mig1980

Good day everyone. A buddy has a 2004 SL500 with the AMG apperance package. Recently while raising the roof he heard two snaps. It turns out that the two small (about 2" x 7") flaps that open when the roof is raising broke on the tabs. The tabs look very flimsy. He asked a local MB dealer and they quoted him $1200 for him to get those repaired because they would need to change out the two main sections (left and right) of the convertible boot. Any idea if he can buy these parts cheaper and install them himself? if so, where and how?

Thank you.

deliman

You need to replace the entire part the flap is attached to. Dealer Wholesale is about $ 230.00 Ea. Independent will do it way cheaper than the Dealer. Very common problem.

mig1980

Any idea on part numbers for this?

Floridaheli

mig1980,
If you will review the thread "Not sure what this part is called... please help, need replacement!" you'll get a lot of info with part number. I know how to remove the panel and it is not that difficult. If you get stuck end me a pm with your email and phone number.

Deliman,

Can you please tell me where I can get the panel for $230. I've searched the web and the best I've found is $279. My local dealer wants $331 for it.

mig1980

I agree. I would like to know whee I can get it for that price.
Thanks

deliman

My indy put it in for me. Told me he gave me the part at cost. (I help him
with his network). I will double check with him on that price. This was back in the early summer too. So not sure about current price.

Rockn50s

I am looking for these panels used (broken is perfered) as I want to attemp varies fixes that could benefit sl-class R230 owners. Thanks. Rockn50s.

sebi0214

There is actually a fix for this!!
I drilled 2 holes and connected the flap to the body and it works perfectly now.
If you need any help with this, please post YOUR picture of broken parts and i will tell you where to drill and how to do this.

Rockn50s

Thanks so very much for your kindness and post. I am working on a fix that will NOT require taking off the panel and that a 13 year old could do with out any power tools in less than 15 minutes which would sell for an estimated price of arround $25.00. I do believe that I am very close to that solution.

My drivers side plastic is broken where the torsion spring tension connected in addition to all three hing area being broken to the extent that the flap can be removed. I temporarily but a bandaid fix on it with velcro and a rubberband (it does work as least temorarily).

My passenger side plastic is broken on the rear most hing but it still works. So, I merely velcroed it so it may not get worse and blow off.

Again, I am working on a fix that a 13 year could accomplish in 15 minutes or less without power tools and without removal of the panel and that is not dependent on the plastic hinges (which I believe is the weak link).

I have tested many materials and research many product properties to the extent that I am almost ready to field test my ideals.

That being said, I would like to aquire both sides (broken) to test the durability of my fix by thousands of forced up and self downs of the door panel.

That is why I desire the broken panels. Thanks. Rockn50s.

SUECHAS

There was a post on one of the discussion boards that explained drilling a couple holes in the flap, and then using "safety lock wire" to put it on. We did this, and it works great. Dealer wanted "625.00 to replace one side.

Rockn50s

I do have a fix for this problem. I have an attorney working on a patient pending for my simple fix for this problem. The fix uses the original body parts (you must still have the doors) and does NOT require removal of any parts from your MB. It works if the door(s) come off the interior quarter panel, the hinge is only partially broken, and/or the spring is no longer functioning. In addition the fix can be installed a perfectly working door to help prevent the door from breaking in the future. I installed the fix on my passenger's side (which was partially broken), and my 13 year old grandson installed the fix on my driver's side (which was completely off the car). To install the fix takes less that 5 minutes per side. It will cost approximately $35.00 per side plus shipping of $5.00. Although, I have the fix on my car now, but do NOT think I should sell it anyone, while the attorney is working on the patient application. I should have the "patient pending" status very soon. I will start marketing the fix via EBAY very soon. My email address is JMcSpangler@hotmail.com

Stoofpilot

Unfortunately, my drivers side door was missing when I bought the car. I have not wanted to pay $250.00 for the door.

arenaej

I recently contacted Jerry about the fix he was working on as I needed a solution for my 2003 SL500 flaps. He quickly replied and made a set of driver and passenger kits for me. This is an ingenious design that could solve the issue once and for all. It takes 10 minutes per side - including a thorough cleaning of the panels - without removal of the panel from the car. My driver side was missing the spring - no worries as Jerry's fix provides plenty of tension to hold the flap down while driving. My passenger side was fine, but I installed the kit anyway as it will keep the flap in place if the tabs fail. I've convinced him to make some kits available on ebay as it's an issue that many of us have.

cadbob

This may work as well!

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ml#post6642412

Tomcat SL

Great idea and repair kit.
Not installed yet but sure looks like the ticket!

Jerry Spangler

NOW SELLING ON EBAY:

SPANGLER REPAIR KIT is for all 2003 - 2011
Mercedes-Benz SL R230 REAR LEFT AND RIGHT EDGE COVER TRIM PANEL to fix Boot Flap broken spring hinge.

blackr230

Hi, Can you still supply the kits? I have a 2005 SL and both flaps have broken?