SL/R129: R129 Series Reference Materials
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
R129 Series Reference Materials
I hope a moderator will see this and decide to “sticky” this post.
I think it would be good to have a “sticky post” that would be a place to collect general information about the R129.
For our own interest, since we all love our cars and want to know all we can about them.
And for the browsers who are trying to learn about the R129. We all want them to buy a R129 and enjoy it as much as we do!
Here is one that helped me decide what to buy 4 years ago.
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/U...ReviewShowAll/
This web page describes the year to year R129 changes. The web page also has a common problem section.
For you newbies ... the R129 being the Mercedes 2 seater roadster convertible series called the SL 500 or SL 600 (was 500 SL in the earlier years) between 1990 and 2002
Please every one pitch in ... post links and book reference material descriptions.
Let's spread the word on what great cars these are!
Enjoy.
I think it would be good to have a “sticky post” that would be a place to collect general information about the R129.
For our own interest, since we all love our cars and want to know all we can about them.
And for the browsers who are trying to learn about the R129. We all want them to buy a R129 and enjoy it as much as we do!
Here is one that helped me decide what to buy 4 years ago.
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/U...ReviewShowAll/
This web page describes the year to year R129 changes. The web page also has a common problem section.
For you newbies ... the R129 being the Mercedes 2 seater roadster convertible series called the SL 500 or SL 600 (was 500 SL in the earlier years) between 1990 and 2002
Please every one pitch in ... post links and book reference material descriptions.
Let's spread the word on what great cars these are!
Enjoy.
Last edited by ChrisB; 12-02-2006 at 10:16 PM.
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
4 years ago I also got a lot from this 1999 Car Review page.
http://www.nctd.com/printversion-rev...m?ReviewID=534
It let me know I was looking at a car that was very special.
http://www.nctd.com/printversion-rev...m?ReviewID=534
It let me know I was looking at a car that was very special.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Another car review from 2002. The last year of the 12 year series.
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n...m/id/20685.htm
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n...m/id/20685.htm
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Here is a reference to the 50 years of SL proud heritage.
http://www.europeancarweb.com/retros...cedes_benz_sl/
http://www.europeancarweb.com/retros...cedes_benz_sl/
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
A well written article informing of year year changes and promoting the second to last engine type.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/r129history.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/r129history.htm
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
An interesting link ... that gives you all the information about your personal Mercedes car by entering the VIN
http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng
http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng
Trending Topics
#10
Banned
#11
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1997 SL500, 1994 Impala SS on steroids, 2007 MV Agusta Brutale 910R
I agree, I dont understand why he keeps comparing the SL to domestic pickup trucks and SUV's. It would make much more sense to compare it to the car it was actually competing against when new, the corvette. All things considered, the C4 and C5 corvettes are even more of a bargain then when new, too bad its such an *******'s car.
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Other R129 Forum links:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...splay.php?f=18
For other points of view.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...splay.php?f=18
For other points of view.
Last edited by ChrisB; 01-21-2007 at 09:14 PM.
#13
ROFLMAO!!!!!
#14
Banned
347 foot-pounds of torque is what shoots the SL500 forward smoothly as if moved by the very Hand of God or a hydraulic carrier jet launcher. Many people exclaim "Jesus Christ!" the first few times they undergo this acceleration to confirm the Hand of the Almighty's involvement.
OK. Scratch Rockwell from the recommended list and slot this one in it's place: http://www.detali.ru/webcat1.aspx?MID=QZX. It is a slightly-old version of the Mercedes Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) that the dealers use to look-up part numbers.
Now to make this a 2-fer add this to your list: http://www.classic-roadster.de. It's auf Deutsch but you can manage fine. Scrolling down the left-side navigation menu and clicking on "Filme & Videos" will lead you to videos that M-B produced for their dealers that show procedures for removing all the main interior components, disassembling the seats, installing a convertible top and more. And if you go through the free registration process you have access to "Teilefinder" -- also on the navigation menu. This looks-up parts and shows pictures of their location on the car.
