jstefanop

iTrader: (1)

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?)

jstefanop

iTrader: (1)

No previous SL owners to chime in here??

geharmon

While the car is moving - No.
While the car is off - Yes. You can put the roof up or down using the fob.

Re: the 2013l, I would assume so.

George

NJProTech

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.

RichardB

The top on the 2013 will not operate if the car is moving.

Helmut430

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.

RichardB

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

BigHat

Guess you haven't ever been stuck in traffic when it started to rain.

RichardB

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.

BigHat

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."

Jim A

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!

BigHat

;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.