SL/R129: soft top help
09-14-2005, 08:47 PM
#1
soft top help
hello friends
I have a 1998 sl600, I just purvhased a new top for my car due to the horrible browning affect I had on my back windows. I just got the top in today and I want to put it on soon. I have a real close friend who is a master technitian for bmw and he said he can put it on. I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of how top install a soft top and instructions on it just to make it easier for him. thank you so much I am very excited due to the fact the soft top now will have tinted rear windows. Will post pictures as soon as it on .
thanks you
hope you guys can help
I have a 1998 sl600, I just purvhased a new top for my car due to the horrible browning affect I had on my back windows. I just got the top in today and I want to put it on soon. I have a real close friend who is a master technitian for bmw and he said he can put it on. I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of how top install a soft top and instructions on it just to make it easier for him. thank you so much I am very excited due to the fact the soft top now will have tinted rear windows. Will post pictures as soon as it on .
thanks you
hope you guys can help
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rickt49 (05-05-2022)
09-14-2005, 08:59 PM
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300SL-24 1992 White
The MB Soft top is quit different from BMW, more complicated. Be careful, the job need a skillful technician. I will try to find some article about it for you, but need time to search.
09-14-2005, 10:16 PM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
I recall recently (don't have time to search the forum right now) that someine had posted a 12 video clip segment series of a master MB technician doing the full soft top removal / replacement.
It was facinating.
Anyone can provide that link for ease of reference?
It was facinating.
Anyone can provide that link for ease of reference?
09-14-2005, 11:22 PM
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09-15-2005, 04:02 AM
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300SL-24 1992 White
Here you are.
(Sorry, originally there are pictures attached, but the post system only accept gif, jpg)
Adjustment of Soft Top
Adjustment of top
Preliminary jobs:
Coupe roof removed (operating instructions)
Cover over center pillar removed, see "Removing and Installing of Top" See: Service and Repair
Perform adjustment work in the order specified
Adjust gap between top and windshield trim strip, items 1-6
Adjust gap between top and side window, items 7-10
Adjust top cap on right and left, items 11-14
Adjust transition betwen front pillar seal and top seal on left and right, items 15-20
Adjust left and right stop screws, items 21-24
Adjust differential switch items 25-26
Adjust left and right cloth holding brace, items 27-29
Adjust locking pin on left and right cloth holding brace, items 30-37
Tension top cover, items 38-53 Check entire operating sequence
Special tools
Self-made tool : Hook
Adjustment work on top
NOTE: If the roof framework has been replaced or removed for repair, reinstall piston rod for main cylinder beginning with item D.
Any spacer plates present on the center pillar must be reinstalled (do not mix up, mark with felt tip pen). If the center column has been replaced using the portal gauge, part No. 129 589 03 23 00, do not reinstall the spacer plates.
Installation instructions for basic adjustment
Fasten top frame on center column so that the washer on the rear mounting screw just covers the elongated hole at the rear (bottom arrow).
A. Adjust gap between top and windshield trim strip
Lock top at front with Allan wrench (vehicle tool kit), cloth holding brace open.
Check gap A: 5 - 6 mm over entire width with special tool part No. 129 589 03 21 00 P.
Note: The gap should not be less than 5 mm , because otherwise the closing forces at the front catches would be too high. If the closing forces for locking and unlocking are too high when the entire operation is tested, spacers can be installed below the locking pins. A rain test must be performed thereafter.
Adjustment
Mark position of locking pin with felt tip pen.
Loosen screw and move locking pin toward rear (gap becomes smaller) or toward front (gap becomes larger) to adjust gap dimension.
Adjust locking pin by moving to one side until it is positioned precisely in the center of the locking receptacle.
Tighten screws.
B. Adjusting gap between top and side windows, left and right
Lock top at front
Check gap dimension A: 1 - 2 mm with special tool, part no. 129 589 03 21 00 P.
NOTE: Check gap at center of side window.
Adjustment
Loosen screws on main bearing and adjust gap by pushing toward front or rear.
Note: Side windows should not touch the flock coating on the seal.
Tighten screws.
Note: If the adjustment of the crank window is changed during repair, check in relation to hardtop and adjust crank window, if required. See: Windows and Glass\Window Glass\Adjustments
C. Adjustment of roof cap, left and right
Up to vehicle ident. end no. 097251 with previous soft top hydraulic system and soft top control.
