SL/R230: Roof Top Carrier on SL550
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Roof Top Carrier on SL550
It took awhile to source the parts, but, I finally completed the roof top carrier project for my SL550. This turned out to be a relatively simple DIY project. I did have to modify the carrier box to shift it forward a few inches to clear the trunk when opening.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Project photos
The picture is not a Photoshop job. I admit that the roof top carrier is a little out of place on my SL550. But it is actually very practical. The additional cargo capacity allowed me to sell off my E500.
I attached a few of the project photos showing the rear window trim and A-pillar details.
The roof top carrier box allows me to transport Race Ramps to car shows. And the box on the roof top draws extra attention to my selling space. I had to make some extra mounting pads from black Delrin in order to shift the carrier forward a few inches to avoid a collision with the trunk lid. The instructions for the box say something like, "If the trunk lid hits the box, don't use the automatic trunk opener." I decided it would be safer to modify the box.
A similar system is available for the R170 and R171 SLKs. You can order the Alustyle bars and rails from a dealer in the US, but, you have to obtain the retrofit A-pillar covers and rear window trim from Europe.
BTW, the retrofit kit comes with two pairs of A-Pillar covers. One set is 5mm longer than the other. The instructions (which don't come with the kit) indicate that it is possible to have one long and one short A-pillar on your car. I had two long ones on mine.
If anyone wants the short ones with the access holes mine are for sale. There is a "K" or "L" stamped in the top edge of the A-pillar cover beneath the rubber top seal.
I attached a few of the project photos showing the rear window trim and A-pillar details.
The roof top carrier box allows me to transport Race Ramps to car shows. And the box on the roof top draws extra attention to my selling space. I had to make some extra mounting pads from black Delrin in order to shift the carrier forward a few inches to avoid a collision with the trunk lid. The instructions for the box say something like, "If the trunk lid hits the box, don't use the automatic trunk opener." I decided it would be safer to modify the box.
A similar system is available for the R170 and R171 SLKs. You can order the Alustyle bars and rails from a dealer in the US, but, you have to obtain the retrofit A-pillar covers and rear window trim from Europe.
BTW, the retrofit kit comes with two pairs of A-Pillar covers. One set is 5mm longer than the other. The instructions (which don't come with the kit) indicate that it is possible to have one long and one short A-pillar on your car. I had two long ones on mine.
If anyone wants the short ones with the access holes mine are for sale. There is a "K" or "L" stamped in the top edge of the A-pillar cover beneath the rubber top seal.
Last edited by LAZARU5; Aug 28, 2011 at 01:44 PM.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
The rims are the standard 2008 SL550 rims which were introduced with the 2007 50th Anniversary model. The carrier does exactly what I hoped it would - carries the ramps and serves as a conversation starter at car events.
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