SL-Class (R129) 1990-2002: SL 280, SL 300, SL 320, SL 500, SL 600, SL 60 AMG

SL/R129: Convertible top operation

Old Aug 15, 2023 | 09:48 AM
  #1  
Ohmann's Avatar
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From: Norfolk Va
2003 SL500 1991 190E 2.3 2011 ML350 1998 SL500
Convertible top operation

Ladies and gentlemen
Replaced all 11 cylinders about 1 year ago 1998 SL500 84k miles
Top operates as designed
It only works with engine off and key turned on. Shouldn’t work with engine running??
Thank You
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Old Aug 21, 2023 | 07:22 AM
  #2  
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From: Nashville
SL 500
Take a look at your manual. It should say engine off and key in position number 2.
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Old Aug 21, 2023 | 07:34 AM
  #3  
Ohmann's Avatar
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From: Norfolk Va
2003 SL500 1991 190E 2.3 2011 ML350 1998 SL500
Thank You
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Old Aug 21, 2023 | 11:25 PM
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From: Lutz, FL
1997 MB SL600
Mine works with the engine running or off, but it's a 97.
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Old Jan 22, 2026 | 11:32 AM
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Mine is an early 2010, but only has 50,000 miles. Still like the car, but it does have some issues and all will be costly to correct since it is an M-B. Ironically, can get an indy to repair some issues, but he has to go to M-B to get the expensive parts.
Some things I just learned to live without - Easy in and out failed after 3 years and replaced under warranty (dealership had car three days). Failed again 3 years later, not replaced. AUTO HVAC is acting up in Spring and Fall, but works normally in Summer in Winter. Have a work around that works, so not a problem I can't live with. Light switch is an early 2010 version and headlights come on in garage, but then do not turn off when driving in bright sunlight. So I can turn them Off, wait about 10-15 minutes and reset to Auto, but if forget and leave in Off, the right side parking lights come on in middle of night. Had to replace garage door opener system but Homelink in M-B cannot register to it. So just have the opener on visor. Can get a unit that "translates" the signal, but not worth it as I seldom open or close the garage door.
Other than that, everything works OK. Love the Music Register (Over 1,000 "songs"), 6 CD changer, cruise control, seat warmers, easy to use navigation and phone, etc. Love the buttons - simple and effective.
Keep up with maintenance items, but may delay a year or two on some things due to low mileage. Replaced fuel filter last year - do every 15 years per M-B. Actually M-B standard is replace filter and BOTH fuel pumps at same time. Dealer charged over $1,500. Potentially very messy job.
Before COVID I was considering getting an SUV, but then COVID caused huge price increases and they have not come down enough yet. Looking at Japanese or Korean. But Benz is hanging in there and I do like driving it and being in it.
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Old Feb 5, 2026 | 07:53 AM
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Mine is 1998 and works with engine running.
unrelated but may be related: I had issue where I could only adjust driver seat with door open. Turned out to be burnt fuse that was connected to cigarette lighter. Replaced fuse and seat adjusted with door closed. Check all your fuse, front and the ones in the trunk.
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Old May 17, 2026 | 10:15 AM
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From: NewEngland, SouthFlorida
E350,GLK350,Ducati
My 2011 GLK350 722.9 transfer case is being repaired for the 2nd time due to ebay parts. At $1500 a pop it's time to sell it for parts. The rest of the cars is fairly good, all 4 wheel bears have about 10k on them. AMG 20" wheels, Michelins have about 20k . Original grey paint.

Last edited by celyl888; May 17, 2026 at 10:43 AM.
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