SL/R230: sl 550 convertible top, trunk part way open. top stopped working
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
mercedes
sl 550 convertible top, trunk part way open. top stopped working
hey guys i need your help. the convertible top stopped working when i tried to bring the top down. now the trunk is partly open and i cant open the trunk or the top doesnt move. i dont know what to do??
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Check flap limit switches
I would guess there is a limit switch not sensing on the 'flaps' that fold back on the trunk. Common failure point.
The flaps don't fold back tight enough, and the limit switches then don't see them folded. You can see if you can hold one, or the other, of them 'tight' to the trunk while closing the roof. Will take 2 people to accomplish, and could be somewhat dangerous if you are not careful.
If that is the issue, there are DIY posts on how to resolve this problem.
Let us know what the solution is.
The flaps don't fold back tight enough, and the limit switches then don't see them folded. You can see if you can hold one, or the other, of them 'tight' to the trunk while closing the roof. Will take 2 people to accomplish, and could be somewhat dangerous if you are not careful.
If that is the issue, there are DIY posts on how to resolve this problem.
Let us know what the solution is.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Central NH
C300 4MATIC And formerly 73 450SL
I agree this issue is usually brought on by loose trunk flaps. There are a number of different remedies. If you have two 17mm wrenches you may be able to adjust the flaps tighter to the underside of the trunk lid. A 5 minute job. Or you may need to take the actuators apart and reposition the rack and pinion inside them. That takes removing three 10mm nuts and then taking apart the rack and pinion housing with torx driver. A 15 minute job for one side But then adjustment will still be needed afterwards, as well.
Here is the major cause of the flaps getting out of synch. Most times the soft close trunk latch system becomes mal-functioning. When that happens, people start to close the trunk without the soft close feature. And they may tend to SLAM the trunk lid to get it to close tight. When slamming the trunk lid, the flaps get jarred and can break off teeth, or warn teeth of the pinion gear can skip over the rack. This results in the flap getting loose and hanging down from the inside of the trunk lid. Then the limit switch does not function.
Some people have stuck a q tip in the limit switch as a temporary fix to get things to work for one or two cycles.
Here is the major cause of the flaps getting out of synch. Most times the soft close trunk latch system becomes mal-functioning. When that happens, people start to close the trunk without the soft close feature. And they may tend to SLAM the trunk lid to get it to close tight. When slamming the trunk lid, the flaps get jarred and can break off teeth, or warn teeth of the pinion gear can skip over the rack. This results in the flap getting loose and hanging down from the inside of the trunk lid. Then the limit switch does not function.
Some people have stuck a q tip in the limit switch as a temporary fix to get things to work for one or two cycles.
Last edited by Vulcaneer; Jan 7, 2015 at 08:57 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 96
From: Just north of Detroit,Michigan
2012 E350 4Matic P2
Check out the attached Vario Roof Diagnostic aid. I have not had this issue yet with my car so no personal experience to share.
Perform a search here on this forum as well as Benzworld for posts relating to roof issues. It is possible to open and close the roof manually, see attachment.
Good Luck,
Bob
