Crack in roof

[PP Jnr]

Morning, while I was washing my MP, I noticed a crack in the paintwork on the roof. It is on the nearside and starts a the end of the roof rail and runs down about 4 inches towards the from of the roof. It is a 2018, so not in warranty. MB main dealer didn't want to know and neither did the only MB approved body shop locally. I am not sure whether it is the paint that has cracked or the roof itself. Does anyone know anywhere that could look at this for me or has anyone had a similar problem? Many thanks

 

[SteveR]

Morning, while I was washing my MP, I noticed a crack in the paintwork on the roof. It is on the nearside and starts a the end of the roof rail and runs down about 4 inches towards the from of the roof. It is a 2018, so not in warranty. MB main dealer didn't want to know and neither did the only MB approved body shop locally. I am not sure whether it is the paint that has cracked or the roof itself. Does anyone know anywhere that could look at this for me or has anyone had a similar problem? Many thanks

I'd heard that there were a number of MPs with cracks from the front of the rail (different to the other cracks reported and pictured on this forum). Sounds like yours may be one of those. Can you post some pictures?

 

[PP Jnr]

Many thanks Steve, picture attached.

 

[SteveR]

The MB bodyshop that I spoke to - unofficially - said that there were three common roof issues: Blistering on the top, which is well documented here, that requires a replacement roof. Blistering on the sides (not seen or heard of any) which requires remedial paintwork and cracking from the front of the roof rails which requires a replacement roof; this is not the same as a couple of cracked roofs reported here which are cracked in the middle of the roof side.
It looks to me like you have the roof rail crack and if it was under warranty would be getting a new roof but out of warranty, if it were me, I'd get it repaired and repainted. Still costly but way cheaper than a new roof. A lot depends though on whether you intend to mount roof bars with anything on top... top box, kayaks, bikes, whatever. If you aren't going to mount roof bars I'd definitely consider getting an independent bodyshop to evaluate (I speak with 20+ years bodyshop experience in a previous life!)
Good luck

 

[PP Jnr]

Many thanks for that advice Steve. I have no intention of using the roof rails, so the repair seems most sensible. Does it need to be a specialist campervan body shop? I live in Staffordshire and when I called a couple they didn't want to know because even a repair involved taking the roof off. I don't really want to take it to anyone I find via google, any recommendations would be much appreciated.
If I was going to consider my options, do you know here you would get a new roof from, I assume a Westfalia agent in the UK? Thanks again.

 

[SteveR]

Many thanks for that advice Steve. I have no intention of using the roof rails, so the repair seems most sensible. Does it need to be a specialist campervan body shop? I live in Staffordshire and when I called a couple they didn't want to know because even a repair involved taking the roof off. I don't really want to take it to anyone I find via google, any recommendations would be much appreciated.
If I was going to consider my options, do you know here you would get a new roof from, I assume a Westfalia agent in the UK? Thanks again.

It doesn't need to be a specialist camper van body shop. Any reputable bodyshop will be able to evaluate. Now they may or may not wish to take on the work but that is a different conversation between yourself and them. I would imagine that it is more likely you will be successful with a smaller bodyshop with old school workers. From my experience, newer body repairs is simply: 'replace the part' whereas back in the day, repairs were carried out where practical. I have no knowledge of bodyshops in your area but it will be worth you driving around and checking out a few for some varied opinions.
From the picture and without seeing in the flesh, I'm not convinced that the roof requires removal. I think the crack needs to be repaired but also reinforced and can be done in situ.
Please bear in mind this is purely my opinion and also based on your picture. I strongly advise getting more than one professional evaluation done to weigh up your options.
I suspect a westfalia agent would be able to source a roof if you go down that route but be prepared to shell out an arm and a couple of legs. It WILL be expensive... part alone will be £££, add labour to fit it, add labour to paint it, paint and materials, VAT.......
Keep us posted