SL/R232: Rooftop refuses to close
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 12
2022 SL63 AMG
Rooftop refuses to close
Hi,
Just got the SL63 tonight and i opened the rooftop. When I try to close it, the 2 flaps are moving in place but the rooftop refuses to close. I tried every which way to make this work but I have been unable to.
Taking it to the dealership tomorrow. I was wondering if anyone else had a similar problem. Or anything I should try...
A bit bummed...
Thank you!
Just got the SL63 tonight and i opened the rooftop. When I try to close it, the 2 flaps are moving in place but the rooftop refuses to close. I tried every which way to make this work but I have been unable to.
Taking it to the dealership tomorrow. I was wondering if anyone else had a similar problem. Or anything I should try...
A bit bummed...
Thank you!
Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 123
Likes: 100
2022 AMG SL63
I had (and have) the same problem with my SL63 that I got last August. At first, the dealership returned my car saying the technicians could not replicate it themselves so "here you go, enjoy your SL". i called the Manager and complained about the recurring real problem. They apologized and took the car back. After a few days, it was fixed and a technician came out to give me some details.
The factory had sent several service advisories in September on the top problem with the fixes involving a new motor, different alignment settings, and lubing the runners. It seemed to work fine for months, then just recently it started the same problems up again but I haven't taken it back in yet.
Three approaches you can use as get-arounds. First, use the fob since this occasionally works where the car dash button doesn't. Second, if the fob approach doesn't work at first, standing by the top you should notice the top quivers after the wings are deployed, but the top doesn't seem to have enough energy to go up. Holding the fob down, gently but firmly pull the top up to give it some help. Once it gets a few inches up, the motors should take over to closing. Third, you try using the dash button while the car is still moving as that seems to provide enough energy, compared to the battery alone, to get the top past its initial sticking point when it tries to open.
Hope these help while you wait on the dealership to respond.
The factory had sent several service advisories in September on the top problem with the fixes involving a new motor, different alignment settings, and lubing the runners. It seemed to work fine for months, then just recently it started the same problems up again but I haven't taken it back in yet.
Three approaches you can use as get-arounds. First, use the fob since this occasionally works where the car dash button doesn't. Second, if the fob approach doesn't work at first, standing by the top you should notice the top quivers after the wings are deployed, but the top doesn't seem to have enough energy to go up. Holding the fob down, gently but firmly pull the top up to give it some help. Once it gets a few inches up, the motors should take over to closing. Third, you try using the dash button while the car is still moving as that seems to provide enough energy, compared to the battery alone, to get the top past its initial sticking point when it tries to open.
Hope these help while you wait on the dealership to respond.
Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 184
Likes: 138
From: Chicago and Palm Springs
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Not sure if this applies to a 63, but my 55 just underwent a software update to the rear control unit which ostensibly had something to do with soft top operation.
https://mb.oemdtc.com/2631/update-rear-control-unit-software-2022-mercedes-benz-sl-class
https://mb.oemdtc.com/2631/update-rear-control-unit-software-2022-mercedes-benz-sl-class
Last edited by drgek; Apr 24, 2023 at 02:09 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 148
SL65(R231), SL65(R230), 600SL, 560SL(86), 560SL(89),250SL(68),250SL(67), 190SL, 300SL(GW)
Gurus:
The R232 has been a disaster........one of the worse rollouts imaginable , myriad questionable design decisions and most importantly using the early buyers as unpaid beta testers.
I wonder why sales are terrible
MAP-------having reservations about buying a SL63E/SL73 (or whatever it's called) the 2024 models might be delivered in 2026
The R232 has been a disaster........one of the worse rollouts imaginable , myriad questionable design decisions and most importantly using the early buyers as unpaid beta testers.
I wonder why sales are terrible
MAP-------having reservations about buying a SL63E/SL73 (or whatever it's called) the 2024 models might be delivered in 2026
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 12
2022 SL63 AMG
Thank you for the community help and the bulletin board link. I will show them this morning to the mechanic.
