SL/R230: SL500 with Non-functional Vario Roof - Good buy?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
SL500 with Non-functional Vario Roof - Good buy?
Hey guys,
As some of you know, I'm looking for an R230. I've found an SL500 (2003, ~60K miles) for a good deal. The car looks immaculate, however the various roof is "not working" and "disconnected."
It is in Michigan and I'm from WI. I'm trying to gain as much knowledge on the platform as possible but I'd like your input.
Also I'm a frequent on the forums with my W204 and DIY nearly everything so no worries there.
I didn't plan on using the roof (if at all) however, I'd like to know:
Will there be constant errors even without use?
Cost of diy range of potential fixes (ex. $5 flap/free to $1000 hydraulic system, etc)
I appreciate the help. If it's a good buy I'll try and jump on it, as I'm looking for it to be a project car.
As some of you know, I'm looking for an R230. I've found an SL500 (2003, ~60K miles) for a good deal. The car looks immaculate, however the various roof is "not working" and "disconnected."
It is in Michigan and I'm from WI. I'm trying to gain as much knowledge on the platform as possible but I'd like your input.
Also I'm a frequent on the forums with my W204 and DIY nearly everything so no worries there.
I didn't plan on using the roof (if at all) however, I'd like to know:
Will there be constant errors even without use?
Cost of diy range of potential fixes (ex. $5 flap/free to $1000 hydraulic system, etc)
I appreciate the help. If it's a good buy I'll try and jump on it, as I'm looking for it to be a project car.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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Get SDS and scan for codes. Also, there is a really good diagnostic guide published by MBZ:
http://benzbits.com/r230/Roof/VarioR...gnosticAid.pdf
http://benzbits.com/r230/Roof/VarioR...gnosticAid.pdf
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Thank you, that PDF is very useful.
Overall, it is not an extremely difficult system to deal with?
As long as I am not getting errors everytime I would turn on the car, I'd be fine taking my time to fix it. If it does give error just by turning on car, it may be too bothersome to attempt buy and then fix it...
Overall, it is not an extremely difficult system to deal with?
As long as I am not getting errors everytime I would turn on the car, I'd be fine taking my time to fix it. If it does give error just by turning on car, it may be too bothersome to attempt buy and then fix it...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 271
Likes: 23
From: Kirkland, WA
2003 SL500
Thank you, that PDF is very useful.
Overall, it is not an extremely difficult system to deal with?
As long as I am not getting errors everytime I would turn on the car, I'd be fine taking my time to fix it. If it does give error just by turning on car, it may be too bothersome to attempt buy and then fix it...
Overall, it is not an extremely difficult system to deal with?
As long as I am not getting errors everytime I would turn on the car, I'd be fine taking my time to fix it. If it does give error just by turning on car, it may be too bothersome to attempt buy and then fix it...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
That's good to hear, I'll look it over and see if I can make my way over there. Thank you for the help!
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
From what I’ve read, the majority of roof problems can be traced to:
the hydraulic pump, which gets wet and fails, or runs out of fluid from...
fluid leaks from cylinders, there are 11 I believe, but the main culprit is the top latch at the front.
Switches and sensors, which the Vario Diagnostic PDF walks thru. Most switches just need adjustment, like a zip tie attached.
There is less than $1000 in repairs for all of these, but you will have to purchase a $3-500 SDS to keep and work on this car.
Sounds like a great buy and fun project.
the hydraulic pump, which gets wet and fails, or runs out of fluid from...
fluid leaks from cylinders, there are 11 I believe, but the main culprit is the top latch at the front.
Switches and sensors, which the Vario Diagnostic PDF walks thru. Most switches just need adjustment, like a zip tie attached.
There is less than $1000 in repairs for all of these, but you will have to purchase a $3-500 SDS to keep and work on this car.
Sounds like a great buy and fun project.
