SL/R231: Leaving Top Down For Extended Periods
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 293
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2019 SL450; 2023 M850i coupe
Leaving Top Down For Extended Periods
I'm hoping to get some advice on whether leaving the top down for extended periods (weeks/months) will cause any issues.
I rarely drive with the top up, so thinking it may preserve the top mechanism by not cycling so much.
The car is garaged with a cover.
Thanks!
I rarely drive with the top up, so thinking it may preserve the top mechanism by not cycling so much.
The car is garaged with a cover.
Thanks!
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From: DFW
SL63
I do the same thing. So, my thoughts exactly. I leave my top down for extended periods as well. If I drive it, I take it out of the garage with the top down, drive with it down, and if I can park it where I can keep an eye on it, and weather permits, I park it with the top down. I like what 1 of our forum members referred to it as, “infinite headroom”. As a mechanical system, limiting use limits wear and tear. The only thing I worry about is over time, the top getting “frozen in position” so to speak. Every so often mechanisms need to be exercised so to speak, to circulate lubrication and whatever pumps are involved. I don’t know if I answered your question but hopefully my thoughts helped.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 293
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2019 SL450; 2023 M850i coupe
Thanks for your reply.
That's exactly what I wanted to hear. The car sits for 6 months so, like you, I'll do an open/close sequence every once and awhile. I also leave the doors and hood open a crack. All-in-all I'm thinking it's good for the rubber seals so that they're not compressed all the time.
I just heard back from my service advisor; he agrees with you that leaving the dop down is not an issue.
That's exactly what I wanted to hear. The car sits for 6 months so, like you, I'll do an open/close sequence every once and awhile. I also leave the doors and hood open a crack. All-in-all I'm thinking it's good for the rubber seals so that they're not compressed all the time.
I just heard back from my service advisor; he agrees with you that leaving the dop down is not an issue.
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
The biggest single problem with leaving the top down for an extended period is the increased possibility of getting rats inside the vehicle. Almost any garage will attract rats, especially in the winter. A cover will help, but it will not prevent rats from using your interior as a nest.
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Joined: Apr 2023
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2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
Moving parts need to move - important to exercise it here and there I would say. Also important to extend the roll bar now and again to keep those parts from seizing up.
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Joined: Feb 2020
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From: Brookhaven, GA (Atlanta suburb)
2019 Mercedes SL 550, 2022 Infiniti QX80
The biggest single problem with leaving the top down for an extended period is the increased possibility of getting rats inside the vehicle. Almost any garage will attract rats, especially in the winter. A cover will help, but it will not prevent rats from using your interior as a nest.
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From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Leaving the top down or up for extended periods of time is never an issue for hard tops. The mechanisms will not be bothered. A huge advantage of hard tops vs rag tops where you have to be mindful of how long you keep them up or down due to creasing and premature wear and tear. Just make sure no animals of rodents get inside the car. Even in a brand new garage that is finished off with epoxy floors like I have you can still get animals! Amazing how they find a way in!
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
Correct.
The R231 has roll bars that deploy rapidly in a flip over, but can also deploy if say you go over a hilled train track too aggressively and get a little bit of air while the top is down. Everyone I have read that had their bars deploy had to go to the dealer to have them reset and lowered after deployment, however I’m sure some diy people would take a crack at it.
If your car won’t go into park simply open the drivers door with the car running and it will auto go into park. Until you are able to fix the issue that feature will have you covered and you will never be stuck in drive.
Best wishes.
The R231 has roll bars that deploy rapidly in a flip over, but can also deploy if say you go over a hilled train track too aggressively and get a little bit of air while the top is down. Everyone I have read that had their bars deploy had to go to the dealer to have them reset and lowered after deployment, however I’m sure some diy people would take a crack at it.
If your car won’t go into park simply open the drivers door with the car running and it will auto go into park. Until you are able to fix the issue that feature will have you covered and you will never be stuck in drive.
Best wishes.
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From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
