How to manually raise and lower the soft top on a Mercedes SL R129..you will need the tool that came with the car to do this follow me on twitter / fupabox
6 years later an this video is still a life saver, thank you! I've been waiting for a manual overide tool for a while now an my r129 has been sitting tarped with the windows down and top halfway down lol
You just save me a car, thats for sure! My roof was stuck and I hear a thunderstom comming, after your vodeo, it took me a 8mil. aleen and about two minutes and my roof was on. Thank you men!!!
I have a '97 SL 320 and all the cylinders to raise and lower the rag top need to be replaced to the tune of $8000. I put the hard top on and was about to sell the hardtop cart until I watched your video. Now I may continue to use it as a convertible if I can raise and lower the rag top with the help of your instructions. Thank you. I have enjoyed every minute of my car, with very few major problems for almost 20 years now.
+Kathryn Zotter I agree with the comment Bill added.. there are a few services that will rebuild all your cylinders for under $500 and a good Mercedes independent shop can do the work for around $1000 to remove and re install the rebuilt cylinders
I talked to you about hydraulic cylinders a couple of years ago on my SL. I was always going to get around to it but I haven't and then today it started leaking out of two sides and had to come back home very slowly in the rain holding the top it wasn't quite closed so now I'll be getting at those cylinders and view your video on the subject when I get ready to thanks! Joel
I just want to thank you fupabox for saving me thousands of dollars, dozens of hours and avoidance in breaking many parts, and of course frustration. 97 C280 and 96 R129. Can you borrow a 1996 and newer SL to do a door panel removal. The old 129's are much easier and your video is great. A supplement just talking through the differences would be terrific. Also, be very careful on your motorcycles. Hate to see you hurt. Steve, Blessings to your family.
Steve Schofro I don't know anyone with a newer r129...but I have the service manual page for your door panel here ..then hit next page, there are 5 pages in detail workshop-manuals.com/mercedesbenz/sl_500_(129.067)/v8-5.0l_(119.982)/body_and_frame/doors_hood_and_trunk/doors/front_door/front_door_panel/system_information/service_and_repair/removal_and_replacement/
I have a 98 600 AMG roadster.. thanks for the information you made it look easy... I really enjoy the panoramic glass roof. I've had my car for a year and have not seen the soft top.
just a note for the 1998sl and newer ..... to lock the rear you have to push UP on the lever and insert the top into the latch on both sides .... then just push down on the rear of the top to close fully
Thanks for the video. Although I haven't had a problem at least I have a clue if one occurs instead of being stuck somewhere or having an expensive tow......and hope it's not raining. Will check if I have the tool and if not will get one.
Another of your great videos -- really helped me out today thanks for all you contribute. What wheels are on that car? I'd love to get that type on my '97. Thanks as always.
fupabox, Freakin AWESOME, my top has been locked in the down position at the back and not the manual, mercedes site or anyone has been any help but you. Thanks for showing me the way to unlock the soft top manually from the trunk. Now I've got the top down and having fun again!!!!
Hey thanks a lot for making this video... I just got a 95 SL 600 and the top is perfect, but this surely does help just in case.. I really appreciate u making this video...
Thank you for another great video . Your video helped me lower my top manually,until I can replace the hydraulic seals. Can the roll bar be put up and down manually? And how can I bypass the steering wheel airbag when going to an aftermarket steering wheel and can the SRS dash light be taken out without causing damage to the system (if the airbag is removed completely) ? I've looked for the answers and can't find them. I know you're a smart guy when it comes to the R129. Thank you again.
LOVED the ending.... "taking the top DOWN is just in reverse order, mmm, you'll see a thing when... Ahh, you'll figure it out"... {end of video} Other than the sudden loss of interest during the wrap up, you made a useful instruction video!
Thank you, I now know how to fix my 1991 SL500 as the roof was not releasing from the windscreen as it has been standing for Tooooo Long outside under cover :(
I'm about to change my main lift cylinders because they are leaking. The job calls for the roll bar to be raised to access the work areas. Does the pressure need to be relieved before this?
After putting the roof on manually do you have to put down the roof manually? Or can you just let the car put it down for you once you fix the problem?
Hi. I have a 2000 sl500 and the convetible top isn't working. The top is closed and it won't open. I press the button and hear sounds but nothing goes down. I went to mechanics and the price to fix the roof operation is almost the same price as the current book value of this car. Is there any way I can take the soft top down manually? Once I take down the soft top I can put the hard top on and still be able to use this car safely. I couldn't find anything on the manually on how to raise or lower the top manually.
We have a 1998 500 SL. that we've enjoyed so much since purchasing it at an auction 6 years ago. When we took the hard top off in the spring one of the back latches raised and the other stayed down. Now the soft top won't go up. Can only drive it on sunny days. We have no manual and the tools weren't included. Can we come up and see you on a sunny day?
Thank you for your great video. My problem is a lot akin to your video. I recently had the top lining of my hard top on my 1999 SL500 changed and when we tried to replace it back, the front latch hydraulics leaked. Thanks to numerous videos on you tube, I repaired both pumps for only $15 !!! When I replaced the top and tried to lock it in place, the front latches beautifully did their jobs and locked as they should be. Meanwhile, a new problem occurred - the rear locks would not lock. I tried using the 10mm wrench but the top wouldn't go down. YOU SHOW A RED locking mechanism in your video, but I don't have that. I have a similar one that the wrench fits on which toggles up and down but it doesn't seem to activate the locking mechanism. I DON'T HAVE ANY LEAKS IN ANY OF THE REAR HYDRAULICS... though I am tempted to invest the time disassembling them as I have more rubber seals but it doesn't appear to be the problem. ANY HELP YOU CAN EXTEND? THANKS MUCH.
