dblagent007

We were putting the hard top on a 1997 SL500 tonight and accidentally hooked the front of the hard top before putting the back latches in the holes. Now the front is locked so that we can't get it off and the back is sitting up with the metal latches resting on the top of the car. We tried to cycle the mechanism that connects the front of the hard top to release it, but we had no luck. In fact, fluid leaked out near the visor on the passenger side.

Does anyone have any suggestions???

BJonesFL

Welcome to the Forum dblagent007. You'll have a little bit of work ahead of you...none difficult, just multi-step in nature.

First, if you have an owner's manual, the manual lock/unlock procedure is in there, including pictures of the steps. If you don't have a hard copy, you can download one at - http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...load-site.html . With the instructions, you'll also need the MB specific top wrench that should be/should have been in the toolkit in the trunk. This so-called special tool is available at any Dealer for about $12-$13 and is used to release the allen head nuts holding the front latches closed. These nuts/screws are accessed by removing the small 1" oval covers on the header just above the windshield...pull the visors down and you'll see them; they simply pry off to expose access to the release mechanism. Do not use the automatic top button on the console any further. Since you've already discovered leaking fluid, you have a broken seal in the latch assembly and you're just wasting fluid. The top wrench is also used to open/close the boot cover and lock down the rear latches once you get the front clear. Just follow the directions....you'll just be doing manually what the top system is supposed to do automatically.

Next, you will need to get the hydraulic cylinder's repaired/rebuilt at your convenience. Do both of the front ones as if one is bad, it's 'mate' isn't far behind. Use the Search tool in this forum as the procedures have been written up more than once about how to remove the broken cylinders, who to send them to for repair (around $30 + shipping) and how to reinstall.

Last, you'll need to buy hydraulic fluid to replenish what you lost in leaks. MB's is frightfully expensive so I use Febi/Bilstein (OEM) P/N 02615 fluid at half the cost. When you put the rebuilt cylinders in, replenish the hydraulic pump in the bottom of the trunk under the spare tire to the line marked on the canister/tank.

Again, none of this is hard or complicated, just step by step and take your time. Post your progress or problems, this has happened to many of us and we'll all be glad to help out. Good Luck-

Bob