PHSWOOD

All of MB's marketing info, on the internet, in print as well as in the Owner's Manuel, indicates that the retractable roof can be raised and lowered at speeds up to 25 MPH. When raising or lowering the roof on my 2020 SL 450, I get a message saying to reduce speed.....not just reduce speed, I have to come to a complete stop for the roof raise or lower. When I asked my salesman why this was the case, he said, " it is what it is." Really!? Is my car an outlier or do any of you have the same experience?

allfortheunion

Are you trying to initiate roof open/close while in motion? You have to be stopped to start the process, I think, but can then go in motion up to the 25mph limit while the roof action completes.

hornethandler

Mine acts the same way. You have to be stopped to activate and then cannot exceed 25 mph while the roof is in motion. I have not personally verified the max speed.

places

I only activate the roof at stand still, can't help.

allfortheunion

MB has a very deceptive video clip up that at one point cuts to an SL in motion with the top retracting. What it doesn’t show is that the car was at a full stop when the retract lever was pulled, THEN the driver starts going.

hornethandler

The devil is in the details, i.e, “The large print giveth and the small print taketh away”.

Utopia Texas

This group keeps harping on tiny details like when the roof opens. Just turn up the surround sound on the stereo and enjoy the ride. Oh, wait....... 😊

allfortheunion

The SmartTop module by modsforcars does allow you to initiate roof open/close while in motion. It also has several other functions that are very convenient.

Wolfman

Mercedes has different systems in different cars. I can open our soft top while driving 35mph. No standstill required. Keep in mind that hard tops are heavy and have much a more complex folding mechanism (rear window-flip, opening trunk) and hydraulics require accurate alignment for them to work as advertised. Wind is the enemy here and they are playing it safe...

The smartop module is cool and quite beneficial but if a hardtop would be out alignment MB would have a case of denying warranty coverage. Just FYI

Streamliner

I would never operate the top while the car is in motion. I don’t know this for a fact, but I feel that the top mechanism—when not locked all the way up or down—is quite fragile and I don’t want anything, like a gust of wind or a bump in the road to jostle it. Call me overprotective, but the last thing I want to chance problems with is the marvelous, retractable top.

Streamliner

Thank you for bringing up THAT wonderful topic! I was driving the SL with the top up yesterday and just thought I’d try a little opera. It hurt my ears, the way Pavarotti came out of the speakers, it was so horrible. I might actually sell the car over this issue. Been thinking about it.

Dr. Manhattan

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Dr. Manhattan

PM me when you're ready...



I believe the the limiting factor for speed vs top operation is probably the air brake...er, deck lid.

hornethandler

“A” types—I’ll include myself in that category—need to know what capabilities are available case we encounter a James Bond moment.

Dr. Manhattan

In an SL, they're all James Bond moments!

Wolfman

Come on, you can spend over $20k for wheels and brakes and then be cheap on the audio? $2-$3k and you can enjoy Pavarotti to your hearts desire

Jcrew

You’re overprotective.
I’m the same way. Why chance it?

Streamliner

It’s not the money. I just cannot get behind the idea that my whole interior will be taken apart. The wheels & brakes were simple bolt-on upgrades. Making the audio system what it should have been in the first place is major surgery. In addition, there is no simple formula for the fix. Everyone (better auto sound shops) has a different idea on how to rework the system. Everyone uses different components, etc. In the end, they will probably stand behind the audio upgrade, but when the squeaks & rattles show up............NO, can’t do it. I’m going to sell the car.

Utopia Texas

Sell you brand new SL? Sacrilege I say....Sacrilege!!!

Streamliner

Ah, nobody will pay my price, so I’ll probably end up giving it to my granddaughter.

Wolfman

I think that you are overthinking the difficulties for audio. Picking a pro installer will yield great results and they can keep it invisible. Most important, the SL panels are easy to deal with and stay rattle-free. Over the years I had the rear quarter panels removed/re-installed. Camera installs, etc. Nothing to it. Unless of course you are to find a reason to move to another car

The reality, of course, is that no car is perfect...

steve sl550

Streamliner,

Go back and look at my posts Re getting the rear speaker to work. Easy panel removal, no damage, no rattles.

AND

If you show an installer what was done on mine he will easily be able to replicate as all used are readily available components

AND

The sound is terrific !

I'm sooooo happy with the car (Sl550 with all options available including ABC but, no B&O) that I'm buying out the lease this month (15,000 miles and the buyout is less than dealer can buy car from MBF for so I'm really happy!)

Look again at my install posts and just do it.....you will be happy.....sound performance so much better filling up the car rather than just focused from front

Really hard to believe MB put in a rear speaker with no way to use it.....nuts but, my fix works great.

Steve

rorywquin

Would you mind providing a link? I was quite happy with my sound system until I had a 2020 C Class on loan last week and it's sound is better than mySL

steve sl550

Rory,
R231 Forum
Search for:
SL550 back speakers PROBLEM SOLVED
See posts:
127, 144, 172, 183, 188, 208, 212, and 214
Steve

rorywquin

Thanks