Lift roof at front (cloth holding brace open) and allow to slide downward while checking that locking pins slide properly into locking receptacle.
Adjustment
Open top and mark position of joint on top frame.
Loosen screws and adjust top cap so that locking pins slide into center of locking receptacle.
Tighten screws.
Locking pin slides into center of locking (arrow) an vehicles with previous soft top hydraulic system and soft top control
As of vehicle ident. end no. 097252 with modified soft top hydraulic system and soft top control (see also Service Information 77/34).
Note: Adjust gap between soft top and side window on left and right according to procedure B., check point at which locking pins enter locking receptacles.
Adjustment
Locking pin makes contact with angled rear section of locking receptacle (arrow) when entering on vehicles with modified top hydraulic system and top control.
Loosen screws on main bearing and adjust position at which locking pins enter locking receptacles by moving main bearing so that the locking pins first make contact with the angled rear section of the locking receptacle when the top is closed.
Tighten screws.
D. Adjustment of transition between seal at top of front pillar and top seal on left and right
Screw off handle recess.
Pull off rubber seal and press off cover with plastic wedge.
Mark position of joint with felt tip pen.
Transition between front pillar seal at top and top seal
Loosen screws and adjust joints so that there is no gap between the seals.
Tighten screws.
Reinstall covering and handle recuse.
E. Adjustment of stop screws on left and right
NOTE: If the top frame has been removed, refasten main cylinder piston rod to main pillar. Use hook (self-made) to pull up. see "Removing and Installing of Top" See: Service and Repair
Lock top at front with top switch (cloth holding brace open).
Attention! Ignition: ON
Screw out stop screw on main bearing until it contacts the main pillar.
Open top.
Tighten counter nut.
F. Adjustment of differential switch
As of vehicle ident. end no. 097252 differential switch eliminated
Attention!
After adjusting the differential switch check the top opening and closing operation at front.
Repeat adjustment procedure (items A - C), until the top opens and closes correctly at the front.
G. Adjustment of cloth holding brace on left and right
Lock top at front (cloth holding brace up).
Loosen bolts, close cloth holding brace and adjust gap between cloth holding rail and fender (dimension a = 5 mm ).
Tighten screws.
H. Adjustment of locking pins on cloth holding brace on left and right
Look top at front, cloth holding brace open.
Attention! Ignition: OFF
Pivot cloth holding brace downward by hand (area of bottom center of window) and check that locking pins run properly into locking receptacle.
Adjustment
Mark position of locking pins with felt tip pen.
Loosen screws and adjust locking pins so that they run properly into locking receptacle at rear (without hitting).
Tighten screws.
Note: If the adjustment path is insufficient the cloth holding brace can be moved to the side.
Adjustment
Mark position of cloth holding brace with felt tip pen.
Loosen screws and adjust cloth holding brace.
Tighten screws.
Attention! After completing the adjustment work check the overall operation of the top a number of times.
J. Tension top covering
Attention! Retighten all tensioning cables after checking overall operation.
a) Upper side tensioning cables
Lock top at front and rear.
Check tension of top covering at side.
Note: The top covering should make tight contact with the side seal.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, open cloth holding brace.
Press headliner to side in area of top of side window.
Tension cable at adjustment screw. Screw out adjustment screw: to tighten cable Screw in adjustment screw: to loosen cable
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Lower side tensioning cables
Lock top at front and rear.
Check contact between side of top covering and rear fender.
Note: The top covering should have hand-tight contact with the rear fender.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, cloth holding brace up.
Tension cable with adjustment screw (center cloth holding brace, side). Screw out adjustment screw: to tighten cable. Screw in adjustment screw: to loosen cable.
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Tensioning cables on rear window
Lock top at front and rear.
Check tension of cable at center of cloth strip between windows.
NOTE: The tensioning cable should feel tight below the top covering.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, cloth holding brace up.
Pull seal out of cloth holding brace in area between windows and tension cable. Screw in adjustment screw: to tighten cable. Screw out adjustment screw: to loosen cable.
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Checking overall operation
After completing the adjustment work check the effect of the cables on the closing and opening operation of the catches at the front and rear.