My first thought is that the hydraulics are out of sync after the rebuild... unplug negative battery cable for 10 minutes (key not in ignition when unhooking or hooking up battery ..and always unhook neg first ) after 10 minutes and hooking neg cable back up... put key in ignition and push and hold passenger window switch to raise window..once up continue holding for an additional 5 seconds..do the same to lower the window and hold 5 more seconds..this teaches the windows what the upper and lower limit is..do the same with the drivers side.Once that is done push the roof button to lower the roof and hold for 30 seconds..then do the same pressing to raise the roof and hold 30 seconds. This should re sync the microswitches that control the hydraulic actuators. Let me know if it works
Thank you so much for your answers. It worked great. It took me several tries to get it working. The first time it did not work, I disconnected the battery, charged it as it was getting low, it did not complete the full cycle. I disconnected it again, now for a little bit longer. I repeated the windows, then went for the roof, it almost completed the cycle except it wouldn’t lock the back locks. One more time...and it worked like a charm. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I just one more issue: the right window does not automatically lower when you open the door and then close about 1/4 inch once you close the door back. I will play the same trick again.
my problem is I had all new parts on the soft top and still leaking it look like now it leaking at the back were the line are can someone help it a 1995sl 500
This video is amazing and so helpful thanks so much. Anyone have a clue which tools/wrenches to buy? Because my car was sold to me without the toolkit, and its such a pain to not let her top down 😑
a 6mm allan head for the front latches and a skinny 10mm open wrench for the rear (bicycle toolkit and motorcycle tool kit wrenches are skinny enough).. if you got a 6mm allan key and the wrench, you could get someone with a welder to weld the key to the closed end of the 10mm wrench and have a perfect home made solution.. The factory ones come up once in a while on ebay but pricey.. heres a place that sells them at a good $ www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/75840/Folding-Top-Mounting-Wrench-1295810066/?cm_mmc=CJ-_-9223372036854775807-_-8307731-_-Folding+Top+Mounting+Wrench+-+Genuine+Mercedes+1295810066&
everything in this video works for me except the last part. There is no tab on the sides and no red lever to pull down. I even pulled back the cover a little on the sides to look for a red lever but I couldn't find it.
I just installed new frontal hydraulic cylinders and locks and tried to lower the top but there seems to be an issue with the control module causing the roll-bar to freak out and soft top to not lower properly. I tried to close it with the button after it froze up and it worked except for the front where the soft top just sits on top of the windshield. I tried to lock it down using the tool but it wont turn at all either direction and i know the new cylinders work, they've locked and unlocked in the past once using the button. I have no idea what the issue is. I lifted the top a bit to check what happens when i try to turn one and it moves a bit then its like it gets caught on something. If you have any ideas or tips id really appreciate it.
unplug the negative battery cable for a few minutes and unscrew the hydraulic fluid fill cap on the pump under the spare tire and then re tighten it...I'm thinking the pressure needs to be relived from the latch system and it needs to be reset.. it works on a fairly simplistic relay system that follows a certain sequence for each step to take place.. if something is out of order, the relays will not enable the next step, and everything gets funky)... then re-hook the battery up again.. next manually raise the top using the tool again ( pressure on the front latch cylinders should now be gone and allow manual turning again) once the roof is latched in place and everything is locked down with the tool, push and hold the power roof button forward as if raising the top... hold the button forward for 20 seconds... then pull the button backwards to lower the roof and once the roof is down continue to hold for 20 seconds... hopefully that will reset it
Fupabox, when I used the wrench to open the latches in the trunk as soon as it opened up I locked the latches back. now when I put the top back up those 2 holes in the rear where the top fastens are closed and I can't get them open, I really would appreciate any help you can offer...thanks.
The big problem you have here is the little covers for the rear locks is only on the first few years, MB did away with that lock and the replacement is very hard to reach, Call Todd @Mercedes Only in Cumming Ga. we rebuild the cylinders and get your top working again alot cheaper than you think it can be done.
+scully less than most older cars of this vintage would.. but some of the issues can be very expensive. I would recommend one to anyone who can do a lot of the servicing themselves, or if you have a good honest mechanic. this car was trouble free for me for 4 years before I sold it.. minor little issues, but no breakdowns or anything like that
this one, and my red one..neither have the rear jump seats...but the cars that have that option can't really use the rear seats unless the driver and passenger are under 5 ft tall..even then only small children or maybe a pet chimpanzee could fit in the back...I think the option was to help with insurance ratings in areas where a back seat would lower premiums...I think I would fit in the trunk more easily :p
A person can sit in the back high on the storage-box if the passenger or driver pull their chair forward to open foot-space, BUT it's very dangerous because 1. Some kid might accidentally pull the seat back breaking the rear-seat passenger's ankle 2. There are no seatbelts in the back so if you hit another car the rear passenger will fly to the next town 3. Since rear passenger's head sticks up over the roof he might get lots of bugs, flying nails and ducks between his teeth.
Hi Fupabox , I'm needing to replace some seals in the hydraulic cylinders of my R129 (build date is 8/94) and therefore have to operate the soft top manually. Since I've owned the car , the rollbar has been down and never been used . There is a rollbar switch ,near the hazard switch on the dash . Can I raise and lower the rollbar using this switch , with the ignition switch turned on , without the engine running ? I read on a MB forum that if the rollbar switch was used with the ignition switch turned on and with the engine not running , that there wouldn't be hydraulic pressure . ( and wouldn't cause cylinder fluid loss )( I think the hydraulic pump needs fluid. ) And can the soft top be used manually while the rollbar is in the up position . Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
The hydraulic pump is electric so with the ignition switch on and engine not running it still requires fluid to pump it up into position . If you want it up ( it will be difficult to get back down without fluid so be sure you want it up ) you can do the following. The hydraulic action on the roll bar is to slowly raise and lower it , but it is spring loaded to snap instantly into place in case of a roll over . This action doesn’t require fluid . Make sure nothing is on or in the way of the roll bar start the car and jack up one side of the car with a floor jack . The level sensor will eventually see this as a rollover as it lifts high enough . Once it senses this , it will instantly snap the roll bar up with a LOT of spring pressure , so be careful .