I tried the 3 solutions offered in the first reply and none of them worked for me - I am taking this as a good sign actually. I do not see myself putting up with less than reliable handling.
Will update the thread when I know more and share
Thank you!
I tried the 3 solutions offered in the first reply and none of them worked for me - I am taking this as a good sign actually. I do not see myself putting up with less than reliable handling.
Will update the thread when I know more and share
Thank you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I had (and have) the same problem with my SL63 that I got last August. At first, the dealership returned my car saying the technicians could not replicate it themselves so "here you go, enjoy your SL". i called the Manager and complained about the recurring real problem. They apologized and took the car back. After a few days, it was fixed and a technician came out to give me some details.
The factory had sent several service advisories in September on the top problem with the fixes involving a new motor, different alignment settings, and lubing the runners. It seemed to work fine for months, then just recently it started the same problems up again but I haven't taken it back in yet.
Three approaches you can use as get-arounds. First, use the fob since this occasionally works where the car dash button doesn't. Second, if the fob approach doesn't work at first, standing by the top you should notice the top quivers after the wings are deployed, but the top doesn't seem to have enough energy to go up. Holding the fob down, gently but firmly pull the top up to give it some help. Once it gets a few inches up, the motors should take over to closing. Third, you try using the dash button while the car is still moving as that seems to provide enough energy, compared to the battery alone, to get the top past its initial sticking point when it tries to open.
Hope these help while you wait on the dealership to respond.
The factory had sent several service advisories in September on the top problem with the fixes involving a new motor, different alignment settings, and lubing the runners. It seemed to work fine for months, then just recently it started the same problems up again but I haven't taken it back in yet.
Three approaches you can use as get-arounds. First, use the fob since this occasionally works where the car dash button doesn't. Second, if the fob approach doesn't work at first, standing by the top you should notice the top quivers after the wings are deployed, but the top doesn't seem to have enough energy to go up. Holding the fob down, gently but firmly pull the top up to give it some help. Once it gets a few inches up, the motors should take over to closing. Third, you try using the dash button while the car is still moving as that seems to provide enough energy, compared to the battery alone, to get the top past its initial sticking point when it tries to open.
Hope these help while you wait on the dealership to respond.
Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 184
Likes: 138
From: Chicago and Palm Springs
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Gurus:
The R232 has been a disaster........one of the worse rollouts imaginable , myriad questionable design decisions and most importantly using the early buyers as unpaid beta testers.
I wonder why sales are terrible
MAP-------having reservations about buying a SL63E/SL73 (or whatever it's called) the 2024 models might be delivered in 2026
The R232 has been a disaster........one of the worse rollouts imaginable , myriad questionable design decisions and most importantly using the early buyers as unpaid beta testers.
I wonder why sales are terrible
MAP-------having reservations about buying a SL63E/SL73 (or whatever it's called) the 2024 models might be delivered in 2026
Design decisions are a matter of taste. I think the general consensus is that it's a prettier car than the preceding generation, but that of course is a personal decision.
In terms of being an unpaid beta tester, I have significantly fewer problems with this car than I had with my 991.2 Targa 4S (that top was an unmitigated disaster) and fewer rattles, etc. than I experienced with my 992 Carrera S Cabriolet, both of which had been available for about a year before I received mine. Don't even contemplate what issues new Ferraris have. Leaving my Portofino unplugged from the charger for more than three days was flirting with disaster.
I think it's all a matter of expectations. Perhaps mine are set differently. I enjoy driving my car (and certainly don't consider it a disaster) and can't wait for the weather to finally break to put the top down more often.
Last edited by drgek; Apr 24, 2023 at 12:12 PM.
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SL65(R231), SL65(R230), 600SL, 560SL(86), 560SL(89),250SL(68),250SL(67), 190SL, 300SL(GW)
I consider the introduction a total disaster. MB used to be the gold standard in engineering and reliability The R232 has numerous electrical problems( please refrain from a Ferrari comparison, Ferrari has a well deserved reputation.)
