Well too late for me , i took me 1 week afterwork time and i did it bu myself and yes, you feel as existence as this 2 champs. It is a unique system, not difficult once you understand it, im now fixing my roll bar cylinder. A suggestion for anyone doing this. Buy from Top Hydraulic the set of 8 , and change them all, you spend too much time if you fix each one of them when they go bad. Once 1 goes bad they pit pressure on the weakest one and they pop. Once fixed, you good 5 years of no issues or more! The trick is that heat kills the seals of this cylinders and in florida the sun is too much, another thing is that use the top at least once a weak so keep system healthy and lubricated. Always use mercedes hydraulic fluid, the reason is that is transparent and odorless so if leaks it does not stain or stink the car . Good job guys
Good job guys. That's what social media is for. Saving each other money. Taking any Mercedes to the dealer to get a blinker fixed is over a hundred. Lol thanks again. About to go try what you did. Haven't had the top down since I got it. Now I know or at least have a starting point. Thanks
I have a 2009 R230 SL and pump and large flap mechanism have been replaced over the years. I purchased it over 10 years ago CPO and have many other expensive issues. My top is still working now however after closing I still receive the message the top is in operation and the window won't cinch the tiny gap upwards. Really contemplating a Lexus LC500 to replace it due to all reliability complaints regarding the current R232 SLs. I will try to disconnecting the consumables battery and reconnecting to see if resolves the current issue.
This is a great video - thank you. I'm about to buy an 04 SL500 and the roof doesn't work, so I'll be coming back to this vid many times. Quick question, around the 11:05 mark, after you both lifted/pivoted part of the roof structure back out of the way - you focused on one (or both) of the hydro cylinders at the rear of the trunk that you needed to unclip/remove/replace - you focused mostly on the Drivers' side one. My question is: I've read a fair amount about this failure points on this hydraulic driven roofs as being SEALS within pumps, or like that component you removed/replaced that you focused on at the 11:05 mark. So: Did you just replace all of these components or swap out seals? Hope that makes sense. Thanks again.
I am surprised no one informed you to replace ALL of the cylinders! Once one starts leaking they all will, It's just due to age. They are made to fail after 10 to 15 years depending on climate. Also by replacing only the leaking one the pressure of the system will return to full and the other non leaking ones will start to leak, then you have to go through all that removal trouble again ! But good job showing what it looks like under all that paneling !
It's been over a year and luckily everything is still working properly. Yes, I would agree that it's best to replace them all at once to avoid possible issues like you mentioned.
Mine is the actual locking cylinder because it leaks in the front corners. So can I still lift the trunk with the button and then use the 40 torx to unlock the roof in that center circle?
Lol you can save money by not buying a Mbz notorious for leaking tops, air suspension, and abc pump. I’m doing one right now at the shop and it’s a nightmare. I highly doubt their top works the same. Pretty sure they sold the car.
My SL 550 has the same leak along the passenger side showing the waving rubber. I was looking for how to remove the panels to get a good look at the leak.
I just went to look at a 2004 MB SL55 at a Honda dealer. It wasn’t on the lot so I went to ask if it was sold. It turned out that they had put the roof down and it wouldn’t go back up. So now they don’t know what they are going to do with it. I looked at it and it looks good. Top is completely down. The sales guy told me they gave the customer 18k for it on trade in. They are asking 21895. I thought about offering 12k. If they send it to auction like that they will be lucky to get 12k for it.
Your correct, there are NOT any good instructions on how to troubleshoot Mercedes convertibles. I have 2008 CLK350 ragtop convertible having issues. Any suggestions where I can find “troubleshooting guidance” on how to repair my ragtop convertible working again. Thank you.
The top and ABC fluid should be changed out every 5 years max. WHY ? Because it has a lot of additives to make NON FLAMMABLE (almost) these additives turn to sand over time (especially the Pentosin) That's what gives most Mercedes bad reps is lack of proper maintenance.
I have a 2003 sl500 with 60k miles and have a small drip of fluid thats drips onto the passenger seat from the roof window seal area its been like this for 2 years already but it hasent bothered me as i only use the top 1 time a year down in April and up in October and the car sits in the garage most of the time if at some point I want to have this fixed would you be willing to fix the car if i have it brought to Pittsburg ? I am in no rush but I would like to have it fixed at some point
I just had a problem with my top today it says on dashboard retractable top is on operating open and close I’m watching this video to see if I can fix my problem, if you guys can help figure out my problem I appreciate it
Sadly, I could not sit through the whole video. How much coffee/caffeine did these two guys have before filming? The speed rate at which these two guys were speaking was giving me anxiety... LoL. It was hard to even follow what they were saying given that they were speaking so fast! Simmer it down guys so we can follow...
