I have leaking servos and would like to disconnect the hydraulic system in order to make it a manual system. I only use the car in perfect weather but would like to be able to manually raiseand lower the top without forcing the hydraulic fluid through the servos. Has anyone done this? Does anyone have diagrams of the system? Thanks Mike

 

The hydraulic cylinders are problematic in our cars. Luckily we found a rebuilder who rebuilds them better than new for around $30@ + shipping and warrants for 3 yrs. Install and removal is simple for the fronts, and a tad more complicated for the others. Anyone with basic skills should be able to get the old ones out, sent to the rebuilder and keep your top automatic. If you decide to go this way, check out this other site that has aggregated all there is to know about these tops and systems. I'm unaware of anyone disconnecting everything and making a manual operation, although I suspect it's possible. Here's the link...
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...er-system.html

Bob

 

Mike, the R129 Service Manual DVD has all the information that you are looking for at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/2379407-post1.html

 

I just found this site and I hope someone out there can help me out. I have a 1991 Sl 500 convertible and I recently replaced the left front cylinder or drivers side. It leaked for awhile until I figured out what it was and now it is back together, My top does not work properly. It seems as though it is low on fluid and also seems to be functioning backwards. Can you bleed or replace this fluid and if so were is the fluid container located at? I am guessing under the hood but not sure? Thanks for all reply's! Steve

 

in the trunk not sure where exactly on your car but its definatly there, below the spare tire or on the sides

 

My 1999 SL320 hood pauses on opening and needs a slight flick-up manually on the rear near side(uk). Is there a sensor that I should/can clean? It all seems ok when closing. I have bbeen told about the rervoir in the boot but not yet looked for it and I expect that low fluid would be affecting other hood functions.

 

Guys, go through the recent threads on this site and you will see I explained how to do the manual top retraction/extension to another member. You will need the tool that is in the white plastic cover in your tool kit by your spare tire, it is a thin wrench that also has an allen key on the opposite end. The instructions on how to use it are printed on the white plastic tool pouch. Questions, you can call my cell at 305-310-3866.
On the top hydraulic system the hyd. tank is located in the trunk under the spare tire, remove the tire and you will see it. just make sure it is on the full line when you cycle the top several times and use the fluid that Merc. recommends. Do not overfill or it will bleed out into the trunk. The more that you cycle the system, the better it will work as you disconnected it to replace the cylinder and you have air in it. The air will bleed out automatically through the top of the tank as you use it. Just take your time and think it through, it is not brain surgery. You have my number if you need it. Dave