#15
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Phoenix, AZ USA
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2009 CL63, 2013 GL550
I'm trying to put together as much info as possible on the R129... any feedback is appreciated. Checkout my website:
http://www.brianclifton.com/Mercedes...tail.aspx?ID=2
http://www.brianclifton.com/Mercedes...tail.aspx?ID=2
#16
Banned
I'm trying to put together as much info as possible on the R129... any feedback is appreciated. Checkout my website:
http://www.brianclifton.com/Mercedes...tail.aspx?ID=2
http://www.brianclifton.com/Mercedes...tail.aspx?ID=2
- Speedometer was always electronic
- Odometer switched from mechanical to LED earlier than 1995, never "LCD"
- Climate control changed in 1997
- Remote switched to RF operation in 1997
- Heated seats an option long before 2000
- 1999 has large steering wheel?
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Bradenton, FL
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
'87 560SL Sold, '99 SL500 For Keeps
You have a leaking hydraulic cylinder in one or both of your front latches that hold the tops in place.
To get all the info there is, go to the 1st page of this forum, click on Search, Click on Advanced Search, enter- hydraulic cylinder . Everything you need to know will come up.
Bob
To get all the info there is, go to the 1st page of this forum, click on Search, Click on Advanced Search, enter- hydraulic cylinder . Everything you need to know will come up.
Bob
#19
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1999 Silver SL500
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Bradenton, FL
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
'87 560SL Sold, '99 SL500 For Keeps
Cylinder Repair info and instructions-Front Pair
The front cylinders(any of them for that matter) can be rebuilt for around $50@. The link below contains the rebuilder's contact info and instructions on how to do the front pair.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...aulic+cylinder
This repair used to run about $1K as our friend indicates as MB would change the entire latch assemblies instead of just replacing the failed cylinder for $50.
Bob
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...aulic+cylinder
This repair used to run about $1K as our friend indicates as MB would change the entire latch assemblies instead of just replacing the failed cylinder for $50.
Bob
#21
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
92 500sl, 99 Super BlackBird, X-Type Jaguar
RM European sell new front windscreen cylinders for less than $150 online free us shipping. They take about 15 mins a side to change
#22
Member
heres a link to MB info about the R129 http://www.mercedestechstore.com/r129.htm
lots of tech info + some disassembly info.
check out the "sample before you download" to see some of whats included
and yes it works on a mac
download it, then unzipp it
open the R129 folder
then clicked on "start.html"
lots of tech info + some disassembly info.
check out the "sample before you download" to see some of whats included
and yes it works on a mac
download it, then unzipp it
open the R129 folder
then clicked on "start.html"
#23
SPONSOR
Schematic of top hydraulic cylinder locations, plus detailed DIY removal instructions
We have just added the schematic with the location of all your convertible top cylinders to our website's FAQ section http://tophydraulicsinc.com/faq.html. Thought it might help out many readers on this forum, too, so I'm adding a copy to the bottom of this thread.
I got into the business of rebuilding hydraulic cylinders for convertible tops by first rebuilding my own ones (making mistakes on the way), then helping out friends, and finally launching a real business that can handle volume, has perfect tools for the job, and has strict quality control. I am originally a scientist, and have combined my engineering background and management experience from running high tech businesses in Silicon Valley to build this company with its services. We have developed our own, long-lasting seals that far outperform the OEMs or what other "rebuilders" use. It's been such a great ride thanks to our happy customers, that we have branched out into upgrading ALL Mercedes convertible cylinders, plus Porsche, BMW, VW/Audi, Saab, etc - they all use the same inferior seals that decay too quickly with time...
MOST people can remove and re-install cylinders themselves. The removal instructions linked below are very detailed, with lots of photos. If you don't have much experience, just take your time and you will get there! If nothing else, you can still show the instructions to your mechanic as a way to negotiate a lower, fixed price for cylinder removal... :-)
We offer both an affordable rebuild/upgrade service for all your cylinders (currently $550 for the set of 11 or 12 cylinders, as opposed to you paying some $6000 to the dealer), and an up-front shipping option (aka core exchange) for a slightly higher price plus refundable core deposit. The warranty is three years regardless of the type of fluid used. It's the seal material that makes the difference, outside of good workmanship. Be careful, our moonlighting competitors are charging more and restricting their warranty on the hydraulic fluid - read the fine print!
Here are the links to the detailed removal instructions for the cylinders, and below is a low resolution copy of our diagram showing where the cylinders are located:
Front Lock Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20F...%20Removal.pdf
Rear (Bow Window) Latch Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20R...%20Removal.pdf
Tonneau (Case) Cover Lift Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20T...0Cylinders.pdf
Case (Tonneau) Cover Lock Cylinder(s): http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20T...0Cylinders.pdf
Bow Extension (Window Flip) Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20B...%20Removal.pdf
Main Lift Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20M...%20Removal.pdf
Hope this helps,
-Klaus
klaus@tophydraulicsinc.com
(Click on the picture below, and you will get much better resolution. Go to our website for a crisp image...)