That's rude. Why don't you come back when you're well rested and maybe had two or three or five espressos. Are you still slow? You can slow the video down in your options
@@lyleg.9192 Yes, I get that my comment may have came off as "rude" to some readers, like yourself, but that was not the intention. If people will post videos to help other people resolve issues, they should make sure it is clear and easy to follow, otherwise, what's the point??? I do appreciate their effort for sharing. But what about you? Replying to a post I posted 8 months ago??? At this time, it is irrelevant! You wanna talk about slow? Wake up! This was posted 8 months ago! LoL
You guys are f..... hilarious, one is speeching and the other takes over like ego battle, hahahha. congrats for the searching and the video, that looks like a f..... surgery...wtf, I'll pay the mechanic, wtf!
You guys are really helping the Merc community , cheers
I can certainly see how you saved thousands on finding and fixing the car! Quite a complex process!
Haha yea we were determined to figure it out ourselves to save that kind of money!
Thank you for the video. If there was one person that used the video and was really helped by it that will be me. Thanks much
Love the r230 sl500 videos keep em coming
I like how finish each others thoughts.
Kinda annoying hearing you guys talking over each other. Other then that it's a very informative video thanks
Well too late for me , i took me 1 week afterwork time and i did it bu myself and yes, you feel as existence as this 2 champs. It is a unique system, not difficult once you understand it, im now fixing my roll bar cylinder. A suggestion for anyone doing this. Buy from Top Hydraulic the set of 8 , and change them all, you spend too much time if you fix each one of them when they go bad. Once 1 goes bad they pit pressure on the weakest one and they pop.
Once fixed, you good 5 years of no issues or more! The trick is that heat kills the seals of this cylinders and in florida the sun is too much, another thing is that use the top at least once a weak so keep system healthy and lubricated. Always use mercedes hydraulic fluid, the reason is that is transparent and odorless so if leaks it does not stain or stink the car .
Good job guys
You need a video showing how you removed the interior panels.
thanks chaps just got an sl350 2003 so helpful video for the future
Good job guys. That's what social media is for. Saving each other money. Taking any Mercedes to the dealer to get a blinker fixed is over a hundred. Lol thanks again. About to go try what you did. Haven't had the top down since I got it. Now I know or at least have a starting point. Thanks
I have heard that this is a horrendous repair. Congrats guys!!
Thanks!
Your excited energy at a resolution …bravo for you both! If I need help with mine hope i live close by you both lol
Best explanatory video about the vario roof issues
Thank you both I’m gonna buy a Miata now ❤
You guys are kool asf…hope everything goes well…
I have a 2009 R230 SL and pump and large flap mechanism have been replaced over the years. I purchased it over 10 years ago CPO and have many other expensive issues. My top is still working now however after closing I still receive the message the top is in operation and the window won't cinch the tiny gap upwards. Really contemplating a Lexus LC500 to replace it due to all reliability complaints regarding the current R232 SLs. I will try to disconnecting the consumables battery and reconnecting to see if resolves the current issue.
This is a great video - thank you. I'm about to buy an 04 SL500 and the roof doesn't work, so I'll be coming back to this vid many times. Quick question, around the 11:05 mark, after you both lifted/pivoted part of the roof structure back out of the way - you focused on one (or both) of the hydro cylinders at the rear of the trunk that you needed to unclip/remove/replace - you focused mostly on the Drivers' side one. My question is: I've read a fair amount about this failure points on this hydraulic driven roofs as being SEALS within pumps, or like that component you removed/replaced that you focused on at the 11:05 mark. So: Did you just replace all of these components or swap out seals? Hope that makes sense. Thanks again.
The leak ruined the rubber seal over door on my 2003 SL500 front door, right and left. Anything on fixing?
very nice video. changed 3 cylinders it took me totally less than 3 hours. It can be fast if you are focused and not discussing with friends.
Yup a faulty convertible top on any Mercedes can damn near total out the car if you're not careful
Absolutely! The parts to repair the top are just as expensive as the abc suspension
Oh my God I'm a fast talker but you guys added together having a race to see who can out talk the other is just very distracting...omg
I am surprised no one informed you to replace ALL of the cylinders!
Once one starts leaking they all will, It's just due to age. They are made to fail after 10 to 15 years depending on climate.
Also by replacing only the leaking one the pressure of the system will return to full and the other non leaking ones will start to leak, then you have to go through all that removal trouble again !
But good job showing what it looks like under all that paneling !
It's been over a year and luckily everything is still working properly. Yes, I would agree that it's best to replace them all at once to avoid possible issues like you mentioned.
3:47 I was wondering why mine looked like that 😂
2008 Mercedes Sl 550 I was doing doughnuts and roof won’t go up now. WTF any ideas
Mine is the actual locking cylinder because it leaks in the front corners. So can I still lift the trunk with the button and then use the 40 torx to unlock the roof in that center circle?
Awesome!
