Manually Lower or Raise a R129 Mercedes SL Soft Top / Hardtop
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- Dont let the soft top be the deciding factor owning an R129 SL. The hydraulic cylinder seals go bad on the soft top and the roof locks. If you are trying to raise the roof just do the process in reverse.
Napoleon Dynamite bought a sl500. Good vid guy.
Thanks for the video!
Ive owned my 1998 500SL for 9 years and one thing I have learned is you had better be handy with tools or you’re going to spend a lot of money on this beauty. I sent my cylinders to top hydraulics to be rebuilt for $650 for the set. They are not easy to replace but there are videos out there that walk you through it. It took me 16hrs. I love driving my r129 and get compliments on it daily. It’s body style is classic, timeless and unique. It’s a damn shame you don’t have the hardtop but you’re right, it looks best top down!
A very good video, thank you. I own a 1996 SL280 in silver, I have given up on the hydraulic cylinders, it is the cost of removing an refitting the cylinders by the garage that makes it impossible to fix the system without taking a second mortgage, so I just use the wrench but my SL280 only has one release and not two for lifting the storage flap. Thanks again and enjoy your SL. The R129 is one of Bruno Sacco's most beautiful design after the W140 and the W220 (own an S320 LWB, also in silver), the W220 is nicknamed the Fox for it resembles the eyes and the nose of a fox. Bruno Sacco, an Italian legend, he is 88 now. God bless him.
Trying to help a buddy put his top up after failed hydraulic and we couldn't figure out how to latch the back because the lock was engaged. This vid is awesome!
It seems hard, but its easy
Great video, very helpful and easy to follow instructions. Thank you very much. You solved my problem.
If you have a caliper, you could measure those dimensions of the open end wrench side, and the hex diameter. If you then need to convert that to metric, take the decimal number, and multiply it by 25.4, as there are 25.4 mm in one inch. Example, if that hex measures .236 inches, multiply that by 25.4, which equals 6mm. Sorry for the long confusion.
It's 10mm
Great video and you have a good demo voice.
On later model R129s tonneau cover is unlatched on right side only.
You are correct. I have a 92 and one of the main lift cylinders went out after 20 years that I owned it. One of your comments said 650 for the set. I guess that was the good ol days. I paid 200 for 1 rebuilt main and 150 refundable core for a total of 350 from top hydraulics . So, it is not only food and gas going thru the roof.
The roof is going through the roof 🤦🏼♂️
Great video. I used to use a 10mm a wrench and 5mm Allen I think before I got the tool. I have to double check but I think those were the sizes
Correct sizes are 11 mm and 6 mm I think ...
@@gmwplayerfact check?
Excellent video! Thank You so much!
Great video, I just purchased one myself and I would like to know as much information as possible
Great explanation thank you.
not fiddly at all.......well engineered mercedes
Yes I just replaced all 12 cylinders at Mercedes Benz - cost here in Indianapolis was 6 grand then add in the labor at $225 an hour. Then I had another 5 grand done worth of mechanical components, complete tune (bought the parts myself from Germany - much cheaper there than here), THEN the top frame had to be replaced as the previous owner (I’ll just refer to them as stupid) bent the frame rail behind the drivers seat some how - creating undue tension and pressures on that main cylinder which continually would blow out the seals even on a new cylinder. Thankfully since they are doing the work and found this to be the problem - they paid for another new replacement cylinder. BUT I had to locate and purchase a complete (in good condition) convertible top frame for them to swap out with (that was a journey in itself) and in some cases the shipping was more than the top frame - making the total cost prohibitive. But I found one finally in Arizona that the guy just wanted to get rid of it & it was nice so I jumped on it immediately! I asked at the MB Dealership about what their cost would be? And its not in stock anymore of course (to old of a part) - but they priced it and said if it was in stock the new frame and canvas top from MB would cost (get this) $30,000.😱 Which of course I only paid a total of (right now on my own find) plus shipping five hundred dollars (without a new canvas top of course - just the frame). But I purchased two years ago - my 1991 500SL/AMG (Schwarz Black Exterior w/Champaign Interior). So for me - I do a lot of work on it myself at home in my garage - HOWEVER, when it comes down to the expensive repairs - I WANT a guarantee! Which in the case of that blown new hydraulic cylinder - they paid for that. So in some cases it pays to go to the dealership for them to do the work. Which since it has been there (inside in a bay) for the past three months - I’ve had to find half the parts for the repairs (not in stock anymore at MB) - and finding those parts has taken me around the world a few times finding them in the most obscure places - but the parts turned out to be new old stock. A little pricey but not too bad & delivered to my home then I drive them into the dealership to be used in the maintenance process. Soooo yes, it’s been a real journey for me to date & with nice weather upon us - I really want to have my R129 back home! Soon I’m told, which when done the bill WILL BE the price of a down payment on a Lamborghini. BUT worth it to me in the long run as it is a beautiful R129 AMG specimen (w/100,000 miles on it for a 33 yr old AMG). So I wish you well on your journey and do enjoy the summer months that are now upon us - top down - driving thru the countryside😊 - creates memories that aren’t forgotten. BUT do remember the total R129 models (inline 6’s up to the V/12’s) are now going up in price as they are now considered to be a “Classic” by MB themselves. Blessings to you and I wish you well on your journey forward. - Mark🙏
Sometimes its good to work on it yourself but its also good to find a reputable dealer in your area. A reputable dealer in your area is invaluable
Nicely done and great to know. Looking at a 320SL with top issue .
