ChrisB

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.

ChrisB

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.

ChrisB

Another car review from 2002. The last year of the 12 year series.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n...m/id/20685.htm

ChrisB

Here is a reference to the 50 years of SL proud heritage.

http://www.europeancarweb.com/retros...cedes_benz_sl/

ChrisB

A well written article informing of year year changes and promoting the second to last engine type.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/r129history.htm

ChrisB

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

ChrisB

JD Power survey:

http://www.edmunds.com/used/1998/mer...s_jdpower.html

Just Some Guy

Thanks for all the links. I am currently shopping for a SL500 and the articles are very informative.

ChrisB

http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/index.htm

Ken's web page seems to be updated & expanded?

bobterry99

Yes, now there is even more misleading and factually incorrect information than before. An interesting read just the same. Highly recommended. Just don't make a purchasing decision based on what you read there.

Just Some Guy

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.

ChrisB

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.

99_SL_Sport

You really got to be in awe of the man's way with the words: "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."

ROFLMAO!!!!!

bobterry99

No way! Did Ken really write that?...[checking]...WOW.

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.

Mr_Clifton

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

bobterry99

I only looked at the list of changes. I spotted a few inaccuracies -- there could be many more:

• 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?

Marcos Passos

why oil is leaking from my visor 2000 sl 500

BJonesFL

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

cleoh99sl500

Had this problem with my car as well. Told that if not repaired, roof will not go up and down.

Dealer charged about 1k for repair.

Haven't found a good after market shop for repairs yet.

BJonesFL

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

Poundy

RM European sell new front windscreen cylinders for less than $150 online free us shipping. They take about 15 mins a side to change

leapyfish

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"

Top Hydraulics

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

strickland6133

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

Top Hydraulics

Ron,

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