SL/R129: Soft top control module advice needed
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 15
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1996 sl500
Soft top control module advice needed
Hi, does anyone have any experience in opening a 1996 sl500 top module and replacing the Zener diode and capacitors? I read about this on a MB forum once but can't find the exact article. The post stated that's typically what goes wrong with them. I've tried that sort of thing before and found the internal parts had their numbers changed and it was very dificult to match them up with replacement components. Thoughts anyone?
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 475
Likes: 41
From: On the beautiful Oregon Coast
03 SL Kleemann, 97 SL320 pano top, 95 Lorinser E320 Cabrio, Ferrari 360, Tesla X
control module repair
saskjoe,
trying to repair the soft top control module can be very frustrating. There are very few posts on the net, and I think I know which one you are referring to. The modules changed over the years, with the most radical changes from MY '94 to MY '95, when the top controller assumed all roll bar controls and the drop function for the windows was introduced. Thus, parts have been changing a lot.
Some folks have been successful in finding cold solder joints (mostly on on the older ones), some have been lucky in replacing relays. Generally, you have a better chance at finding the problem on a pre-'95 controller.
Let us know what you find, and maybe some successful DIYers can post a few more remarks here...
-Klaus
Klaus Witte, Top Hydraulics, Inc.
We upgrade and rebuild top hydraulic cylinders for Mercedes R129, R170, R171, R230, W124, W208, and W209,
as well as Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Saab, VW, Audi, and BMW convertibles :thumbsup:
Also rebuilding convertible pumps...
www.tophydraulicsinc.com
Check out Mercedes-Benz convertible top hydraulic system diagrams and DIY instructions here:
http://tophydraulicsinc.com/faq.html
klaus@tophydraulicsinc.com
trying to repair the soft top control module can be very frustrating. There are very few posts on the net, and I think I know which one you are referring to. The modules changed over the years, with the most radical changes from MY '94 to MY '95, when the top controller assumed all roll bar controls and the drop function for the windows was introduced. Thus, parts have been changing a lot.
Some folks have been successful in finding cold solder joints (mostly on on the older ones), some have been lucky in replacing relays. Generally, you have a better chance at finding the problem on a pre-'95 controller.
Let us know what you find, and maybe some successful DIYers can post a few more remarks here...
-Klaus
Klaus Witte, Top Hydraulics, Inc.
We upgrade and rebuild top hydraulic cylinders for Mercedes R129, R170, R171, R230, W124, W208, and W209,
as well as Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Saab, VW, Audi, and BMW convertibles :thumbsup:
Also rebuilding convertible pumps...
www.tophydraulicsinc.com
Check out Mercedes-Benz convertible top hydraulic system diagrams and DIY instructions here:
http://tophydraulicsinc.com/faq.html
klaus@tophydraulicsinc.com
Last edited by Top Hydraulics; Oct 4, 2011 at 01:31 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
RST controller rebuilders
Example:
1298203126 1996 to 2002
1298203226 1995 to 1998
1298203926 05/97 to 2002
It's my suggestion that you consider sending your controller to http://www.benzworld.org/forums/2916113-post15.html
Please post on the cost and outcome of your repair!
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 475
Likes: 41
From: On the beautiful Oregon Coast
03 SL Kleemann, 97 SL320 pano top, 95 Lorinser E320 Cabrio, Ferrari 360, Tesla X
Controller repair beyond BBA
Did BBA give a reason? We have a supplier who might be able to do more on late model controllers ('95+). No promises, but worth a try...
Klaus
www.tophydraulicsinc.com
Klaus
www.tophydraulicsinc.com
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
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From: So California
2000 SL500
Please read http://www.benzworld.org/forums/4083108-post11.html for a $400.00 RST Controller.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 6
From: So California
2000 SL500