Hi Fupabox , I appreciate your videos on the R129 . I always go back to them for reference. I have a question, please bear with me . I owned a '95 R129 and a '96 R129 and now own a '97 R129 . I've successfully taken the hardtops off the '95 and '96 without any issues, On the '97 that I recently purchased, the red contact points , to where the wrench is placed , are gone . They look to be broken off ? Each latch look like , they may have been installed on the opposite sides of the car .When you look into the slot , to where the red contact points are to be , there isn't anything that looks , to be where a wrench can go . When the trunk lining is pulled away , to the right , looks to look like a tab is there , to where maybe the red tab was . It's kinda hard to explain without a photo. What are your thoughts on this ? I'm assuming I'll have to replace the latches .The hardtop is on the car , as I bought it and the previous owner , says he's never taken the top off . Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you and best regards.
I don't think I did that one ,, here is the workshop manual section workshop-manuals.com/mercedesbenz/sl_500_(129.068)/v8-5.0l_(113.961)/body_and_frame/roof_and_associated_components/soft_top_-_convertible_top/soft_top_storage_compartment_-_convertible_top_deck_lid_components/soft_top_storage_compartment_cover_-_convertible_top_deck_lid/component_information/service_and_repair/procedures/
hold on ..I read that wrong.. I can't find anything on rebuilding that cylinder, but it is essentially the same as the video I did for the front latch cylinder
Friend I have a problem with my mercedes benz sl 300 the button where it opens and closes the hood every time I activate it does not do anything just flashes in any direction, just like the one on the right of the acent none works, which can be
First try to reset the roof module... unhook the negative battery cable for 1/2 hour ..while the battery is unhooked, turn the light switch to on and press the brakes..this will discharge any capacitors in the cluster that way be storing power. then turn the light switch off before hooking the battery back up. Try the top switch again . If the top moves continue holding the button in that direction for 30 seconds after the top gets all the way down. Then raise the top and hold the switch in place for 30 seconds after the top is up. If nothing is working you will need to check the fuses and microswitches ..
I have a question for you, I followed your directions to manually raise my top but I made a stupid mistake in locking the rear with the top up, now I cant get the mechanism to open back up so I can put the top back down. can you help me with this problem?
Ed Baker to lower it...start with the 2 inside the trunk,that will unlock the soft top at the rear..swing the rear of the soft top so it is straight up and down, then unlock the tonneau cover locks beside the roll bar, open the tonneau cover straight up...you may need to use something to hold it up...then unlock the 2 on the front windshield and fold the whole thing into the tonneau storage area, put the tonneau cover down, then relock it from the trunk
Hi. I'm having issues with my 98 sl320.. compartment doesn't open with by. I opened the compartment with the tool.. but 2 of us couldn't lift the soft top up.. as if it's jammed. Any ideas???
check post #5 on this site.. after 1995 the procedure is a bit different www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1706677-99-sl500-how-manually-lower-raise.html
Aloha From Hawaii Thanks For All Your Videos..!.. My Convertible Doesn't Work As well... So I Just Purchased the Tool To Manually Raise And Lower Soft Top ... In The Trunk Of My 1996 Benz 500SL... I Just Noticed ~ It Doesn't Have The Plastic Covers Like Yours On Each Side ... I Also Don't See Any Red Lever ? Is There A Different Video For My Year ? Mahalo From Captain Jack
your 1996 will not have the plastic access plates as the older cars do (not sure why they don't)..you need to partially pull out the inner trunk liner on each side by the trunk hinge to get to the manual locking lever
***** Wow ~ New Issue ~ When Starting The SL , It Turns Over But Wont Fire Up ... Then The Next Day Is Starts Up ... The Next day It Turns Over But Wont Fire Up (Meaning Wont Start ) .!. Then The Next Day It Starts Up .!. OMG . I Can Go Out All Day long And Runs Perfect . Stop And Start At Least Five Times and Then The Next Day Wont Start .!. 1996 500sl roadster with 100k
eine super straßen lage, läßt sich sehr schön fahren, ein wunder schönes cabrio, mit einer wunder schönen sexy vorm, ich besitze ein sl r 129 300 24 v, bj 93 in blauschwarz metallic, ich liebe mein beby sehr, ein danke schön, an fupapox ⚜️🤗⚜️
Hi, you're my last hope before sending it to a Mercedes dealer. '97 SL500 hard top locked, control switch permanently illuminated, nothing happens. Fuses in trunk checked, all ok, this happened 6 days after last having the roof off. HELP!! Terry
First ;;check the fluid level in the reservoir under the spare tire.. if that is ok, then try unhooking the negative battery terminal for 1 hour.. make sure the key is out of the ignition when unhooking or hooking up the battery.. check the power window fuses as well.. if a window doesn't operate the roof won't work. let me know if either of that works
hello chief, I have the problem, the arch remains blocked in the low position, and nothing works, it only clicks. did you find the problem yourself. Many thanks to you. Cordially
@@fupabox yes only one click at the level of the three solenoids at the rear right of the passenger seat each time you press either the button of the hood or the arch, to open the hood or hood but no action from either of them . and the hoop is stuck lowered. Many thanks again to you for sharing your knowledge of experience concerning it.
