SL/R230: SL550 Open/Close Top via Fob
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
From: Olympia, WA
SL550
SL550 Open/Close Top via Fob
Should all SLs (230 era) be able to open and close the top via the fob, or is there a feature or option that needs to be added or turned on?
I have a 2008 SL550 with a top that opens via the main controls with no issues. Whis the car off I can still open it under battery operation. I cannot seem to open or close it via the fob. If the roof is closed, and the windows down, pressing the lock does at least close all windows.
I've read on the forums here a lot of info about how to troubleshoot a roof that doesn't open, including possible error messages, and bad trunk battery, but I think I missing something else. Is it possible just my car doesn't have this option?
Thank you in advance! Lots of great info here, and was very happy to use it when purchasing my SL.
I have a 2008 SL550 with a top that opens via the main controls with no issues. Whis the car off I can still open it under battery operation. I cannot seem to open or close it via the fob. If the roof is closed, and the windows down, pressing the lock does at least close all windows.
I've read on the forums here a lot of info about how to troubleshoot a roof that doesn't open, including possible error messages, and bad trunk battery, but I think I missing something else. Is it possible just my car doesn't have this option?
Thank you in advance! Lots of great info here, and was very happy to use it when purchasing my SL.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 184
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Point the key at the IR receiver (small smoked acrylic plate) in the driver's door handle and you can open and close the roof from outside the car.
There was an issue with earlier cars with this feature where the board inside the door failed, which is an easy fix, but if it's working, then it will open and close this way, at least on a 2005.
There was an issue with earlier cars with this feature where the board inside the door failed, which is an easy fix, but if it's working, then it will open and close this way, at least on a 2005.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 365
From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
I generally have to hold the fob within a couple inches of the IR window for it to work. I have done it to try it, but I always just use the console switch as that seems easier than holding the fob with button down for the whole cycle.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 13
From: Indianapolis
2009 SL550 2009 SL63
Plus 1 on the remote key fob install. that IR sensor is mediocre at best, if it breaks the signal for a second (which happens a lot) the whole process just stops. Mods4cars has your back. I have this in mine and it works like a champ. Hit the unlock button 3 times on your fob, boom, top and windows go down.
Was like 300ish bucks, totally worth it. Took like 20 minutes to install.
Was like 300ish bucks, totally worth it. Took like 20 minutes to install.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Second the suggestion on mods4cars unit. In addition to using the key fob to open and close, you get the capability to open and close while underway up to a speed limit you set up during installation. It so happened my unit was incorrectly assembled and with vendor support was able to work around it.
