Headliner Material Falling Down, Roof Sagging

How to fix the headliner material that is falling down, sagging? This weekend we spent some time fixing the ceiling material 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, 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 to fixing the headliner.

Option 1 – Best results

Using a spray adhesive. This is what we used. See the pictures below on 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.
Spray adhesive for fixing the headliner. The 3M product works best. 3M Adhesive see here.

Option 2 – Quick and easy

The other option to fix the headliner is to use the Sequin Pins. You can use the little pins to hold up your headliner. You will may want to use a few of them arranged in a pattern. For example you can set them up in a diamond pattern 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

Remove the central cabin light. If your headliner is falling on the front then remove the sun visor if appropriate. You need to have a place where you can pull the headliner down and be able to spray the adhesive.

Pull out the dome light. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the light out.

Unplug the power. Pull out.

Remove the metal frame. It will allow you to pull down the headliner.
Pull down the headliner if necessary to be able to spray all of the separated area of the headliner.
Reach out with your adhesive spray and place a small coat of adhesive to the inside of the headliner and also to the roof.
Spray evenly. Make sure you get all the area inside.

Be careful to not over spray one spot, like I did :(.
Wait about 5 minutes for the adhesive to become sticky. Read the directions on the can for the exact time you need to wait.
If you can’t get to a specific spot then separate a small area of the headliner which will give you room to spray the rest of the material in the inside.
Now it is time to push the headliner up and make it stick.

If you want you can use pins to help it stay in place until it dries.
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 than it shouldn’t fall down anyone.
Place back any parts that you removed such as the central dome light.
You are done.