Kathryn, the cylinders that run the roof on your 97 320 will cost $350.00 at most to have all of them rebuilt. There are numerous people on eBay offering this service. Nowhere on the planet is it $8,000.00 to fix the roof. If someone quoted you that they are criminals period. The labor is not actually about 23 hours (book rate) however in reality it takes about 8 hours to change all of the cylinders. A "Good and Honest" mercedes shop should charge you no more than $1,000.00 for all the labor and I have seen independents do the job for $500.00
hey can you do a video of fixing a window that dont drop down when opening the door fix please that would be help full also my sl320 doesnt have them tabs in the boot to manually bring down the soft top back part
i meant to say gotta love slk root but i think you got it ^^ did merc ever made this sl with a hardtop ? man i have to say your car ((knock on wood ofc :P )) sounds solid the door closing thump is nice ^^ mine have all kind of parched rubbers in the doors in fact all over the car :P
KingStivan they all came with a removable hard top,as well as the soft top..This one didn't have one...must still be in someones garage somewhere lol...considering that it is in bad shape and will prob. end up a parts car, it is amazing how they were built...you could never build a car today the way this one was built...the center console lid has a hydraulic piston,,double action hinges,pneumatic locking,and 2 micro switches for lighting and anti theft alarm...it all works , made from leather and stainless steel and aluminum,and is solid as a tank....nothing is engineered like that anymore...the solidity of this poor abused old car is amazing :)
mine is just abused there is no solidty in it :P but then again when the slk came they said it has non of the merc`s over engineering :P and if it did then damn who ever had the car ^^
Mercedes really did us in with this terrible hydraulic design I got my hard top back on and I'm not even attempting to take it off until I can get someone to completely fix my hydraulics. And I've been quoted insane prices.
The windows will Never Go in the Down position when there in the Up position Ever there Power windows Meaning the car & you Definitely need a Healthy well cared for Battery, babbaling at 23 thru 27 seconds claim is totally False and highly Disturbing.
Tomorrow. I must check the hydraulic oil and may be change, if not may be the problem is in the pomp. I hope is the oil, if i have some problem. Can imake video and sens to you and may be helpe to solve the problem
Thank you for another great video . Your video helped me lower my top manually,until I can replace the hydraulic seals. Can the roll bar be put up and down manually? And how can I bypass the steering wheel airbag when going to an aftermarket steering wheel and can the SRS dash light be taken out without causing damage to the system (if the airbag is removed completely) ? I've looked for the answers and can't find them. I know you're a smart guy when it comes to the R129. Thank you again.
The control circuit for the rollbar is seperate from the roof controls up until 1995 or 1996 I believe . If the dash switch for the rollbar isn't working you can lock it down by turning the key on with the car not running and force it into the down position and hold until the electronic lock clicks to secure it . To raise it manually is dangerous . You have to essentially hot wire the switch under the rear carpet and make sure you are out of the way because it comes up quickly . There is no way to retain airbag function with an aftermarket wheel except the ones designed to retain the inner airbag section . taking the bulb out of the airbag light will work and cause no issue
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6 years later an this video is still a life saver, thank you! I've been waiting for a manual overide tool for a while now an my r129 has been sitting tarped with the windows down and top halfway down lol
Glad it helped!
Thanks for a great video! I recently bought a 1996 SL320, and you've made me a lot smarter!
You just save me a car, thats for sure! My roof was stuck and I hear a thunderstom comming, after your vodeo, it took me a 8mil. aleen and about two minutes and my roof was on. Thank you men!!!
Great to hear!
what a great video I'm looking at a 320 SL with a bad top and you've taken all my fear away thank you for a great video
My roof stuck halfway this morning, what a really useful video
I have a '97 SL 320 and all the cylinders to raise and lower the rag top need to be replaced to the tune of $8000. I put the hard top on and was about to sell the hardtop cart until I watched your video. Now I may continue to use it as a convertible if I can raise and lower the rag top with the help of your instructions. Thank you. I have enjoyed every minute of my car, with very few major problems for almost 20 years now.
+Kathryn Zotter I agree with the comment Bill added.. there are a few services that will rebuild all your cylinders for under $500 and a good Mercedes independent shop can do the work for around $1000 to remove and re install the rebuilt cylinders
Forgot to say that we love your videos.
I talked to you about hydraulic cylinders a couple of years ago on my SL.
I was always going to get around to it but I haven't and then today it started leaking out of two sides and had to come back home very slowly in the rain holding the top it wasn't quite closed so now I'll be getting at those cylinders and view your video on the subject when I get ready to thanks!
Joel
they seem to know just when the worst time to stop working is . :)
I just want to thank you fupabox for saving me thousands of dollars, dozens of hours and avoidance in breaking many parts, and of course frustration. 97 C280 and 96 R129. Can you borrow a 1996 and newer SL to do a door panel removal. The old 129's are much easier and your video is great. A supplement just talking through the differences would be terrific. Also, be very careful on your motorcycles. Hate to see you hurt. Steve, Blessings to your family.
Steve Schofro I don't know anyone with a newer r129...but I have the service manual page for your door panel here ..then hit next page, there are 5 pages in detail workshop-manuals.com/mercedesbenz/sl_500_(129.067)/v8-5.0l_(119.982)/body_and_frame/doors_hood_and_trunk/doors/front_door/front_door_panel/system_information/service_and_repair/removal_and_replacement/
Thank you for this, you saved my day. And my R129 interior from the rain!
Thanks for this, and all your other videos. They are very informative and useful.
I have a 98 600 AMG roadster.. thanks for the information you made it look easy... I really enjoy the panoramic glass roof. I've had my car for a year and have not seen the soft top.
nice car .. the pano roof is pretty sweet .
love your video and that SL500....my dream car
Thanks dude,mine works fine for now,however Iam always worried mine would have top issues in the future.Now I know how to do it manually.
just a note for the 1998sl and newer ..... to lock the rear you have to push UP on the lever and insert the top into the latch on both sides .... then just push down on the rear of the top to close fully
Wow that’s really good to know. Thanks.
