj3232]

Hi Storm, you'll need to buy them from your MB dealer.

[@storm_merle_]

​@@grantj3232would it be same part number?

[@grantj3232]

​@storm_merle_ Sorry I wish I knew and could help. You may want to try a forum like MBWorld or call the dealer.

[@simonlee3614]

My 2017 C300 uses the same part number as shown in the video. I confirmed with a Mercedes dealer by sending them my VIN before ordering. My problem is that when I went to change them out I found a number of the plastic lugs that the crimped ends fit into, holding the cords to the roof, are broken and I see no way of repairing them, which means the whole roof likely needs to be replaced. Very expensive overkill for such a simple part.

[@storm_merle_]

Can i use different tape

[@grantj3232]

Yes I think one of the replies mentioned using aftermarket tape of some kind. I was happy only spending about $100 for the repair...why scrimp to save 20 more when OEM is right there and you're saving $2900? Just my POV.

[@louisfl789]

Hi I cant see the kit or parts number in the video.

[@grantj3232]

Hi Luis, well, take a look at 3:11 into the video: A006989848510 is the tape, and A2057780500 is the package of all the strings and pins etc. Have fun!

[@cvo121]

Same problem with my 2018 C-klasse. I have been to the dealer for the cord set. But they don't sell to me separately. They didn't give me also any part number. I must bring them and the price is between 2000 to 3000 euro. Anybody know about the article number for c180 w205 2018 please??

[@grantj3232]

Sorry i don't have that. All the best in your search.

[@cvo121]

@@grantj3232 your video help me to much and only one with all details in youtube. I am very thankful man.