The following may result if the cables are too tight:
Upper side tensioning cables:
Closing operation at front, cable breaks after a number of operations or stretches.
Lower side tensioning cables:
Cloth holding brace twists. Cloth holding brace closes poorly.
Rear window tensioning cables:
Rear catches releases with a jerk.
Gap between top and windshield trim strip becomes wider when top is closed.
Joint between cloth holding brace and side window changes.
If a change is not noticeable even when the cables are loosened, the cloth tension can be adjusted by simultaneously adjusting the cloth holding brace and locking pins at the rear.
Cloth holding brace down, locking pin forward: increases initial tension.
Cloth holding brace forward, locking pin down: decreases initial tension.
(Sorry, originally there are pictures attached, but the post system only accept gif, jpg)
Adjustment of Soft Top
Adjustment of top
Preliminary jobs:
Coupe roof removed (operating instructions)
Cover over center pillar removed, see "Removing and Installing of Top" See: Service and Repair
Perform adjustment work in the order specified
Adjust gap between top and windshield trim strip, items 1-6
Adjust gap between top and side window, items 7-10
Adjust top cap on right and left, items 11-14
Adjust transition betwen front pillar seal and top seal on left and right, items 15-20
Adjust left and right stop screws, items 21-24
Adjust differential switch items 25-26
Adjust left and right cloth holding brace, items 27-29
Adjust locking pin on left and right cloth holding brace, items 30-37
Tension top cover, items 38-53 Check entire operating sequence
Special tools
Self-made tool : Hook
Adjustment work on top
NOTE: If the roof framework has been replaced or removed for repair, reinstall piston rod for main cylinder beginning with item D.
Any spacer plates present on the center pillar must be reinstalled (do not mix up, mark with felt tip pen). If the center column has been replaced using the portal gauge, part No. 129 589 03 23 00, do not reinstall the spacer plates.
Installation instructions for basic adjustment
Fasten top frame on center column so that the washer on the rear mounting screw just covers the elongated hole at the rear (bottom arrow).
A. Adjust gap between top and windshield trim strip
Lock top at front with Allan wrench (vehicle tool kit), cloth holding brace open.
Check gap A: 5 - 6 mm over entire width with special tool part No. 129 589 03 21 00 P.
Note: The gap should not be less than 5 mm , because otherwise the closing forces at the front catches would be too high. If the closing forces for locking and unlocking are too high when the entire operation is tested, spacers can be installed below the locking pins. A rain test must be performed thereafter.
Adjustment
Mark position of locking pin with felt tip pen.
Loosen screw and move locking pin toward rear (gap becomes smaller) or toward front (gap becomes larger) to adjust gap dimension.
Adjust locking pin by moving to one side until it is positioned precisely in the center of the locking receptacle.
Tighten screws.
B. Adjusting gap between top and side windows, left and right
Lock top at front
Check gap dimension A: 1 - 2 mm with special tool, part no. 129 589 03 21 00 P.
NOTE: Check gap at center of side window.
Adjustment
Loosen screws on main bearing and adjust gap by pushing toward front or rear.
Note: Side windows should not touch the flock coating on the seal.
Tighten screws.
Note: If the adjustment of the crank window is changed during repair, check in relation to hardtop and adjust crank window, if required. See: Windows and Glass\Window Glass\Adjustments
C. Adjustment of roof cap, left and right
Up to vehicle ident. end no. 097251 with previous soft top hydraulic system and soft top control.
Lift roof at front (cloth holding brace open) and allow to slide downward while checking that locking pins slide properly into locking receptacle.
Adjustment
Open top and mark position of joint on top frame.
Loosen screws and adjust top cap so that locking pins slide into center of locking receptacle.
Tighten screws.
Locking pin slides into center of locking (arrow) an vehicles with previous soft top hydraulic system and soft top control
As of vehicle ident. end no. 097252 with modified soft top hydraulic system and soft top control (see also Service Information 77/34).
Note: Adjust gap between soft top and side window on left and right according to procedure B., check point at which locking pins enter locking receptacles.
Adjustment
Locking pin makes contact with angled rear section of locking receptacle (arrow) when entering on vehicles with modified top hydraulic system and top control.
Loosen screws on main bearing and adjust position at which locking pins enter locking receptacles by moving main bearing so that the locking pins first make contact with the angled rear section of the locking receptacle when the top is closed.