Thanks for your very informative video! Love to learn about my R129!Best regards
Thank you! Informative and well presented.
Thanks bro, you save me! Was very easy to do!
Nesecito Estar con Ustedes !!!
Felicidades !!!
Fabulosa Estrategia !!!!
Saludos
Alfredo
Thank you! Wish we could’ve seen a bit more of the locks near the visors
Thanks for the video. Although I haven't had a problem at least I have a clue if one occurs instead of being stuck somewhere or having an expensive tow......and hope it's not raining. Will check if I have the tool and if not will get one.
Another of your great videos -- really helped me out today thanks for all you contribute.
What wheels are on that car? I'd love to get that type on my '97. Thanks as always.
Super helpful. Thank you for the video. ‘98 SL600 smoke silver over mushroom. Brown fabric top
Thanks i found it so handy.
All the best
Thanks man! Great video!
Thanx for the information
Could u show deep subject about hydraulic on hard and soft top plz
Thank you for the video, big help
fupabox,
Freakin AWESOME, my top has been locked in the down position at the back and not the manual, mercedes site or anyone has been any help but you. Thanks for showing me the way to unlock the soft top manually from the trunk. Now I've got the top down and having fun again!!!!
glad to help :)
Great Video! Thank you! Happy Holidays from Manila! Mine is a 1991 model SL (R129) 🎄
thank you sooooo much saved me a fortune
thanks mate i have been pulling my hair our greetings from the uk
Hey thanks a lot for making this video... I just got a 95 SL 600 and the top is perfect, but this surely does help just in case.. I really appreciate u making this video...
fingers crossed you will never need to use it :)
Danny Milea donde está
sensor de mercedes benz skl 230 1999
cool video now i know how to do manually on my 94 sl500
Great video
Thank you sooooo much saved me a bundle for now you are very helpful
Glad it helped
Thanks, you helped me out a lot. Greetings from Germany
Glad it helped
Hi I need to raise up my roll bar manually. Cheers! Thanks!
Awesome dude😊
Thank you for another great video . Your video helped me lower my top manually,until I can replace the hydraulic seals.
Can the roll bar be put up and down manually? And how can I bypass the steering wheel airbag when going to an aftermarket steering wheel and can the SRS dash light be taken out without causing damage to the system (if the airbag is removed completely) ?
I've looked for the answers and can't find them. I know you're a smart guy when it comes to the R129.
Thank you again.
Brilliant video and great help ...thanks
Glad it helped
LOVED the ending.... "taking the top DOWN is just in reverse order, mmm, you'll see a thing when... Ahh, you'll figure it out"... {end of video} Other than the sudden loss of interest during the wrap up, you made a useful instruction video!
Sorry .. I barely recall doing that vid, so I have no excuse or explanation for my lack of interest at the end . lol.
Excellent very useful
Very helpful thanks
Good job
Thank you, I now know how to fix my 1991 SL500 as the roof was not releasing from the windscreen as it has been standing for Tooooo Long outside under cover :(
excellent instructions! thanks
you are very welcome
great videos
thank you :) hope they help
Thanks,For Your Help !!
Regards!!
You're welcome!
those rims were from an eclass.. but had spacers to make them fit the SL.. offsets must be different
thank you ,i now i know
I'm about to change my main lift cylinders because they are leaking. The job calls for the roll bar to be raised to access the work areas. Does the pressure need to be relieved before this?
After putting the roof on manually do you have to put down the roof manually? Or can you just let the car put it down for you once you fix the problem?
Hi. I have a 2000 sl500 and the convetible top isn't working. The top is closed and it won't open. I press the button and hear sounds but nothing goes down. I went to mechanics and the price to fix the roof operation is almost the same price as the current book value of this car. Is there any way I can take the soft top down manually? Once I take down the soft top I can put the hard top on and still be able to use this car safely. I couldn't find anything on the manually on how to raise or lower the top manually.
We have a 1998 500 SL. that we've enjoyed so much since purchasing it at an auction 6 years ago. When we took the hard top off in the spring one of the back latches raised and the other stayed down. Now the soft top won't go up. Can only drive it on sunny days. We have no manual and the tools weren't included. Can we come up and see you on a sunny day?
+Susan Frize I'll send you a PM on your youtube page
I completely took out my soft top discarded it put on my hart top not getting close in the back so my window wont go up help
5:55 my '99 does not have those two plastic covers so i am unable to work the latches that lock the back of the roof down.
Thank you for your great video. My problem is a lot akin to your video. I recently had the top lining of my hard top on my 1999 SL500 changed and when we tried to replace it back, the front latch hydraulics leaked. Thanks to numerous videos on you tube, I repaired both pumps for only $15 !!! When I replaced the top and tried to lock it in place, the front latches beautifully did their jobs and locked as they should be. Meanwhile, a new problem occurred - the rear locks would not lock. I tried using the 10mm wrench but the top wouldn't go down. YOU SHOW A RED locking mechanism in your video, but I don't have that. I have a similar one that the wrench fits on which toggles up and down but it doesn't seem to activate the locking mechanism. I DON'T HAVE ANY LEAKS IN ANY OF THE REAR HYDRAULICS... though I am tempted to invest the time disassembling them as I have more rubber seals but it doesn't appear to be the problem. ANY HELP YOU CAN EXTEND? THANKS MUCH.
