Hi, I have to activate my convertible top only when my SL400 is stopped. I cannot activate it while moving, even at slow speeds. is this normal? My previous soft top E Cabriolet could be opened and closed "on the fly" below 40 KPH. Thanks.

 

You did not provide info on which year SL you owned, but I assume it is an older SL since it does not operate the top while in motion. You may not drive while the top is in motion. However if you are completely stopped and then start your top drop and then lift your foot off of the break the trans will move the car forward and the top will continue its motion as long as you do not pick up too much speed. Same goes when putting the top up. I ofter put my top up while backing into my driveway, or while sitting in highway traffic. Plenty of times I have started putting my top up and then traffic started to move slowly. The top continues to go up as my trans moves the car. To someone that is watching it just looks like I am putting the top up while driving slowly.

There are aftermarket options out there that will allow you to put the top up or down while driving at a set low speed. The options provide other custom options beside the top operation while driving. Many have them and I will likely add that later in the year.

 

My SL is a 2019. Thanks for your explanation will try later on today since it's a spring day here in northern Italy!

 

On my 2017 SL63, I can activate the roof when stopped and then drive off while it opens/closes. If already moving, the roof will not start.
Seth

 

Success! And I had called my local MB dealer and they said couldn’t be done with hard top convertibles 😀😀😀

 

Not on the 15 SL 400. Soon as you pull off you get the ""ding"" warning you are moving too fast at any speed and the top stops wherever it is...I have heard newer models you can drive up to certain low speeds only.

 

Help! This sounds crazy, but when I first start my 2005 SL, the roof will not operate and a few other items won’t function either (like the steering wheel adjuster). After driving 10 minutes or so, everything runs fine. What is this and is it fixable?? Thanks
jeff

 

It's probably a low consumer battery in the boot/trunk, try charging it up or replacing it. Also try the R230 section on this forum which is the model of SL that you have.

 

I have only raised or lowered my top while moving in reverse at driveway speed. If you look closely at the mechanics of the trunk hinge mechanism, I could see where some of the parts could easily bend if the trunk lid is vertical and catches a gust of wind while moving forward. Considering these things are about $30,000, I'll stay still for 20 seconds to open or close the roof.