GreazyDeigo

Hi all! New member here.

2003 SL 500

Top doesn't work. When I open the trunk there are 2 flaps, 1 on each side, with a cushion to protect the top. The driver side is up tight, the passenger side drops. I pick it up, it drops again. Is there a spring or something I need to find to fix this? Can it be fixed or do I have to replace the whole thing? Any one know the part number so I can find it online?

Thanks! Mike

Stoofpilot

My MB service manager tod me that it is caused by the wires stretching and that he sees it all the time. His answer is to replace them with wires from 07 or newer at a cost around $500.00 for both.

nsxguy

All you need is this P/N: 230-750-01-11 it comes in a pair.Most of the problem I seen is on the right side but since the parts come in a pair might as well change both.

dscabra

I just had this repair done by the stealership for $519.00. The parts that are needed (230-750-01-11) cost $64.00 and there is a thread (found it too late) on this forum that shows you how to do the repair yourself in less than an hour.

GreazyDeigo

Guys, you all know more about this than I do (trust me on that), but you're suggesting I replace a cable. It really doesn't look like the cable that's broke. Something is supposed to hold the arm in place and it isn't. Are you sure the cable is the way to go? (For $65 I'm not gonna argue it). Also, any suggestions on an online parts store? I can't seem to find anything promising.

DS - Is there a way to copy and paste the link into a reply here so I can read it?

nsxguy

its not the cable , go here and follow this gentleman DIY https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...y-fix-diy.html

dscabra

You beat me to it!

GreazyDeigo

I'm going to order those new brackets in about a week and try it, but I'm still not convinced. I was looking at mine last night and it looks like the cylindrical connector that runs perpendicular into the bracket, maybe there's a gear in there or something. I guess I'll just have to try it and find out.

TwinCam

I just had my left flap done earlier this week when the top stopped working and the left flap was hanging down about 3 inches. The dealer received some "goodwill assistance" from MB and the total cost was $425. They replaced the side flap drive (part 776374) and electric motor (part 230-820-19-42). My car is an early 2007, but only has 13,000 miles on it. The right flap failed last October while the car was under warranty. I tried to get the dealership to put the upgrade on both flaps at that time, however, they would only fix the drooping flap under warranty. TwinCam

GreazyDeigo

See the thing is that one flap is drooping about 2 or 3 inches, but the other one is completely loose. Not drooping, completely hanging. If I open the trunk it drops straight down. That's why I don't think it's the bracket. I'm going to replace the bracket cause for $50 it can't hurt, but I think there is a gear or something I'm going to find broke or stripped once i take the brackets down.

robdog

Dude, I had the exact problem about a month after buying my '05 (used). It is a gear - it's not stripped but the part bends under stress and won't engage properly. To be clear, the gear teeth are at the end of the cable (see image 3 in the DIY post) and slide into the bent part you are replacing. It's a common problem and a $500+ repair at MB. Follow the DIY in post #6 above and it will solve your prob. Follow it EXACTLY, it's an easy DIY, just make sure you hold the flap tight against the trunk lid while installing the new part. Took me about 20 minutes per side (parts come as a pair so just change both while your hands are dirty).

Part is the same price at MB as online so go to the dealer. They've been beefed up since the oem part.

Good luck!

GreazyDeigo

UPDATE!!

Ok, so long story ... as short as possible...

I ordered the parts, they came in today. Tricky, pain in the ***, but a guide wasn't necessary. 3 nuts, 2 torques, and the thing fell right off. Took a little while to get the teeth to line up. WHILE this probably was a good move for $50, and it did lead me to exactly what I thought the problem was (teeth weren't lined up), it didn't fix the problem. The trunk is back together now and my top still doesn't work.

I flip up the top controller and try to put the top down and the red lights on the controller flash and I get a picture on the display of the top half open. I then go to the rollbar, which isn't functioning either.

ROLLBAR - I tore the trim off the inside of the car. On the passenger side is a clear plastic box, the relays to tell the computer that the rollbar is up or down perhaps? I play with the relays. I hit the rollbar button and this black arm extends all the way up. I hit the other button and the arm retracts all the way back down. It clicks. Now I can't get it to come back up again. It wasn't connected to anything on top, but I can tell it's supposed to be. WTF!! Dealer diagnostic said "open circuit" but I'm thinking you're suggested $50 part fixed that. So what now? I don't have hair to pull out...

robdog

Sorry - no idea. Try contacting NikleinR6 on this forum (from the DIY link above #6). He's helped me with a few DIY things and saved me about a grand over MB repairs - he knows his stuff.
Like women, these cars are beautiful but they can be complicated and expensive *****es! Good luck!

purefct

I found the same thread as nsxguy
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...l?#post5386705

It's an awesome proceedure! I ordered the part from parts.com, cost $48.99 with CA tax and shipping When you order it says Qty 1 but you are getting two brackets in the order. Took me 25 min on first side (reading, thinking, tool collection), then less than 10 for the second!

The stronger brackets P/N 2307500111 are all you need! I inspected the ones I removed and there was a slight bend in them, allowing the gears to slip!