SL/R230: Rookie question - operating hardtop below 40 degrees?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
SL500
Rookie question - operating hardtop below 40 degrees?
Looking at an ‘04 SL500. Had a hardtop issue that was recently repaired. Repair shop tells me it was just a loose electrical connection.
Seller says MB recommends not operating top below 40 degrees (it’s currently 8-brrr!). I can’t find any doc that says not to operate the top - is that a thing?
Will probably wait til it’s warm enough to see the top in action, but just wanted the group’s reaction. Thanks!
Seller says MB recommends not operating top below 40 degrees (it’s currently 8-brrr!). I can’t find any doc that says not to operate the top - is that a thing?
Will probably wait til it’s warm enough to see the top in action, but just wanted the group’s reaction. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
SL500
Found it
Looking at an ‘04 SL500. Had a hardtop issue that was recently repaired. Repair shop tells me it was just a loose electrical connection.
Seller says MB recommends not operating top below 40 degrees (it’s currently 8-brrr!). I can’t find any doc that says not to operate the top - is that a thing?
Will probably wait til it’s warm enough to see the top in action, but just wanted the group’s reaction. Thanks!
Seller says MB recommends not operating top below 40 degrees (it’s currently 8-brrr!). I can’t find any doc that says not to operate the top - is that a thing?
Will probably wait til it’s warm enough to see the top in action, but just wanted the group’s reaction. Thanks!
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
I am guessing the primary reason that the manual states not to operate the top below 5F is because of the possibility of ice that could interfere with its movements. The manual also states that the roll bar should be manually raised when driving in outside temps below 5F. That sounds more like a concern about operating the hydraulic system in very cold conditions. However, there is no caution about operating the trunk lid (for cars equipped with the hydraulic open/close feature) in cold weather. So maybe that is just an oversight on the trunk, or maybe it has nothing to do with the hydraulic system.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 271
Likes: 23
From: Kirkland, WA
2003 SL500
Add to it that car is equipped with windshield washing tank heater and wiper heaters, so it is designed for really cold conditions.
