Headliner Material Falling Down, Roof Sagging

How to fix the headliner material that is falling and sagging? We spent some time fixing the ceiling material this weekend, which started to sag down on a C Class. This is a common problem on the older Mercedes Benz and not just on the C class, but the E Class, S Class, and ML, all models for that matter. We wanted to show you what we did.  The cloth material separates from the sliding sunroof as well. This is our roof of the Mercedes Benz C Class.

There are three options for fixing the headliner.

Option 1 – Best results

• Using a spray adhesive. This is what we used. See the pictures below for how we did it. You can do this with the headliner in the car, which is what we did below. Ideally, you can remove the headliner foam material, clean out the surface and glue the headliner for longer-lasting results.

  

Option 2 – Quick and easy

• The other option to fix the headliner is to use Sequin Pins. You can use the little pins to hold up your headliner. You will want to use a few of them arranged in a pattern. For example, you can set them up in a diamond or square pattern. You will be able to see the small pins, but if you are creative with your pattern, you may be able to make it look like your Benz was made that way at the factory. April, a creative wife +moom + crafter used this method; you can read her post here and check out the pictures of how it looks in her car.
• Or you can use the Twisty Pins for Upholstery. You choose.
  

Option 3

• You can replace the whole headliner. You can get a new headliner from the dealer or online. This is the most expensive option but has the factory results.

Tools & Parts Needed

Option 1

• 3M Headliner Spray Adhesive (Less than $20)

Option 2

• Dritz 350 Piece Sequin / Lills Pins 1/2 inch (Price less than $5)

Option 1 Step by step – How to fix headliner with pictures

1. Remove the central cabin light. If your headliner falls on the front, remove the sun visor if appropriate. You need to have a place to pull the headliner down and spray the adhesive.
   
   

   

   

   

   

2. Pull down the headliner if necessary to spray all of the separated areas of the headliner.
   
3. Reach out with your adhesive spray and place a small coat of adhesive on the inside of the headliner and also to the roof.

   

   

4. Wait about 5 minutes for the adhesive to become sticky. Read the directions on the can for the exact time you need to wait.
5. If you can’t get to a specific spot, separate a small headliner area, giving you room to spray the rest of the material inside.
   
   
6. Now it is time to push the headliner up and make it stick.
   

   

7. Go over the headliner and press it against the roof every few minutes. It may want to sag again, but if you press it up a few times in the next 20 minutes, it shouldn’t fall anyone.
   
8. Place back any parts that you removed, such as the central dome light.
9. You are done.

Here are a couple of videos that could help you as well.