500SL Hartop Compatibility
 

Greetings:

I recently puchased a 1991 500SL that did not have a hard top. On the internet I found a hard top that originally came off a 1994 500SL but I have seen conflicting information about whether this would fit my 1991. Any help would be appreciated, I can't put the car and the top together to verify the fit before the purchase. In general, is there any rule of thumb about what year's tops will work on the 1991 500SL? I know the body remained largely unchanged for several years running...

Thanks again.

RE: 500SL Hartop Compatibility
 

it's not a matter on what year it was made, but on the last 6 digits of the chassis number.

then you also got glass or steel version. ( the glass could be panoramic... this is out of question).

the production for the car ends on june 1998. and only two kinds was produced that could make your 50/50 error.

they are up to WDB129*** *F 043809 and WDB129*** *F 107603

check your VIN number and think about it.

in my opinion, you got it 90% compatible... but you might need to order the parts kit for subsequent installation, and depending also on outside paint, equipment code and special equipment.

RE: 500SL Hartop Compatibility
 

Sleepwalker:

Thanks for your posting. The owner of the hardtop had sold the car that it originally came with, so we can't match the numbers up. I am going to drive down next week and actually try the fit. You mentioned the possible need for a parts kit for subsequent installation, could you possibly expound on that? What is it, what does it include, how would I know I need it, etc. Since I have had no experience with the hard tops my plan was to follow the directions in the owner's manual and see if the top will go on. Is there any potential for me screwing something up with this approach? I assumed the linkage points would either match up or not and that would tell me. Are there other considerations I should be looking at when I try this? Thanks again for your assistance.

RE: 500SL Hartop Compatibility
 

just some seals, screws or whatever is missing since you will try the roof anyway.

putting on the hard top is very easy. just push the switch to close position and it will lock itself.

if it doesn't come down easily, you might need to help it by pushing down a little, or making sure that the alignment was good.

connect the wire on the side (b-pillar).