My first thought is that the hydraulics are out of sync after the rebuild... unplug negative battery cable for 10 minutes (key not in ignition when unhooking or hooking up battery ..and always unhook neg first ) after 10 minutes and hooking neg cable back up... put key in ignition and push and hold passenger window switch to raise window..once up continue holding for an additional 5 seconds..do the same to lower the window and hold 5 more seconds..this teaches the windows what the upper and lower limit is..do the same with the drivers side.Once that is done push the roof button to lower the roof and hold for 30 seconds..then do the same pressing to raise the roof and hold 30 seconds. This should re sync the microswitches that control the hydraulic actuators. Let me know if it works
Thank you so much for your answers. It worked great. It took me several tries to get it working. The first time it did not work, I disconnected the battery, charged it as it was getting low, it did not complete the full cycle. I disconnected it again, now for a little bit longer. I repeated the windows, then went for the roof, it almost completed the cycle except it wouldn’t lock the back locks. One more time...and it worked like a charm. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I just one more issue: the right window does not automatically lower when you open the door and then close about 1/4 inch once you close the door back. I will play the same trick again.
my problem is I had all new parts on the soft top and still leaking it look like now it leaking at the back were the line are can someone help it a 1995sl 500
LOOKING FOR ANWSER ASAP THANKS
This video is amazing and so helpful thanks so much. Anyone have a clue which tools/wrenches to buy? Because my car was sold to me without the toolkit, and its such a pain to not let her top down 😑
a 6mm allan head for the front latches and a skinny 10mm open wrench for the rear (bicycle toolkit and motorcycle tool kit wrenches are skinny enough).. if you got a 6mm allan key and the wrench, you could get someone with a welder to weld the key to the closed end of the 10mm wrench and have a perfect home made solution.. The factory ones come up once in a while on ebay but pricey.. heres a place that sells them at a good $ www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/75840/Folding-Top-Mounting-Wrench-1295810066/?cm_mmc=CJ-_-9223372036854775807-_-8307731-_-Folding+Top+Mounting+Wrench+-+Genuine+Mercedes+1295810066&
Thanks so much that's a great help. Any way to turn off the ding sounds that come one when I move?
that is generally caused by the roof being not full latched ..one of the roof microswitches is signally an incomplete closure
everything in this video works for me except the last part. There is no tab on the sides and no red lever to pull down. I even pulled back the cover a little on the sides to look for a red lever but I couldn't find it.
I just installed new frontal hydraulic cylinders and locks and tried to lower the top but there seems to be an issue with the control module causing the roll-bar to freak out and soft top to not lower properly. I tried to close it with the button after it froze up and it worked except for the front where the soft top just sits on top of the windshield. I tried to lock it down using the tool but it wont turn at all either direction and i know the new cylinders work, they've locked and unlocked in the past once using the button. I have no idea what the issue is. I lifted the top a bit to check what happens when i try to turn one and it moves a bit then its like it gets caught on something. If you have any ideas or tips id really appreciate it.
unplug the negative battery cable for a few minutes and unscrew the hydraulic fluid fill cap on the pump under the spare tire and then re tighten it...I'm thinking the pressure needs to be relived from the latch system and it needs to be reset.. it works on a fairly simplistic relay system that follows a certain sequence for each step to take place.. if something is out of order, the relays will not enable the next step, and everything gets funky)... then re-hook the battery up again.. next manually raise the top using the tool again ( pressure on the front latch cylinders should now be gone and allow manual turning again) once the roof is latched in place and everything is locked down with the tool, push and hold the power roof button forward as if raising the top... hold the button forward for 20 seconds... then pull the button backwards to lower the roof and once the roof is down continue to hold for 20 seconds... hopefully that will reset it
Fupabox, when I used the wrench to open the latches in the trunk as soon as it opened up I locked the latches back. now when I put the top back up those 2 holes in the rear where the top fastens are closed and I can't get them open, I really would appreciate any help you can offer...thanks.
Ed Baker is the red light flashing on your roof switch ?
If you don’t have the tool that was used in this video, a long 10 mm wrench and a 6 mm Allen key will do the same thing.
the thinner the better for the 10mm wrench . It will work
The big problem you have here is the little covers for the rear locks is only on the first few years, MB did away with that lock and the replacement is very hard to reach, Call Todd @Mercedes Only in Cumming Ga. we rebuild the cylinders and get your top working again alot cheaper than you think it can be done.
Thank you
Do these cars have many problems ?
+scully less than most older cars of this vintage would.. but some of the issues can be very expensive. I would recommend one to anyone who can do a lot of the servicing themselves, or if you have a good honest mechanic. this car was trouble free for me for 4 years before I sold it.. minor little issues, but no breakdowns or anything like that
Now if I could only find my tool.
Thanks for making this video. Nice to see some real info. Can anybody fit in the rear?
this one, and my red one..neither have the rear jump seats...but the cars that have that option can't really use the rear seats unless the driver and passenger are under 5 ft tall..even then only small children or maybe a pet chimpanzee could fit in the back...I think the option was to help with insurance ratings in areas where a back seat would lower premiums...I think I would fit in the trunk more easily :p
***** I would stay sideways for a joyride in a V12.
G55STEYR lol :)
A person can sit in the back high on the storage-box if the passenger or driver pull their chair forward to open foot-space, BUT it's very dangerous because 1. Some kid might accidentally pull the seat back breaking the rear-seat passenger's ankle 2. There are no seatbelts in the back so if you hit another car the rear passenger will fly to the next town 3. Since rear passenger's head sticks up over the roof he might get lots of bugs, flying nails and ducks between his teeth.
Hesam0000
ducks...lol :)
Hi Fupabox , I'm needing to replace some seals in the hydraulic cylinders of my R129 (build date is 8/94) and therefore have to operate the soft top manually. Since I've owned the car , the rollbar has been down and never been used . There is a rollbar switch ,near the hazard switch on the dash . Can I raise and lower the rollbar using this switch , with the ignition switch turned on , without the engine running ? I read on a MB forum that if the rollbar switch was used with the ignition switch turned on and with the engine not running , that there wouldn't be hydraulic pressure . ( and wouldn't cause cylinder fluid loss )( I think the hydraulic pump needs fluid. )
And can the soft top be used manually while the rollbar is in the up position .
Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
The hydraulic pump is electric so with the ignition switch on and engine not running it still requires fluid to pump it up into position . If you want it up ( it will be difficult to get back down without fluid so be sure you want it up ) you can do the following. The hydraulic action on the roll bar is to slowly raise and lower it , but it is spring loaded to snap instantly into place in case of a roll over . This action doesn’t require fluid . Make sure nothing is on or in the way of the roll bar start the car and jack up one side of the car with a floor jack . The level sensor will eventually see this as a rollover as it lifts high enough . Once it senses this , it will instantly snap the roll bar up with a LOT of spring pressure , so be careful .
Hi Fupabox , I appreciate your videos on the R129 . I always go back to them for reference. I have a question, please bear with me . I owned a '95 R129 and a '96 R129 and now own a '97 R129 . I've successfully taken the hardtops off the '95 and '96 without any issues, On the '97 that I recently purchased, the red contact points , to where the wrench is placed , are gone . They look to be broken off ? Each latch look like , they may have been installed on the opposite sides of the car .When you look into the slot , to where the red contact points are to be , there isn't anything that looks , to be where a wrench can go . When the trunk lining is pulled away , to the right , looks to look like a tab is there , to where maybe the red tab was . It's kinda hard to explain without a photo. What are your thoughts on this ? I'm assuming I'll have to replace the latches .The hardtop is on the car , as I bought it and the previous owner , says he's never taken the top off . Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you and best regards.
It sound s like someone modified it in the past. If you can send me a pic to
twilso1109@rogers.com I can see if anything seems obvious
@@fupabox , thank you fupabox , I sure will .
What is the is the most problem for the soft top no open
is the module or as hidráulica system
Do you have Idea how much this cost to be fixed
?
anywhere from a few dollars to a few thousand .. is your switch flashing "?
Hello i have a quick question. What is the proper name for the arch that is there when the convertable top is off ?
julian tee It's the roll-bar...or rollover protection bar
ON A 98 320 SL CAN YOU JUST USE SOFT TOP HYDRAULIC PUMP IS LEAKING DOES THE PUMP OPERAT ANYTHING ELSE
pump only operates the roof
10mm wrench in case you don't have the tool kit for the car
Thanks, Now I know.....
any vedio on replacing seals part A1298002072 cover lift on 2001 sl500
I don't think I did that one ,, here is the workshop manual section workshop-manuals.com/mercedesbenz/sl_500_(129.068)/v8-5.0l_(113.961)/body_and_frame/roof_and_associated_components/soft_top_-_convertible_top/soft_top_storage_compartment_-_convertible_top_deck_lid_components/soft_top_storage_compartment_cover_-_convertible_top_deck_lid/component_information/service_and_repair/procedures/
hold on ..I read that wrong.. I can't find anything on rebuilding that cylinder, but it is essentially the same as the video I did for the front latch cylinder
Friend I have a problem with my mercedes benz sl 300 the button where it opens and closes the hood every time I activate it does not do anything just flashes in any direction, just like the one on the right of the acent none works, which can be
First try to reset the roof module... unhook the negative battery cable for 1/2 hour ..while the battery is unhooked, turn the light switch to on and press the brakes..this will discharge any capacitors in the cluster that way be storing power. then turn the light switch off before hooking the battery back up. Try the top switch again . If the top moves continue holding the button in that direction for 30 seconds after the top gets all the way down. Then raise the top and hold the switch in place for 30 seconds after the top is up. If nothing is working you will need to check the fuses and microswitches ..
I have a question for you, I followed your directions to manually raise my top but I made a stupid mistake in locking the rear with the top up, now I cant get the mechanism to open back up so I can put the top back down. can you help me with this problem?
Ed Baker to lower it...start with the 2 inside the trunk,that will unlock the soft top at the rear..swing the rear of the soft top so it is straight up and down, then unlock the tonneau cover locks beside the roll bar, open the tonneau cover straight up...you may need to use something to hold it up...then unlock the 2 on the front windshield and fold the whole thing into the tonneau storage area, put the tonneau cover down, then relock it from the trunk
Where is the video of you taking it down
Going to look at a one owner 94 320 with a bad pump for the top 36k miles 4k.. now that i know how to check the top it's worth a look..
thats a great price too.
fupabox I'll let you know how that goes..
@@shartingfish5761 please do..sounds like a steal
Hi. I'm having issues with my 98 sl320.. compartment doesn't open with by.
I opened the compartment with the tool.. but 2 of us couldn't lift the soft top up.. as if it's jammed.
Any ideas???
sounds like the side locks are still engaged
hi how can i unlock them? any videos available
check post #5 on this site.. after 1995 the procedure is a bit different
www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1706677-99-sl500-how-manually-lower-raise.html
Mannn thank you, you saved my car from getin soak and wet, any time you in virginia first beer on me
wet SL is not good...glad to help ..beer always sounds good :)
Aloha From Hawaii
Thanks For All Your Videos..!..
My Convertible Doesn't Work As well...
So I Just Purchased the Tool To Manually Raise And Lower Soft Top ...
In The Trunk Of My 1996 Benz 500SL...
I Just Noticed ~ It Doesn't Have The Plastic Covers Like Yours On Each Side ...
I Also Don't See Any Red Lever ?
Is There A Different Video For My Year ?
Mahalo From Captain Jack
your 1996 will not have the plastic access plates as the older cars do (not sure why they don't)..you need to partially pull out the inner trunk liner on each side by the trunk hinge to get to the manual locking lever
***** Great Response .!.
Here Comes The Sun .!.
First Coffee .!.
Mahalo .!.