Tighten screws.
D. Adjustment of transition between seal at top of front pillar and top seal on left and right
Screw off handle recess.
Pull off rubber seal and press off cover with plastic wedge.
Mark position of joint with felt tip pen.
Transition between front pillar seal at top and top seal
Loosen screws and adjust joints so that there is no gap between the seals.
Tighten screws.
Reinstall covering and handle recuse.
E. Adjustment of stop screws on left and right
NOTE: If the top frame has been removed, refasten main cylinder piston rod to main pillar. Use hook (self-made) to pull up. see "Removing and Installing of Top" See: Service and Repair
Lock top at front with top switch (cloth holding brace open).
Attention! Ignition: ON
Screw out stop screw on main bearing until it contacts the main pillar.
Open top.
Tighten counter nut.
F. Adjustment of differential switch
As of vehicle ident. end no. 097252 differential switch eliminated
Attention!
After adjusting the differential switch check the top opening and closing operation at front.
Repeat adjustment procedure (items A - C), until the top opens and closes correctly at the front.
G. Adjustment of cloth holding brace on left and right
Lock top at front (cloth holding brace up).
Loosen bolts, close cloth holding brace and adjust gap between cloth holding rail and fender (dimension a = 5 mm ).
Tighten screws.
H. Adjustment of locking pins on cloth holding brace on left and right
Look top at front, cloth holding brace open.
Attention! Ignition: OFF
Pivot cloth holding brace downward by hand (area of bottom center of window) and check that locking pins run properly into locking receptacle.
Adjustment
Mark position of locking pins with felt tip pen.
Loosen screws and adjust locking pins so that they run properly into locking receptacle at rear (without hitting).
Tighten screws.
Note: If the adjustment path is insufficient the cloth holding brace can be moved to the side.
Adjustment
Mark position of cloth holding brace with felt tip pen.
Loosen screws and adjust cloth holding brace.
Tighten screws.
Attention! After completing the adjustment work check the overall operation of the top a number of times.
J. Tension top covering
Attention! Retighten all tensioning cables after checking overall operation.
a) Upper side tensioning cables
Lock top at front and rear.
Check tension of top covering at side.
Note: The top covering should make tight contact with the side seal.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, open cloth holding brace.
Press headliner to side in area of top of side window.
Tension cable at adjustment screw. Screw out adjustment screw: to tighten cable Screw in adjustment screw: to loosen cable
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Lower side tensioning cables
Lock top at front and rear.
Check contact between side of top covering and rear fender.
Note: The top covering should have hand-tight contact with the rear fender.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, cloth holding brace up.
Tension cable with adjustment screw (center cloth holding brace, side). Screw out adjustment screw: to tighten cable. Screw in adjustment screw: to loosen cable.
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Tensioning cables on rear window
Lock top at front and rear.
Check tension of cable at center of cloth strip between windows.
NOTE: The tensioning cable should feel tight below the top covering.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, cloth holding brace up.
Pull seal out of cloth holding brace in area between windows and tension cable. Screw in adjustment screw: to tighten cable. Screw out adjustment screw: to loosen cable.
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Checking overall operation
After completing the adjustment work check the effect of the cables on the closing and opening operation of the catches at the front and rear.
The following may result if the cables are too tight:
Upper side tensioning cables:
Closing operation at front, cable breaks after a number of operations or stretches.
Lower side tensioning cables:
Cloth holding brace twists. Cloth holding brace closes poorly.
Rear window tensioning cables:
Rear catches releases with a jerk.
Gap between top and windshield trim strip becomes wider when top is closed.
Joint between cloth holding brace and side window changes.
If a change is not noticeable even when the cables are loosened, the cloth tension can be adjusted by simultaneously adjusting the cloth holding brace and locking pins at the rear.
Cloth holding brace down, locking pin forward: increases initial tension.
Cloth holding brace forward, locking pin down: decreases initial tension.
09-15-2005, 03:37 PM
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09-16-2005, 06:46 AM
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500 SL R129, Blue - 1991. Mini Cooper S, Works Kit Silver - 2007. Mitsubishi FTO, Silver - 1996.