Attached Thumbnails
I got into the business of rebuilding hydraulic cylinders for convertible tops by first rebuilding my own ones (making mistakes on the way), then helping out friends, and finally launching a real business that can handle volume, has perfect tools for the job, and has strict quality control. I am originally a scientist, and have combined my engineering background and management experience from running high tech businesses in Silicon Valley to build this company with its services. We have developed our own, long-lasting seals that far outperform the OEMs or what other "rebuilders" use. It's been such a great ride thanks to our happy customers, that we have branched out into upgrading ALL Mercedes convertible cylinders, plus Porsche, BMW, VW/Audi, Saab, etc - they all use the same inferior seals that decay too quickly with time...
MOST people can remove and re-install cylinders themselves. The removal instructions linked below are very detailed, with lots of photos. If you don't have much experience, just take your time and you will get there! If nothing else, you can still show the instructions to your mechanic as a way to negotiate a lower, fixed price for cylinder removal... :-)
We offer both an affordable rebuild/upgrade service for all your cylinders (currently $550 for the set of 11 or 12 cylinders, as opposed to you paying some $6000 to the dealer), and an up-front shipping option (aka core exchange) for a slightly higher price plus refundable core deposit. The warranty is three years regardless of the type of fluid used. It's the seal material that makes the difference, outside of good workmanship. Be careful, our moonlighting competitors are charging more and restricting their warranty on the hydraulic fluid - read the fine print!
Here are the links to the detailed removal instructions for the cylinders, and below is a low resolution copy of our diagram showing where the cylinders are located:
Front Lock Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20F...%20Removal.pdf
Rear (Bow Window) Latch Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20R...%20Removal.pdf
Tonneau (Case) Cover Lift Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20T...0Cylinders.pdf
Case (Tonneau) Cover Lock Cylinder(s): http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20T...0Cylinders.pdf
Bow Extension (Window Flip) Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20B...%20Removal.pdf
Main Lift Cylinders: http://tophydraulicsinc.com/R129%20M...%20Removal.pdf
Hope this helps,
-Klaus
klaus@tophydraulicsinc.com
(Click on the picture below, and you will get much better resolution. Go to our website for a crisp image...)
Attached Thumbnails
#24
r-129 cov top
just got a r-129 cov top sticks half way up and the bow parts don't land down to the roof checked cylinders for leaks none and level in pump tank is good . checked left bow cylinder and a switch was off so I put it back where is the micro switch for that cylinder ? help RON FROM PORTLAND
#25
SPONSOR
Micro switch assembly for left bow extension cylinder?
just got a r-129 cov top sticks half way up and the bow parts don't land down to the roof checked cylinders for leaks none and level in pump tank is good . checked left bow cylinder and a switch was off so I put it back where is the micro switch for that cylinder ? help RON FROM PORTLAND
we really like to help on this forum, but it is difficult to understand your post. Out of respect for others who are reading your post and replying to it, and to get helpful answers, it would be helpful if you formed full sentences and tried to explain the situation clearly.
If I understand your post correctly, then you have the following situation:
1) Your convertible top stops moving after going half way up.
2) The front of the soft top does not move down towards the windshield (that would be the same as the top going only half way up - what are you trying to say)?
3) You have not found any leaks and the fluid level in the reservoir is good.
4) You checked the left bow extension cylinder and there is no switch on it. (?)
5) You put back the left bow extension cylinder (did you really take it off in the first place, or what did you do?)
Is this correct? Please clarify in an understandable manner, please describe if all other roof functions work, and tell us what work has been done to the hydraulic system so far. That way, we may be able to help you better.
The p/n for the micro switch assembly on the left bow extension cylinder is 1298205510. You can see it in the parts diagram below (attached to the left bow extension cylinder). It attaches to the cylinder with three M3 Phillips screws. There are photos of the cylinder and switch as installed in the car in the DIY removal instructions http://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/R129...%20Removal.pdf.
Klaus
www.tophydraulicsinc.com
The following users liked this post:
pator60 (04-11-2017)