Manually Lower or Raise a R129 Mercedes SL Soft Top / Hardtop

Dont let the soft top be the deciding factor owning an R129 SL. The hydraulic cylinder seals go bad on the soft top and the roof locks. If you are trying to raise the roof just do the process in reverse.

[JamesKainen]

Amazing. Easy and it worked! I wish you made all the DIY videos on you tube.

[MrFissure]

Thanks for the video!
Ive owned my 1998 500SL for 9 years and one thing I have learned is you had better be handy with tools or you’re going to spend a lot of money on this beauty. I sent my cylinders to top hydraulics to be rebuilt for $650 for the set. They are not easy to replace but there are videos out there that walk you through it. It took me 16hrs. I love driving my r129 and get compliments on it daily. It’s body style is classic, timeless and unique. It’s a damn shame you don’t have the hardtop but you’re right, it looks best top down!

[arakassabian]

A very good video, thank you. I own a 1996 SL280 in silver, I have given up on the hydraulic cylinders, it is the cost of removing an refitting the cylinders by the garage that makes it impossible to fix the system without taking a second mortgage, so I just use the wrench but my SL280 only has one release and not two for lifting the storage flap. Thanks again and enjoy your SL. The R129 is one of Bruno Sacco's most beautiful design after the W140 and the W220 (own an S320 LWB, also in silver), the W220 is nicknamed the Fox for it resembles the eyes and the nose of a fox. Bruno Sacco, an Italian legend, he is 88 now. God bless him.

[b.frantz]

Napoleon Dynamite bought a sl500. Good vid guy.

[alonzocalvillo]

On later model R129s tonneau cover is unlatched on right side only.

[rcvs]

Hello & Thanks for providing the simple instructions allowing me to lower the soft top. I personally enjoy the soft top. It keeps all of the rain out with no difficulties and personally I think the car looks better with the soft top. Your instructions are particularly helpful as I need to pick-up my hardtop from a friends garage. I am in need of a replacement of all of the hydraulic mechanisms which, by the way, can cost up to 1, 400. each. However, in Southern California I have a gentleman (although there are others) that purchase the cylinders rebuilt and they also will replace the cloth top with a German made product matching the original. The entire cost is somewhere around 3, 500.-3, 900.. A remarkable deal if you wish to keep your R129 intact as I do.
Everything on my car, a '92, works. Everthing.
We shouldn't be shy about searching the internet for replacement new or used parts - they are quite available. Thanks again!

[louispeters]

Trying to help a buddy put his top up after failed hydraulic and we couldn't figure out how to latch the back because the lock was engaged. This vid is awesome!

[renemariacauriarte]

Great video, very helpful and easy to follow instructions. Thank you very much. You solved my problem.

[leee]

If you have a caliper, you could measure those dimensions of the open end wrench side, and the hex diameter. If you then need to convert that to metric, take the decimal number, and multiply it by 25.4, as there are 25.4 mm in one inch. Example, if that hex measures .236 inches, multiply that by 25.4, which equals 6mm. Sorry for the long confusion.

[petescarport]

Great video. I used to use a 10mm a wrench and 5mm Allen I think before I got the tool. I have to double check but I think those were the sizes

[michaelreed]

Great video, I just purchased one myself and I would like to know as much information as possible

[rubensoriano]

I have a 94 sl 500, have the problem with one of the cylinders I have to do it manually, I'm going to try this, I don't want to get rid of it. Just gets frustrating. ..
Thanks ..

[rioraton]

You are correct. I have a 92 and one of the main lift cylinders went out after 20 years that I owned it. One of your comments said 650 for the set. I guess that was the good ol days. I paid 200 for 1 rebuilt main and 150 refundable core for a total of 350 from top hydraulics . So, it is not only food and gas going thru the roof.

[chrisdoe]

Nicely done and great to know. Looking at a 320SL with top issue .

[mybnz]

Great video and you have a good demo voice.

[craighyatt]

Hi, BEST VIDEO on this subject I have ever seen! My 1997 R129, SL 320 (same exact color scheme; Midnight Blue, matching cloth and hardtop with Oyster interior) the hydraulic system just leaked out and the top is not fully up yet and I was so disappointed and upset!!! I would like to attempt this, it am not exactly a mechanical guy, so I am hesitant to say the least. I would either sell it or leave the top down, and keep it covered and garaged. I do have the hardtop it what’s the use? At the beach in Maryland, I can definitely drive Topless 10 months out of the year. I lack the confidence to do this correctly. ANY HELP OR THOUGHTS WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. Thanks I’m advance! Peace
(P.S. I just subscribed and want to see your other videos.)

[marioluis]

Which lever do you bump back to get the roof alarm to go off?

[Mr.PigLord]

I’ve been trying to get the hard top back on mine but since the button itself to lock the hard top isn’t working is it still possible to lock the hardtop manually? I can’t get it to lock in

[dr.jackkhorram]

Hello do you still need a hard top I have 3 of them .I am not a dealer just wanted to tell you that .I owned this care over 30 years .

[HighFidelityFox]

If my 2 front cylinders are leaking, and I remove it manually - will the cylinder NOT leak? or will it leak regardless