Can I have a copy as well please Morris? Thank you.
b4mmy@mac.com
b4mmy@mac.com
05-05-2022, 12:59 AM
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W211 e500w4m, r129 2001
01-04-2023, 11:40 PM
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f150
Can you email me the Sl129 SoftTop adjust procedure?
I’m gonna need supporting images. 😆
big1block@msn.com
Thank you.
I’m gonna need supporting images. 😆
big1block@msn.com
Thank you.
01-05-2023, 07:25 AM
#15
Member
Where to buy soft top recommendations
Many different soft tops appear when doing a search. What manufacturer have you found to be best??
01-05-2023, 11:25 AM
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f150
Here you are.
(Sorry, originally there are pictures attached, but the post system only accept gif, jpg)
Adjustment of Soft Top
Adjustment of top
Preliminary jobs:
Coupe roof removed (operating instructions)
Cover over center pillar removed, see "Removing and Installing of Top" See: Service and Repair
Perform adjustment work in the order specified
Adjust gap between top and windshield trim strip, items 1-6
Adjust gap between top and side window, items 7-10
Adjust top cap on right and left, items 11-14
Adjust transition betwen front pillar seal and top seal on left and right, items 15-20
Adjust left and right stop screws, items 21-24
Adjust differential switch items 25-26
Adjust left and right cloth holding brace, items 27-29
Adjust locking pin on left and right cloth holding brace, items 30-37
Tension top cover, items 38-53 Check entire operating sequence
Special tools
Self-made tool : Hook
Adjustment work on top
NOTE: If the roof framework has been replaced or removed for repair, reinstall piston rod for main cylinder beginning with item D.
Any spacer plates present on the center pillar must be reinstalled (do not mix up, mark with felt tip pen). If the center column has been replaced using the portal gauge, part No. 129 589 03 23 00, do not reinstall the spacer plates.
Installation instructions for basic adjustment
Fasten top frame on center column so that the washer on the rear mounting screw just covers the elongated hole at the rear (bottom arrow).
A. Adjust gap between top and windshield trim strip
Lock top at front with Allan wrench (vehicle tool kit), cloth holding brace open.
Check gap A: 5 - 6 mm over entire width with special tool part No. 129 589 03 21 00 P.
Note: The gap should not be less than 5 mm , because otherwise the closing forces at the front catches would be too high. If the closing forces for locking and unlocking are too high when the entire operation is tested, spacers can be installed below the locking pins. A rain test must be performed thereafter.
Adjustment
Mark position of locking pin with felt tip pen.
Loosen screw and move locking pin toward rear (gap becomes smaller) or toward front (gap becomes larger) to adjust gap dimension.
Adjust locking pin by moving to one side until it is positioned precisely in the center of the locking receptacle.
Tighten screws.
B. Adjusting gap between top and side windows, left and right
Lock top at front
Check gap dimension A: 1 - 2 mm with special tool, part no. 129 589 03 21 00 P.
NOTE: Check gap at center of side window.
Adjustment
Loosen screws on main bearing and adjust gap by pushing toward front or rear.
Note: Side windows should not touch the flock coating on the seal.
Tighten screws.
Note: If the adjustment of the crank window is changed during repair, check in relation to hardtop and adjust crank window, if required. See: Windows and Glass\Window Glass\Adjustments
C. Adjustment of roof cap, left and right
Up to vehicle ident. end no. 097251 with previous soft top hydraulic system and soft top control.
Lift roof at front (cloth holding brace open) and allow to slide downward while checking that locking pins slide properly into locking receptacle.
Adjustment
Open top and mark position of joint on top frame.
Loosen screws and adjust top cap so that locking pins slide into center of locking receptacle.
Tighten screws.
Locking pin slides into center of locking (arrow) an vehicles with previous soft top hydraulic system and soft top control
As of vehicle ident. end no. 097252 with modified soft top hydraulic system and soft top control (see also Service Information 77/34).
Note: Adjust gap between soft top and side window on left and right according to procedure B., check point at which locking pins enter locking receptacles.
Adjustment
Locking pin makes contact with angled rear section of locking receptacle (arrow) when entering on vehicles with modified top hydraulic system and top control.
Loosen screws on main bearing and adjust position at which locking pins enter locking receptacles by moving main bearing so that the locking pins first make contact with the angled rear section of the locking receptacle when the top is closed.