All intros can have issues but I expect better from MB. Please consider the withholding of 2023 from buyers......likely due to lots of unsold 2022..........so much for misreading the market and consumer tastes. Perhaps survey previous SL buyers???? The inability to provide certain colors and options. The dealers are in the dark. The MB leadership must be graduates of Clown College......no offense to clowns.
All intros can have issues but I expect better from MB. Please consider the withholding of 2023 from buyers......likely due to lots of unsold 2022..........so much for misreading the market and consumer tastes. Perhaps survey previous SL buyers???? The inability to provide certain colors and options. The dealers are in the dark. The MB leadership must be graduates of Clown College......no offense to clowns.
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This place is a joke.
The famed SL lives on in name only. Lots of problems plaguing the 232 since it's delayed launch at which time MB was trying to rectify many issues before delivery. You may want to try disconnecting the negative battery terminal in the trunk for a few minutes, if you can even open the trunk, and trying the top again.
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Joined: May 2002
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Likes: 3,670
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
It seems like there is not a single thread in this forum where the usual R231 crowd posts the demise of the brand due to some technical glitches, throwing in everything from sales to introduction issues. For the courtesy of the OP keep these threads clean unless you have relevant info to post.
Otherwise I will have to do this. Thanks...
Also, for frame of reference, our last brand-new SL (R231 facelift) also refused to close the hardtop regularly from day one. On that car it was a switch in the A-pillar... yet the brand miraculously survived as did the SL nameplate
Otherwise I will have to do this. Thanks...
Also, for frame of reference, our last brand-new SL (R231 facelift) also refused to close the hardtop regularly from day one. On that car it was a switch in the A-pillar... yet the brand miraculously survived as did the SL nameplate
Last edited by Wolfman; Apr 24, 2023 at 01:26 PM.
Member
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From: Chicago and Palm Springs
2025 BMW Z4 M40i (Manual); 2025 Lexus NXH Luxury; 2021 Porsche Macan S; 2023 Audi Q5
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 339
Likes: 205
From: Miami/Washington DC
2022 AMG SL63, 2015 Ferrari 458 Spyder, 2021 ALPINA B7
It seems like there is not a single thread in this forum where the usual R231 crowd posts the demise of the brand due to some technical glitches, throwing in everything from sales to introduction issues. For the courtesy of the OP keep these threads clean unless you have relevant info to post.
Otherwise I will have to do this. Thanks...
Also, for frame of reference, our last brand-new SL (R231 facelift) also refused to close the hardtop regularly from day one. On that car it was a switch in the A-pillar... yet the brand miraculously survived as did the SL nameplate
Otherwise I will have to do this. Thanks...
Also, for frame of reference, our last brand-new SL (R231 facelift) also refused to close the hardtop regularly from day one. On that car it was a switch in the A-pillar... yet the brand miraculously survived as did the SL nameplate
Agreed, all this whinging and whining by a small group of members who do not even own a R 232 and who are upset that MB did not build a R 231 2.0 does get a little old and repetitive.
There is no doubt that MB botched the launch and that it has a few annoying issues, especially related to electronics, battery and energy management. It is also very annoying that as a result of this botched launched, they are holding back MY23 frustrating yet another group of new buyers - all pointing to either arrogance or MB being " tone deaf:.
However, I am encouraged that MB sold 2100 in the 3rd and 4th quarter and 900 + in the first quarter which for most of the country is not convertible weather. The only thing I am wondering if these numbers are actually sold or delivered to the dealers ( and thus there are still about 400 hanging around waiting for a buyer?
As the proud owner of an SL63, I will say that I am enjoying this car tremendously, it certainly is more comfortable than my AMG GTS ever was and I have made my peace with the idiosyncrasies of the electronics. Other than getting the error messages which really have not done anything other than being annoying, I have ( knock on wood), have had zero issues with the car since taking delivery.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
It seems like there is not a single thread in this forum where the usual R231 crowd posts the demise of the brand due to some technical glitches, throwing in everything from sales to introduction issues. For the courtesy of the OP keep these threads clean unless you have relevant info to post.
Otherwise I will have to do this. Thanks...
