R129 500SL - hydraulic roof issue

[sinbaddio]

Hi all,

I have a 92 500SL, and the soft top is sporadic to say the least. In fact it now operates by winding manually only. It's been suggested that the seals on the hydraulic rams have perished and the oil has leaked out, rendering them inoperable. Can anyone suggest how big/expensive/complex a job this may be?

Thanks in advance,
Simon.

[PositronicRay]

You can get them re-built. Top Hydraulics in the USA are well regarded.

Have you checked the resevoir?

[Hereward]

As advised above the first thing to check is that the system has enough hydraulic fluid in it. I assume your reservoir is in the boot, under the spare wheel.

Have a read through these threads, too.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1307...

Try to find a specialist, rather than going to a Merc dealer where you will have your pants pulled down.

A long way from you but these people in Dorking, Surrey are well regarded. I live about 5 miles away from them. You are welcome to leave your car at mine for them to collect and work on over the course of a week if you want:
http://www.caymanautos.co.uk/

Edited by Hereward on Saturday 15th October 09:09

[sinbaddio]

Thanks all for the replies - much appreciated. Simon.

[mischaRS]

No contest really, we needed all 12 doing and Klaus at TOP HYDRAULICS in USA had them completely overhauled and back to my mechanic within 2 weeks for well under a grand !!!