Tighten screws.
D. Adjustment of transition between seal at top of front pillar and top seal on left and right
Screw off handle recess.
Pull off rubber seal and press off cover with plastic wedge.
Mark position of joint with felt tip pen.
Transition between front pillar seal at top and top seal
Loosen screws and adjust joints so that there is no gap between the seals.
Tighten screws.
Reinstall covering and handle recuse.
E. Adjustment of stop screws on left and right
NOTE: If the top frame has been removed, refasten main cylinder piston rod to main pillar. Use hook (self-made) to pull up. see "Removing and Installing of Top" See: Service and Repair
Lock top at front with top switch (cloth holding brace open).
Attention! Ignition: ON
Screw out stop screw on main bearing until it contacts the main pillar.
Open top.
Tighten counter nut.
F. Adjustment of differential switch
As of vehicle ident. end no. 097252 differential switch eliminated
Attention!
After adjusting the differential switch check the top opening and closing operation at front.
Repeat adjustment procedure (items A - C), until the top opens and closes correctly at the front.
G. Adjustment of cloth holding brace on left and right
Lock top at front (cloth holding brace up).
Loosen bolts, close cloth holding brace and adjust gap between cloth holding rail and fender (dimension a = 5 mm ).
Tighten screws.
H. Adjustment of locking pins on cloth holding brace on left and right
Look top at front, cloth holding brace open.
Attention! Ignition: OFF
Pivot cloth holding brace downward by hand (area of bottom center of window) and check that locking pins run properly into locking receptacle.
Adjustment
Mark position of locking pins with felt tip pen.
Loosen screws and adjust locking pins so that they run properly into locking receptacle at rear (without hitting).
Tighten screws.
Note: If the adjustment path is insufficient the cloth holding brace can be moved to the side.
Adjustment
Mark position of cloth holding brace with felt tip pen.
Loosen screws and adjust cloth holding brace.
Tighten screws.
Attention! After completing the adjustment work check the overall operation of the top a number of times.
J. Tension top covering
Attention! Retighten all tensioning cables after checking overall operation.
a) Upper side tensioning cables
Lock top at front and rear.
Check tension of top covering at side.
Note: The top covering should make tight contact with the side seal.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, open cloth holding brace.
Press headliner to side in area of top of side window.
Tension cable at adjustment screw. Screw out adjustment screw: to tighten cable Screw in adjustment screw: to loosen cable
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Lower side tensioning cables
Lock top at front and rear.
Check contact between side of top covering and rear fender.
Note: The top covering should have hand-tight contact with the rear fender.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, cloth holding brace up.
Tension cable with adjustment screw (center cloth holding brace, side). Screw out adjustment screw: to tighten cable. Screw in adjustment screw: to loosen cable.
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Tensioning cables on rear window
Lock top at front and rear.
Check tension of cable at center of cloth strip between windows.
NOTE: The tensioning cable should feel tight below the top covering.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, cloth holding brace up.
Pull seal out of cloth holding brace in area between windows and tension cable. Screw in adjustment screw: to tighten cable. Screw out adjustment screw: to loosen cable.
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Checking overall operation
After completing the adjustment work check the effect of the cables on the closing and opening operation of the catches at the front and rear.
The following may result if the cables are too tight:
Upper side tensioning cables:
Closing operation at front, cable breaks after a number of operations or stretches.
Lower side tensioning cables:
Cloth holding brace twists. Cloth holding brace closes poorly.
Rear window tensioning cables:
Rear catches releases with a jerk.
Gap between top and windshield trim strip becomes wider when top is closed.
Joint between cloth holding brace and side window changes.
If a change is not noticeable even when the cables are loosened, the cloth tension can be adjusted by simultaneously adjusting the cloth holding brace and locking pins at the rear.
Cloth holding brace down, locking pin forward: increases initial tension.
Cloth holding brace forward, locking pin down: decreases initial tension.