Hi, BEST VIDEO on this subject I have ever seen! My 1997 R129, SL 320 (same exact color scheme; Midnight Blue, matching cloth and hardtop with Oyster interior) the hydraulic system just leaked out and the top is not fully up yet and I was so disappointed and upset!!! I would like to attempt this, it am not exactly a mechanical guy, so I am hesitant to say the least. I would either sell it or leave the top down, and keep it covered and garaged. I do have the hardtop it what’s the use? At the beach in Maryland, I can definitely drive Topless 10 months out of the year. I lack the confidence to do this correctly. ANY HELP OR THOUGHTS WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. Thanks I’m advance! Peace
(P.S. I just subscribed and want to see your other videos.)
PLEASE HELP!!!!
Get a friend to help you, both watch the video. Dont force anything and go slow. Its easier then you think especially with two people. Thanks for watching
11 mm open end wrench for the rear releases.
I’ve been trying to get the hard top back on mine but since the button itself to lock the hard top isn’t working is it still possible to lock the hardtop manually? I can’t get it to lock in
@@Mr.PigLord do you have the tool?
I have a 94 sl 500 ,have the problem with one of the cylinders I have to do it manually,I'm going to try this ,I don't want to get rid of it. Just gets frustrating. ..
Thanks ..
Hard top can be found on e bay
Which lever do you bump back to get the roof alarm to go off?
The roof button. Id suggest just manually locking either the roof locks (up) or the cover if its down.
So I may have the blue top..!
Nice vid, I own a 95 sl500. Try putting in jackfluid with stopleak and see if you get better results with the top mechanism. I have heard it works
What brand in particular
It would take forever to clean that out of the system and replace the Seals as required every 10 years or so. You would clog servo hydraulic control blocs and all the hoses with the hydraulic cylinders. Then you would have to flush and clean every line in the car . Making a 13hour job of reseal into a 30 hour job of repair and replace and flush.
Jack oil and stop leak is not the answer my friends
Thanks
If my 2 front cylinders are leaking, and I remove it manually - will the cylinder NOT leak? or will it leak regardless
Great video. Very helpful. Did you find the top yet?
The original top is probably long gone if that is what you’re asking. I am still looking for a roof on and off
Cool video mate I have an sl myself tho when I manually release the hard top it sometimes beeps and the roof button flashes like you said at the end of the video, would you know why this would be happening with the roof off? Or what I could do to stop it
Has to do with the cover not being locked back down more then likely. It will beep for many reasons all having to do with the latches/ locks.
Hello do you still need a hard top I have 3 of them .I am not a dealer just wanted to tell you that .I owned this care over 30 years .
I have a 99 SL500 and those levers in the trunk wont move. Owner manual says you can't lower or raise top manually. Can you help. Thank you.
Where the top connects to the trunk, check where it connects the soft top and to the trunk are, make sure it's locking n the back, it might be stuck and blocking it from locking . Mine was not moving so had to do maunjallu
Yeah it looks better with the soft top down lol can you drive it around yet?
I havent really dove into the engine yet, yeah it runs, and yeah it can drive. I know whats mainly wrong. Im confident I can get it running good
DO YOU STILL NEED A HARDTOP????
Yesss and no. Id like one yes. RUclips doesnt pay me anything so its not a need rightnow. Why whatchyu got?
😎
waste of time .... very poorly done vudeo and you can't see nothing,no lights inside the subject and camera is all over plus he talks no sense
Thanks for this I have been looking at one of these and have been wondering if there was a manual way to open the roof the repair cost is insane so I would never afford to have it working they are lovely looking cars
i like how he bought a rich man car but he is treating like a dodge crap...hahaha