Lol you can save money by not buying a Mbz notorious for leaking tops, air suspension, and abc pump. I’m doing one right now at the shop and it’s a nightmare. I highly doubt their top works the same. Pretty sure they sold the car.
My SL 550 has the same leak along the passenger side showing the waving rubber. I was looking for how to remove the panels to get a good look at the leak.
I just went to look at a 2004 MB SL55 at a Honda dealer. It wasn’t on the lot so I went to ask if it was sold. It turned out that they had put the roof down and it wouldn’t go back up. So now they don’t know what they are going to do with it. I looked at it and it looks good. Top is completely down. The sales guy told me they gave the customer 18k for it on trade in. They are asking 21895. I thought about offering 12k. If they send it to auction like that they will be lucky to get 12k for it.
Your correct, there are NOT any good instructions on how to troubleshoot Mercedes convertibles. I have 2008 CLK350 ragtop convertible having issues. Any suggestions where I can find “troubleshooting guidance” on how to repair my ragtop convertible working again. Thank you.
Where are you guys located? My 2006 isn’t leaking anywhere, can hear the pump working but no top operational
how did you know which cylinders are bad?
The top and ABC fluid should be changed out every 5 years max. WHY ? Because it has a lot of additives to make NON FLAMMABLE (almost) these additives turn to sand over time (especially the Pentosin) That's what gives most Mercedes bad reps is lack of proper maintenance.
Great job Guys... But Cut Back on the caffeine...
DE CAFF!!!!!
Sounds very easy🤣
Hey guy, get video and I'm pretty sure I have the same problem. Where did you get parts from?
So basically if you pick one of these up and the top is the issue, just replace all the seals, add fluid, and be done with it?
How much blow did yall do before the video great content maybe just one talks other videos
I have a 2003 sl500 with 60k miles and have a small drip of fluid thats drips onto the passenger seat from the roof window seal area its been like this for 2 years already but it hasent bothered me as i only use the top 1 time a year down in April and up in October and the car sits in the garage most of the time if at some point I want to have this fixed would you be willing to fix the car if i have it brought to Pittsburg ? I am in no rush but I would like to have it fixed at some point
Damn guys, great video but you’ve got to quick talking over each other.
How did you get the headliner off??
I just had a problem with my top today it says on dashboard retractable top is on operating open and close I’m watching this video to see if I can fix my problem, if you guys can help figure out my problem I appreciate it
Hello, have you any experience with error code P0715? I have a 2003 SL500
Sadly, I could not sit through the whole video. How much coffee/caffeine did these two guys have before filming? The speed rate at which these two guys were speaking was giving me anxiety... LoL. It was hard to even follow what they were saying given that they were speaking so fast! Simmer it down guys so we can follow...
That's rude. Why don't you come back when you're well rested and maybe had two or three or five espressos. Are you still slow? You can slow the video down in your options
@@lyleg.9192
Yes, I get that my comment may have came off as "rude" to some readers, like yourself, but that was not the intention. If people will post videos to help other people resolve issues, they should make sure it is clear and easy to follow, otherwise, what's the point??? I do appreciate their effort for sharing. But what about you? Replying to a post I posted 8 months ago??? At this time, it is irrelevant! You wanna talk about slow? Wake up! This was posted 8 months ago! LoL
WHAT WAS THE COMPANY YOU BOUGHT THE CYLENDERS FROM? YOU SAID PUMP HYDRAULICS, I COULD NOT FIND IT
Top hydraulics
Great video, Thank you!! I am in the middle of changing a pump now. How much of the special hydraulic fluid did you use?
If I recall correctly, I think there’s a Full line on the front of the reservoir
there is a min max indicator on the reservoir tank
Guys, I love your videos but why is it that most DIY videos are done at night ?. .. my eyesight it’s not very good . Keep up the good work.
If you guys would quit talking over each other your video would be much better 🙆♂️
please can anybody show me how to remove cable 90 and cable 30 from the front roof to the back
Where you add I have sl500
You guys are f..... hilarious, one is speeching and the other takes over like ego battle, hahahha. congrats for the searching and the video, that looks like a f..... surgery...wtf, I'll pay the mechanic, wtf!
Are you guys near Maryland? Can you fix my SL500 top?
Pittsburgh. That's totally Pittsburghese that they're speaking. 🤣
Thanks for the information on this video, but next time try to learn how to speak one guy at the time
To much jaw jacking, leaving this mayhem!
Waste of time….mostly two guys talking over each other
calm down. It's hard to just listen to you ..
Good grief....see if you can talk faster and at the same time and you can get a tv show advertising caffeine
This could have actually been a useful video, all you needed to do was film the work from beginning to end showing the steps.
Good video but you both are Uber obnoxious talking over each other
Hi
My 2005 SL500 roof will not retract. Trunk opens ok. Can you offer any help? I’ll pay.