(Sorry, originally there are pictures attached, but the post system only accept gif, jpg)
Adjustment of Soft Top
Adjustment of top
Preliminary jobs:
Coupe roof removed (operating instructions)
Cover over center pillar removed, see "Removing and Installing of Top" See: Service and Repair
Perform adjustment work in the order specified
Adjust gap between top and windshield trim strip, items 1-6
Adjust gap between top and side window, items 7-10
Adjust top cap on right and left, items 11-14
Adjust transition betwen front pillar seal and top seal on left and right, items 15-20
Adjust left and right stop screws, items 21-24
Adjust differential switch items 25-26
Adjust left and right cloth holding brace, items 27-29
Adjust locking pin on left and right cloth holding brace, items 30-37
Tension top cover, items 38-53 Check entire operating sequence
Special tools
Self-made tool : Hook
Adjustment work on top
NOTE: If the roof framework has been replaced or removed for repair, reinstall piston rod for main cylinder beginning with item D.
Any spacer plates present on the center pillar must be reinstalled (do not mix up, mark with felt tip pen). If the center column has been replaced using the portal gauge, part No. 129 589 03 23 00, do not reinstall the spacer plates.
Installation instructions for basic adjustment
Fasten top frame on center column so that the washer on the rear mounting screw just covers the elongated hole at the rear (bottom arrow).
A. Adjust gap between top and windshield trim strip
Lock top at front with Allan wrench (vehicle tool kit), cloth holding brace open.
Check gap A: 5 - 6 mm over entire width with special tool part No. 129 589 03 21 00 P.
Note: The gap should not be less than 5 mm , because otherwise the closing forces at the front catches would be too high. If the closing forces for locking and unlocking are too high when the entire operation is tested, spacers can be installed below the locking pins. A rain test must be performed thereafter.
Adjustment
Mark position of locking pin with felt tip pen.
Loosen screw and move locking pin toward rear (gap becomes smaller) or toward front (gap becomes larger) to adjust gap dimension.
Adjust locking pin by moving to one side until it is positioned precisely in the center of the locking receptacle.
Tighten screws.
B. Adjusting gap between top and side windows, left and right
Lock top at front
Check gap dimension A: 1 - 2 mm with special tool, part no. 129 589 03 21 00 P.
NOTE: Check gap at center of side window.
Adjustment
Loosen screws on main bearing and adjust gap by pushing toward front or rear.
Note: Side windows should not touch the flock coating on the seal.
Tighten screws.
Note: If the adjustment of the crank window is changed during repair, check in relation to hardtop and adjust crank window, if required. See: Windows and Glass\Window Glass\Adjustments
C. Adjustment of roof cap, left and right
Up to vehicle ident. end no. 097251 with previous soft top hydraulic system and soft top control.
Lift roof at front (cloth holding brace open) and allow to slide downward while checking that locking pins slide properly into locking receptacle.
Adjustment
Open top and mark position of joint on top frame.
Loosen screws and adjust top cap so that locking pins slide into center of locking receptacle.
Tighten screws.
Locking pin slides into center of locking (arrow) an vehicles with previous soft top hydraulic system and soft top control
As of vehicle ident. end no. 097252 with modified soft top hydraulic system and soft top control (see also Service Information 77/34).
Note: Adjust gap between soft top and side window on left and right according to procedure B., check point at which locking pins enter locking receptacles.
Adjustment
Locking pin makes contact with angled rear section of locking receptacle (arrow) when entering on vehicles with modified top hydraulic system and top control.
Loosen screws on main bearing and adjust position at which locking pins enter locking receptacles by moving main bearing so that the locking pins first make contact with the angled rear section of the locking receptacle when the top is closed.
Tighten screws.
D. Adjustment of transition between seal at top of front pillar and top seal on left and right
Screw off handle recess.
Pull off rubber seal and press off cover with plastic wedge.
Mark position of joint with felt tip pen.
Transition between front pillar seal at top and top seal
Loosen screws and adjust joints so that there is no gap between the seals.
Tighten screws.
Reinstall covering and handle recuse.
E. Adjustment of stop screws on left and right
NOTE: If the top frame has been removed, refasten main cylinder piston rod to main pillar. Use hook (self-made) to pull up. see "Removing and Installing of Top" See: Service and Repair
Lock top at front with top switch (cloth holding brace open).
Attention! Ignition: ON
Screw out stop screw on main bearing until it contacts the main pillar.
Open top.
Tighten counter nut.
F. Adjustment of differential switch
As of vehicle ident. end no. 097252 differential switch eliminated
Attention!
After adjusting the differential switch check the top opening and closing operation at front.
