Hello,

We have a 1999 500SL, yesterday we tried installing the hard top for the 1st time. We had removed it in the spring with no problems. I consulted the owners manual before I started. It seemed like a simple enough task, each post was placed in the correct sockets. When the button was pushed it pulled down everywhere correctly except the drivers rear post didn't get pulled in. That post won't go down, the system (is it hydraulic or pneunatic?) whirred but nothing happens. Unfortunately, when trying to release the top nothing at all happens.

So there we are, the top is partially installed but won't go any futher down, and can't be released to start over. As it is not a daily driver, I parked in until I determine if there was a solution beyond taking it to the Dealer.

Any suggestions

Please ref. to the following description:

... Loosen screws and adjust locking pins so that they fit into the lock receptacles without hitting in the center (width of vehicle) and rear areas (longitudinal vehicle direction).

Anyone needs the "Hard top adjustment" document file, list your e-mail in reply.

System is hydraulic. You probably have a blown fuse and the hydraulic pump is not working. According to my dealer which repaired mine, the fuse is in the contrller which is located under the passenger side storage compartment.

The ruber seals on the hard top are brobably hard...try again with someone's help pushing,works for me.
After a day or so unlock the top and lock it again,you shoudn't have any problem locking it.

this happened to me last year, drove me nuts.

Ended up pushing the roof button back and forth again and again until it released the roof correctly.

same thing hapended to me.

i think i just manuely put the back ones in. and then i just screwd with it untill it just popped off.
Mark

I had trouble with my '99 SL and took it to the dealer. He showed me the two rear holddown releases that are accessable form the trunk. There is a tool in the factory supplied tool kit in the trunk that will release/reposition these latches. I don't know if this will help you or not. My problem was much the same as yours. I tried to put the top on at the end of the summer last year and one of the real latches would not enguage the top and pull it down; however, I was able to reverse the procedure and take the top off. I then went to the dealer with the top off and had him show me how to fix it -- Good Luck To You!!!!

Thanks for your insight. It has been a busy week and I have not had a chance to deal with this yet. I will post the solution

My top stays off from April till Oct..every year..and never jams..the secret,
I keep spraying the holes with WD40[or Sonax] whenever I wash the car in summer to keep the holes lubricated and moisture free..back and front...
It might help...