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I started the convertible top "down" process. The windows went down, the trunk started to raise 3 inches. then it stopped.. will not go up or down. I can hear a motor or pump running but no action. 2011 550 SL
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
First check oil level in the pump. When low, you're loosing oil somewhere and that needs to be addressed first, before anything else. If oil level seems okay it sounds like one of the cilinders leaks internally, causing the system to loose pressure without externally visible leakage. The cilinder pushing up the trunk lid in reverse, sits next to your left tail lamp. Check for leaking oil. In the same spot on the right side is a gas strut that is supposed to support the lifting process. It is often neglected as it quietly wears out, as all gas struts do, and the whole brunt then must be tackled by the cilinder on the left. A failing gas strut should cause no lifting failure (unless it would heavily stick), apart from slowing it down somewhat, but it must be taken care of. Cheap preventative maintenance.
(note: with the trunk lid not fully reversed I don't think you have a micro switch failure)
Last edited by Frederick NL; Aug 9, 2023 at 03:51 AM.
This happened to me as I was moving slowly and hit a bump, it caused one of the flaps to dis-emgage. I held the flap up and pushed the button, luckily it worked !
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Hmmm one disadvantage of the SmartTop, I reckon may hit me one day too. The other one is getting hit or caught by the closing roof, while getting out of the car. Just sayin'.
Like other have suggested, start with checking the pumps fluid level, If the trunk is only moving about 3 inches, that could be the trunk cylinder. Whilst you're checking the pump, also check for leaking hydraulic fluid... It could be a switch too.
First check oil level in the pump. When low, you're loosing oil somewhere and that needs to be addressed first, before anything else. If oil level seems okay it sounds like one of the cilinders leaks internally, causing the system to loose pressure without externally visible leakage. The cilinder pushing up the trunk lid in reverse, sits next to your left tail lamp. Check for leaking oil. In the same spot on the right side is a gas strut that is supposed to support the lifting process. It is often neglected as it quietly wears out, as all gas struts do, and the whole brunt then must be tackled by the cilinder on the left. A failing gas strut should cause no lifting failure (unless it would heavily stick), apart from slowing it down somewhat, but it must be taken care of concrete staining minneapolis. Cheap preventative maintenance.
(note: with the trunk lid not fully reversed I don't think you have a micro switch failure)
My top wont go down. Im going to top off the fluid and find out why its low. Can I buy the fluid off the shelf? What type hydraulic fluid do I ask for at the local parts store?
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
100% no you cannot, please don't put just any liquid in there. Use the right oil. A bottle of it is not exactly cheap, but on the other hand it isn't an amount worth taking the risk of messing things up for. Available at the MB dealer.
There are technically equivalent oils but I don't know about them (not worth the trouble).
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