Repeat adjustment procedure (items A - C), until the top opens and closes correctly at the front.
G. Adjustment of cloth holding brace on left and right
Lock top at front (cloth holding brace up).
Loosen bolts, close cloth holding brace and adjust gap between cloth holding rail and fender (dimension a = 5 mm ).
Tighten screws.
H. Adjustment of locking pins on cloth holding brace on left and right
Look top at front, cloth holding brace open.
Attention! Ignition: OFF
Pivot cloth holding brace downward by hand (area of bottom center of window) and check that locking pins run properly into locking receptacle.
Adjustment
Mark position of locking pins with felt tip pen.
Loosen screws and adjust locking pins so that they run properly into locking receptacle at rear (without hitting).
Tighten screws.
Note: If the adjustment path is insufficient the cloth holding brace can be moved to the side.
Adjustment
Mark position of cloth holding brace with felt tip pen.
Loosen screws and adjust cloth holding brace.
Tighten screws.
Attention! After completing the adjustment work check the overall operation of the top a number of times.
J. Tension top covering
Attention! Retighten all tensioning cables after checking overall operation.
a) Upper side tensioning cables
Lock top at front and rear.
Check tension of top covering at side.
Note: The top covering should make tight contact with the side seal.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, open cloth holding brace.
Press headliner to side in area of top of side window.
Tension cable at adjustment screw. Screw out adjustment screw: to tighten cable Screw in adjustment screw: to loosen cable
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Lower side tensioning cables
Lock top at front and rear.
Check contact between side of top covering and rear fender.
Note: The top covering should have hand-tight contact with the rear fender.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, cloth holding brace up.
Tension cable with adjustment screw (center cloth holding brace, side). Screw out adjustment screw: to tighten cable. Screw in adjustment screw: to loosen cable.
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Tensioning cables on rear window
Lock top at front and rear.
Check tension of cable at center of cloth strip between windows.
NOTE: The tensioning cable should feel tight below the top covering.
Adjustment
Lock top at front, cloth holding brace up.
Pull seal out of cloth holding brace in area between windows and tension cable. Screw in adjustment screw: to tighten cable. Screw out adjustment screw: to loosen cable.
Close top and check tension of cloth.
Checking overall operation
After completing the adjustment work check the effect of the cables on the closing and opening operation of the catches at the front and rear.
The following may result if the cables are too tight:
Upper side tensioning cables:
Closing operation at front, cable breaks after a number of operations or stretches.
Lower side tensioning cables:
Cloth holding brace twists. Cloth holding brace closes poorly.
Rear window tensioning cables:
Rear catches releases with a jerk.
Gap between top and windshield trim strip becomes wider when top is closed.
Joint between cloth holding brace and side window changes.
If a change is not noticeable even when the cables are loosened, the cloth tension can be adjusted by simultaneously adjusting the cloth holding brace and locking pins at the rear.
Cloth holding brace down, locking pin forward: increases initial tension.
Cloth holding brace forward, locking pin down: decreases initial tension.
My email is Big1block@msn.com. Thank you.
01-05-2023, 11:27 AM
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f150
09-06-2023, 07:09 AM
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Mercedes SL300 R129
Hi Morris, could you please email me instructions with photos too?
whelancathal@hotmail.com
Thanks
Cathal
whelancathal@hotmail.com
Thanks
Cathal
09-07-2023, 09:54 AM
#19
Newbie
hello friends
I have a 1998 sl600, I just purvhased a new top for my car due to the horrible browning affect I had on my back windows. I just got the top in today and I want to put it on soon. I have a real close friend who is a master technitian for bmw and he said he can put it on. I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of how top install a soft top and instructions on it just to make it easier for him. thank you so much I am very excited due to the fact the soft top now will have tinted rear windows. Will post pictures as soon as it on .
thanks you
hope you guys can help
I have a 1998 sl600, I just purvhased a new top for my car due to the horrible browning affect I had on my back windows. I just got the top in today and I want to put it on soon. I have a real close friend who is a master technitian for bmw and he said he can put it on. I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of how top install a soft top and instructions on it just to make it easier for him. thank you so much I am very excited due to the fact the soft top now will have tinted rear windows. Will post pictures as soon as it on .
thanks you
hope you guys can help
would consider just replacing the windows