Also, for frame of reference, our last brand-new SL (R231 facelift) also refused to close the hardtop regularly from day one. On that car it was a switch in the A-pillar... yet the brand miraculously survived as did the SL nameplate
Otherwise I will have to do this. Thanks...
Also, for frame of reference, our last brand-new SL (R231 facelift) also refused to close the hardtop regularly from day one. On that car it was a switch in the A-pillar... yet the brand miraculously survived as did the SL nameplate
As for comments that are critical of some current MB products, what’s wrong with that? How I wish I had seen more negative comments on the W223’s before I got myself saddled with the $153,700.00 piece of junk that’s my daily driver and daily headache. If this site is just supposed to be a cheerleading squad for Mercedes-Benz, then it will be a waste of time for anyone to visit it. And look: I didn’t even post a photo of my car!
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2022 SL 63
I'm really surprised why people still use the unpaid beta tester thing.
Everyone knows that the first MY of a new generation, especially a full design, is taking on a huge material & functional risk.
Everyone knows this is true for Mercedes.
Everyone knows this is true for all car brands
Everyone who's owned many new gen first MY knows this.
Even people working in car building factories across different brands agree with this and literally say they learn to get better & smoother after the first MY. Some even say to wait for the 3rd MY for big redesigns.
We know all this, yet still find the opportunity to act surprised. Guess what, this will never change, because there's no way for a car manufacturer to test out every edge scenario and still be profitable. Lemoning your car will literally be cheaper for them, due to diminished returns on testing. Except if you're Rolls Royce, and even then it's a maybe.
Everyone knows that the first MY of a new generation, especially a full design, is taking on a huge material & functional risk.
Everyone knows this is true for Mercedes.
Everyone knows this is true for all car brands
Everyone who's owned many new gen first MY knows this.
Even people working in car building factories across different brands agree with this and literally say they learn to get better & smoother after the first MY. Some even say to wait for the 3rd MY for big redesigns.
We know all this, yet still find the opportunity to act surprised. Guess what, this will never change, because there's no way for a car manufacturer to test out every edge scenario and still be profitable. Lemoning your car will literally be cheaper for them, due to diminished returns on testing. Except if you're Rolls Royce, and even then it's a maybe.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Wolf, you must know that many members here, myself included, highly respect you. With that said, you are saying that we cannot comment on what others write unless YOU think the comment has merit? I would venture to guess that more than half of all threads on this site get hijacked, as the discussion morphs one way and then another. Why is that a problem? As long as the discussion is held within reasonable limits of decorum, why should anyone care? Someone says something, someone else comments and away we go. It’s like a few guys making acquaintances at a car show and then telling stories and making comments, etc.
As for comments that are critical of some current MB products, what’s wrong with that? How I wish I had seen more negative comments on the W223’s before I got myself saddled with the $153,700.00 piece of junk that’s my daily driver and daily headache. If this site is just supposed to be a cheerleading squad for Mercedes-Benz, then it will be a waste of time for anyone to visit it. And look: I didn’t even post a photo of my car!
As for comments that are critical of some current MB products, what’s wrong with that? How I wish I had seen more negative comments on the W223’s before I got myself saddled with the $153,700.00 piece of junk that’s my daily driver and daily headache. If this site is just supposed to be a cheerleading squad for Mercedes-Benz, then it will be a waste of time for anyone to visit it. And look: I didn’t even post a photo of my car!
The issue here in this forum is that too many posts in these threads are off-topic, brand bashing, not relevant or simply designed to inflame to the point that actual owners are complaining about it or choose not to participate. Which is not OK.
Respectfully, if you have no interest in the car, what it stands for or assist any current owners with their questions then why you are actively participating in the R232 forum? If it is simply to vent and disrupt conversation of others, then it will be mistaken for trolling.
I understand your issue with the S-Class; unlike prior models it appears to be a perfect example of a poor fit and/or faulty product. Very discouraging to say the least. But I have seen plenty of critical comments from W223 owners in that forum and there are several owners here that have experienced problems. None of these posts would ever be at issue and those aren't the ones we are discussing here...
