209MAD

Some say that if put your top down frequently, it won't break as often. I'm trying to determine if there's any truth in that...here goes my stats:
3 years ownership SL500, avg about 5 times (open&close) a week, no major issues until now, the flaps just got floppy disrrupting the sequence.

daltex

I've seen window regulators breaking from inactivity on BMW's.
So, may be some truth.

Scotsman

6 months can go by without my roof going down. After 4 years, my only problem has been a bolt coming loose in the mechanism which you'd think would be due to over-use.

ttdang123

I think using it will be better because

1) You got to enjoy it.
2) The comp. will get used and lubricated better (rather than drying out).

I am using mine all the time with the SMART TOP module (not to the point of abusing it). Things do break but at least I know that I get to enjoyed it. (JMO)

IngenereAMG

I think it just depends on the particular car. Logic says that if it gets used, it should work better, but that isn't always the case.

150shot

LOL 6 months can go by without my roof going up!

Scotsman

Ah, the joys of Scotland!

Read somehwhere that more convertibles are sold in the UK than in France, Germany, Italy combined. God knows why! I've a 2 miles drive to/from work and there are times it's debatable whether to chance it! And that's in the summer!

TonyMM

I live in Germany...yes it is true...you can find many convertible here !!! but when you have only a few months /weeks) good weather you need to take 100% of it !!!! this is the first time I drive a convertible and I enjoy it very much !!! each time it goes, I open the roof (even by snow etc...) ...just nice !!!

BlackonBlack

Maybe that's why there are so many convertibles in Southern Cal. The weather is to die for. Where I'm from, we lower our tops only in the evenings when it's cooler. Any earlier, and you'd look silly baking in the scorching heat.

Spoke to my dealer, he is convinced than any part that remains unused for extended amount of time breaks the most often.

ttdang123

We do pay more $$$ for that weather. We call it "weather tax"

Dans_SL

Use it or lose it, but either way, keep all moving parts clean and well lubricated even if you never use it.

TonyMM

the best is always to use them regularly....

if not used, some piece/ joints will have too much pressure on the long term and not work properly.

if used too much, then the pieces will reach rapifly their lifetime

it is like in the real life....too seldom and too often are not good in the long term....

GOODENUF

Maybe relative or not: on my 01 E320 the only time the rear windows went up and down were by guests in the back seat. I had to have both rear window regulators replaced about 6 months apart.
I was told possible reasons were lack of use and/or the window seal stuck.
I use the windows weekly on the 09 E350 and the SL55 now.

doncarld

Dans SL.......do you have, or know of, suggestions for keeping the roof mechanism "well lubricated"?

Dans_SL

Pat Goss on MotorWeek gave all the details about convertible top maintenance.

http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/goss/2831.shtml

ttdang123

I follow this link (from the SLK forum). Works great for me

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170...-1-krytox.html

TonyMM

+1