SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Cleaning the rear window.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Indianapolis, IN
2006 Gallardo 6-speed, 2005 SL55, BMW X3
Retract the roof into the trunk, then open the trunk lid and raise the assembly with the "red button". You can then clean the glass conveniently.
Whatever you do, DO NOT stop the roof retraction mid way in an attempt to stop the roof in the "half-way" open postion. After a few seconds the hydraulics will lose pressure, gravity takes over, and the roof comes down in an uncontrolled manner.
Whatever you do, DO NOT stop the roof retraction mid way in an attempt to stop the roof in the "half-way" open postion. After a few seconds the hydraulics will lose pressure, gravity takes over, and the roof comes down in an uncontrolled manner.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 122
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From: San Jose, California
2003 SL55 2007 S550
My roof sometimes squeaks. It needs regular lubrication to stay quiet (this true of all the SL's). I purchased the same lubricants as used by the dealer (expensive, of course) and got a "lesson" in how to apply the lubricants from a master tech.
I was told to lower the roof half way and then apply the lubricants with the roof in half position. I expressed alarm about getting injured from a sudden collapse of the roof. I was told that the roof will stay in the "in between position" for up to 7 minutes maximum. After that, it will pancake, hard. I was further told that if I got close to the time limit then cycle the roof and continue work. Supposedly, this is how the techs do it. I have not tested this. The guy that explained it to me was the one who repaired my roof (and he really knew his stuff on this car).
I was told to lower the roof half way and then apply the lubricants with the roof in half position. I expressed alarm about getting injured from a sudden collapse of the roof. I was told that the roof will stay in the "in between position" for up to 7 minutes maximum. After that, it will pancake, hard. I was further told that if I got close to the time limit then cycle the roof and continue work. Supposedly, this is how the techs do it. I have not tested this. The guy that explained it to me was the one who repaired my roof (and he really knew his stuff on this car).
Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
doltmo said it better.
Yeah don't leave your roof open in any halfway position!
Yeah don't leave your roof open in any halfway position!
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 122
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From: San Jose, California
2003 SL55 2007 S550
When I received the "lesson" it was hands on, the technique was demonstrated to me by the tech with the roof partially down. This guy has been very straightforward with me for the past 2 years
I guess a question to consider is if you don't use this technique then how can you lube the roof? How would you get access to all the various metal and rubber parts that need the proper lubricant?
I guess a question to consider is if you don't use this technique then how can you lube the roof? How would you get access to all the various metal and rubber parts that need the proper lubricant?
Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
Thing is though, as much as I want to believe that was of good intent, what happens if the roof mechanism messes up?
Who gets paid to fix it? Yeah, the mechanic.
Who gets paid to fix it? Yeah, the mechanic.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 122
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From: San Jose, California
2003 SL55 2007 S550
Just answered my own question. I found this from the Mercedes maintenance CD, file "218 HO Vario roof (WFF) 01-24-02.pdf" ....
"Safety Parameters
• Using top switch - if roof
switch is released, it will
hold in that position for 7
minutes
• Using SmartKey - if
button is released it will
hold in that position for 7
seconds
• In both cases a gong will
sound before roof begins
to move"
"Safety Parameters
• Using top switch - if roof
switch is released, it will
hold in that position for 7
minutes
• Using SmartKey - if
button is released it will
hold in that position for 7
seconds
• In both cases a gong will
sound before roof begins
to move"
Originally Posted by JosanK
When I received the "lesson" it was hands on, the technique was demonstrated to me by the tech with the roof partially down. This guy has been very straightforward with me for the past 2 years
I guess a question to consider is if you don't use this technique then how can you lube the roof? How would you get access to all the various metal and rubber parts that need the proper lubricant?
I guess a question to consider is if you don't use this technique then how can you lube the roof? How would you get access to all the various metal and rubber parts that need the proper lubricant?
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Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 122
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From: San Jose, California
2003 SL55 2007 S550
Sorry for all the posts, found another safety tip from file "218 Mod 3-4 Vario Roof Familiarization (WFF-MBK) 01-22-02.pdf" .......
"Operational Note: For the SmartKey operation you just performed, the hold
time of the roof is 7 SECONDS (ignition “OFF”). The hold time for Vario roof
switch operation is 7 MINUTES (ignition “ON”). In both cases, after the time
expires an audible noise will occur before the roof begins to fall forward or
backward depending on the position in which it was stopped."
The message here being KEEP THE IGNITION ON IF YOU TRY THIS.
"Operational Note: For the SmartKey operation you just performed, the hold
time of the roof is 7 SECONDS (ignition “OFF”). The hold time for Vario roof
switch operation is 7 MINUTES (ignition “ON”). In both cases, after the time
expires an audible noise will occur before the roof begins to fall forward or
backward depending on the position in which it was stopped."
The message here being KEEP THE IGNITION ON IF YOU TRY THIS.
Originally Posted by JosanK
Just answered my own question. I found this from the Mercedes maintenance CD, file "218 HO Vario roof (WFF) 01-24-02.pdf" ....
"Safety Parameters
• Using top switch - if roof
switch is released, it will
hold in that position for 7
minutes
• Using SmartKey - if
button is released it will
hold in that position for 7
seconds
• In both cases a gong will
sound before roof begins
to move"
"Safety Parameters
• Using top switch - if roof
switch is released, it will
hold in that position for 7
minutes
• Using SmartKey - if
button is released it will
hold in that position for 7
seconds
• In both cases a gong will
sound before roof begins
to move"
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
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SL55, ML500, GT3 RS, 997C2S
I guess I took less than 7 min to take this photo a while back. It seems that if you loose track of time and don't hear the warning you can loose some fingers or other body parts. I wonder if that warning is in the manual?
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Originally Posted by JosanK
When I received the "lesson" it was hands on, the technique was demonstrated to me by the tech with the roof partially down. This guy has been very straightforward with me for the past 2 years
I guess a question to consider is if you don't use this technique then how can you lube the roof? How would you get access to all the various metal and rubber parts that need the proper lubricant?
I guess a question to consider is if you don't use this technique then how can you lube the roof? How would you get access to all the various metal and rubber parts that need the proper lubricant?
Honestly I thought they lubed it up and stuff while the roof was disassembled.
