SL/R231: Questions about Hardtop
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 239
Likes: 7
15 GLA 45, 09 C63, 06 WRX STi
Questions about Hardtop
I might possibly be a new SL550 owner, but have never own any convertibles let alone an automatic hardtop.
I have a few questions on how these tops work, which I'm assuming will be the same from older models as well.
Can you operate the hard top while the car is moving up to a certain speed?
Can you operate the hard top when the engine is off? (For example the top is down and the car is off/parked/locked can i put the top down using the key? Same if I just drove the car with top down, can I step out of the car and put the top up by holding the lock button or something?)
I have a few questions on how these tops work, which I'm assuming will be the same from older models as well.
Can you operate the hard top while the car is moving up to a certain speed?
Can you operate the hard top when the engine is off? (For example the top is down and the car is off/parked/locked can i put the top down using the key? Same if I just drove the car with top down, can I step out of the car and put the top up by holding the lock button or something?)
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 2
MANY
The top can be operated engine on or off and while standing outside car using the remote key, as the previous guy stated. I didnt try to operate the top while driving but the new SLK 172 top can be operated at slow speeds so I'm assuming the same with new SL. I'll check back when I know more.
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta
2020 S Cabriolet, 2014 SL63, 2002 SL500
I see people commenting about raising or lowering the top while the car is moving. Why would you need to operate the top when you are driving down the road? Yes, my 230 body SL will let you operate it at VERY slow speed(in the driveway),but if I'm doing 25 or more mph,I'd think it would be dangerous to raise or lower the top. I suppose that is why MB has made the 231body top only operate while it's immobile.They tend to be very safety minded with their cars , as a whole.
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
2013 SL550, 2011 E550 4-matic, 2010 S550, 2010 ML350, 2010 BMW X3, 2010 BMW 328i
I tried it again with my 231 and if you come to a stop, then are crawling, going very slow, the top will operate. But I agree that there really is no reason to operate the top while driving. It takes just 15 to 17 seconds to raise or lower the top. The car is more than fast enough to make up that difference! LOL
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 270
Likes: 11
From: Arlington VA
'24 CLE 53
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
2013 SL550, 2011 E550 4-matic, 2010 S550, 2010 ML350, 2010 BMW X3, 2010 BMW 328i
I know, but you can pop the top up or down in much less time than you're stuck at a traffic light. Other than that, pull over. With this said, it would be cool to have one you could pop at 75 on an interstate.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 270
Likes: 11
From: Arlington VA
'24 CLE 53
All true, but I'm astonished about the flexibility I had with my canvas 6 series BMW vs my HT M3. Maybe just unique and rare circumstances for me. Unless I approach a light that has just turned red, I'm very wary of raising the top and holding all behind me at ZERO mph while I address a "personal problem."
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
2013 SL550
All true, but I'm astonished about the flexibility I had with my canvas 6 series BMW vs my HT M3. Maybe just unique and rare circumstances for me. Unless I approach a light that has just turned red, I'm very wary of raising the top and holding all behind me at ZERO mph while I address a "personal problem."
Don't worry about the top. I owned an original SLK and a SL500 and my experience with both tops were amazing. The top is one of the main reasons I went back to the well with the 2013 SL500. If you are thinking of buying one, take the plunge, you will NOT be disappointed!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 270
Likes: 11
From: Arlington VA
'24 CLE 53
;
Thanks. You did miss the point a bit though. I accepted the limitations of a hard top vert when I opted to get an M3. I do thank you for noting that a bit of forward speed is allowable, others have said that's not the case. For the Bimmer HTs you had better be on level ground and stopped completely or it won't move. These threads seem to "evolve" or digress over time. Sorry if I was a party to a slight hijack.
The top opens and closes in less than 20 seconds. More than enough time to cycle it more than once at a red light. The top will work up to 5 MPH so if you want to start creeping away from the light when it changes, I guess you can.
Don't worry about the top. I owned an original SLK and a SL500 and my experience with both tops were amazing. The top is one of the main reasons I went back to the well with the 2013 SL500. If you are thinking of buying one, take the plunge, you will NOT be disappointed!
Don't worry about the top. I owned an original SLK and a SL500 and my experience with both tops were amazing. The top is one of the main reasons I went back to the well with the 2013 SL500. If you are thinking of buying one, take the plunge, you will NOT be disappointed!
