SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Software Update to Fix Vario Roof?

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Old Apr 12, 2022 | 07:32 PM
  #1  
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2013 SL550
Software Update to Fix Vario Roof?

The convertible roof on my 2013 SL550 stopped working. The tech at my local MB dealer says that a $750 software update will fix the problem. It seems strange to me that a software update would fix this rather than replacing a sensor or a piece of hardware. I've had this car since new and never had a problem. Anyways does this sound normal? I am not going to pay for the software update if it doesn't fix the issue.
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Old Apr 12, 2022 | 08:09 PM
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$750 for a software update is excessive. I'll look to see if there’s a TSB on this, (I don’t believe there is) but my guess would be something is “getting lost in translation” between service writer and mechanic. My guess is, they will reset the Vario Roof via SDS/XENTRY.

What message do you get on your dashboard?

Last edited by crconsulting; Apr 12, 2022 at 08:27 PM.
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Old Apr 12, 2022 | 08:38 PM
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The roof is closed and there is no message on the dashboard when trying to open the roof.
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Old Apr 12, 2022 | 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Scheissemeister
The roof is closed and there is no message on the dashboard when trying to open the roof.
So nothing at all happens at all when you try to open the roof?
If so, that sounds like either a power issue (there are several fuses) or possibly one (or several) of the switches have malfunctioned.
It may be worth looking at your fuses (rear SAM & 1 in front) just in case.

2014 r231 fuse-chart

Last edited by crconsulting; Apr 12, 2022 at 09:38 PM.
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Old Apr 13, 2022 | 08:17 AM
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Is there any evidence that a software fix has ever been released for a roof issue?
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Old Apr 13, 2022 | 08:20 AM
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Originally Posted by crconsulting
So nothing at all happens at all when you try to open the roof?
If so, that sounds like either a power issue (there are several fuses) or possibly one (or several) of the switches have malfunctioned.
It may be worth looking at your fuses (rear SAM & 1 in front) just in case.

2014 r231 fuse-chart
Wouldn't it have thrown some codes if it was a fuse or bad switch? It seems like there's a sensor for everytime you sneeze in these cars.
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Old Apr 13, 2022 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by rmorin49
Is there any evidence that a software fix has ever been released for a roof issue?
Not that I've found. My guess is something is got lost in translation between tech and service writer.
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Old Apr 13, 2022 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by JettaRed
Wouldn't it have thrown some codes if it was a fuse or bad switch? It seems like there's a sensor for everytime you sneeze in these cars.
Codes yes, dashboard message not necessarily....
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Old Apr 13, 2022 | 10:39 AM
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I will report back with what happens.
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Old Apr 13, 2022 | 03:24 PM
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Even though you were not showing any messages on the DIC, I would check to make sure that the trunk partition is fully seated. I have twice had an issue where it was not fully latched, top would not function, no message was displayed. You’ve probably already checked but if not it takes a few seconds and certainly be worth it
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Old Apr 13, 2022 | 03:45 PM
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They say the software update is done and the roof is fixed.

I did have to replace the latch on the trunk about a year ago as it wasn't latching and I replaced the gas pistons that hold up the trunk lid about a month again.
Originally Posted by DrMongo
Even though you were not showing any messages on the DIC, I would check to make sure that the trunk partition is fully seated. I have twice had an issue where it was not fully latched, top would not function, no message was displayed. You’ve probably already checked but if not it takes a few seconds and certainly be worth it
I did check that but it is possible that it was a simple fix and they charged me for software just to get more money out of me.
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Old Apr 14, 2022 | 01:59 AM
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So, you went ahead and had the dealer install the SW update?
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Old Apr 14, 2022 | 10:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Scheissemeister
but it is possible that it was a simple fix and they charged me for software just to get more money out of me.
Sadly, this type of predatory behavior is why customers have such distrust of mechanics (or dealerships) 🙁
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Old Apr 14, 2022 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by crconsulting
Sadly, this type of predatory behavior is why customers have such distrust of mechanics (or dealerships) 🙁
It is a shame that so many of them are scum bags. When the trunk latch broke MB of San Francisco tried to overcharged me for the latch. Mercedes of Manhattan used to show the MSRP for parts so I showed them the website and the exact part. I called other local dealerships which also had a lower price and I told them you are ripping me off. The service tech said "you know when you go and buy a gallon of milk in Manhattan it is a different price than in San Francisco or somewhere else". I said this isn't a commodity. He adjusted the labor price to make up the difference for the extra cost to the part.

They also wanted to charge me $500 to change the spark plugs for my 60k mile service on a car that had under 20k miles. I said no.

Anyways, I have my car independently serviced now but for the top issue since this is a newer car I figured a MB dealership would have more experience with this problem so I took it to MB of Oakland. They guaranteed me a flat diagnosis fee and so far they have been good to me...as far as I can tell.
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Old Apr 14, 2022 | 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Scheissemeister
It is a shame that so many of them are scum bags. When the trunk latch broke MB of San Francisco tried to overcharged me for the latch. Mercedes of Manhattan used to show the MSRP for parts so I showed them the website and the exact part. I called other local dealerships which also had a lower price and I told them you are ripping me off. The service tech said "you know when you go and buy a gallon of milk in Manhattan it is a different price than in San Francisco or somewhere else". I said this isn't a commodity. He adjusted the labor price to make up the difference for the extra cost to the part.

They also wanted to charge me $500 to change the spark plugs for my 60k mile service on a car that had under 20k miles. I said no.

Anyways, I have my car independently serviced now but for the top issue since this is a newer car I figured a MB dealership would have more experience with this problem so I took it to MB of Oakland. They guaranteed me a flat diagnosis fee and so far they have been good to me...as far as I can tell.

So this was MB Oakland? Stead isn't much better. Bay Area is tough...
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