***** :)
***** Wow ~ New Issue ~ When Starting The SL , It Turns Over But Wont Fire Up ... Then The Next Day Is Starts Up ... The Next day It Turns Over But Wont Fire Up (Meaning Wont Start ) .!. Then The Next Day It Starts Up .!. OMG . I Can Go Out All Day long And Runs Perfect . Stop And Start At Least Five Times and Then The Next Day Wont Start .!. 1996 500sl roadster with 100k
***** Just Watched The ( Your distributor caps and rotors replacement Video ) My Model Is Different ... But Friends Say This Could Be The Issue ?
eine super straßen lage, läßt sich sehr schön fahren, ein wunder schönes cabrio, mit einer wunder schönen sexy vorm, ich besitze ein sl r 129 300 24 v, bj 93 in blauschwarz metallic, ich liebe mein beby sehr, ein danke schön, an fupapox ⚜️🤗⚜️
Hi, you're my last hope before sending it to a Mercedes dealer. '97 SL500 hard top locked, control switch permanently illuminated, nothing happens. Fuses in trunk checked, all ok, this happened 6 days after last having the roof off. HELP!! Terry
First ;;check the fluid level in the reservoir under the spare tire.. if that is ok, then try unhooking the negative battery terminal for 1 hour.. make sure the key is out of the ignition when unhooking or hooking up the battery.. check the power window fuses as well.. if a window doesn't operate the roof won't work. let me know if either of that works
hello chief, I have the problem, the arch remains blocked in the low position, and nothing works, it only clicks. did you find the problem yourself. Many thanks to you. Cordially
Just clicking ? have you tried pushing down on it slightly as you try to unlock it ?
@@fupabox yes only one click at the level of the three solenoids at the rear right of the passenger seat each time you press either the button of the hood or the arch, to open the hood or hood but no action from either of them . and the hoop is stuck lowered. Many thanks again to you for sharing your knowledge of experience concerning it.
Hi all,
Is it normal that the car arial doesnt have a gasket?
Looking at a car selling and I thought it was a flaw, anyone know?
Google images, it should have a gasket
And great video!!!!
I completely took out my soft top and my window wont go up help anyone 😅😅😅rain snow I'm up north
Kathryn, the cylinders that run the roof on your 97 320 will cost $350.00 at most to have all of them rebuilt. There are numerous people on eBay offering this service. Nowhere on the planet is it $8,000.00 to fix the roof. If someone quoted you that they are criminals period. The labor is not actually about 23 hours (book rate) however in reality it takes about 8 hours to change all of the cylinders. A "Good and Honest" mercedes shop should charge you no more than $1,000.00 for all the labor and I have seen independents do the job for $500.00
+Bill J. Lucas I agree...the $8000 would be a dealer quote to replace all the cylinders with new ones..
hey can you do a video of fixing a window that dont drop down when opening the door fix please that would be help full also my sl320 doesnt have them tabs in the boot to manually bring down the soft top back part
Now I just need to sell my mustang and buy an R129.
gota long the SLK roof ^^ poor guys with soft tops :P
folding hardtop is the best,you're right
i meant to say gotta love slk root but i think you got it ^^ did merc ever made this sl with a hardtop ? man i have to say your car ((knock on wood ofc :P )) sounds solid the door closing thump is nice ^^ mine have all kind of parched rubbers in the doors in fact all over the car :P
KingStivan
they all came with a removable hard top,as well as the soft top..This one didn't have one...must still be in someones garage somewhere lol...considering that it is in bad shape and will prob. end up a parts car, it is amazing how they were built...you could never build a car today the way this one was built...the center console lid has a hydraulic piston,,double action hinges,pneumatic locking,and 2 micro switches for lighting and anti theft alarm...it all works , made from leather and stainless steel and aluminum,and is solid as a tank....nothing is engineered like that anymore...the solidity of this poor abused old car is amazing :)
mine is just abused there is no solidty in it :P but then again when the slk came they said it has non of the merc`s over engineering :P and if it did then damn who ever had the car ^^
Mercedes really did us in with this terrible hydraulic design I got my hard top back on and I'm not even attempting to take it off until I can get someone to completely fix my hydraulics. And I've been quoted insane prices.
Lousey Vidio
The windows will Never Go in the Down position when there in the Up position Ever there Power windows Meaning the car & you Definitely need a Healthy well cared for Battery, babbaling at 23 thru 27 seconds
claim is totally False and highly Disturbing.
Not very clear
I have a better solution: put the hard top on and leave it there forever.
Interesting but camera work is dreadful !!
Yeah it is ☹️ I’ve improved since that vid 10 years ago . I hope 🤞
Thanks bro, you save me! Was very easy to do!
glad it helped
Tomorrow. I must check the hydraulic oil and may be change, if not may be the problem is in the pomp. I hope is the oil, if i have some problem. Can imake video and sens to you and may be helpe to solve the problem
Good job
Thanks
Thank you for another great video . Your video helped me lower my top manually,until I can replace the hydraulic seals.
Can the roll bar be put up and down manually? And how can I bypass the steering wheel airbag when going to an aftermarket steering wheel and can the SRS dash light be taken out without causing damage to the system (if the airbag is removed completely) ?
I've looked for the answers and can't find them. I know you're a smart guy when it comes to the R129.
Thank you again.
The control circuit for the rollbar is seperate from the roof controls up until 1995 or 1996 I believe . If the dash switch for the rollbar isn't working you can lock it down by turning the key on with the car not running and force it into the down position and hold until the electronic lock clicks to secure it . To raise it manually is dangerous . You have to essentially hot wire the switch under the rear carpet and make sure you are out of the way because it comes up quickly . There is no way to retain airbag function with an aftermarket wheel except the ones designed to retain the inner airbag section . taking the bulb out of the airbag light will work and cause no issue