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I know there are free (wooden stick) and almost free (PVC) alternatives, but with as much as I've spent on keeping my car in top condition, I really wanted to get my hands on the M/B vario roof support. I had a dealer do a search and there was 1 left in the US. It's easy enough to use and when you have your hands in there it's a comfort knowing the top isn't going to fold up on you. Was it worth $225? I plan to keep my SL65 for years, so I'm likely to use it often enough to justify.
The part number is 230589046300
As a side note, there were no instructions, so I have yet to determine what you do with the arm in the middle (see picture).
When you use the tool and it's hooked up in place don't operate the hydraulics as the force of it can bend the hooks on the tool end or cause a misalignment of latch located on the vario roof and all of a sudden you may have squeaking roof.
Ask me how I know.
Great thread!
One question... when I have stopped the roof midway... after 7 minutes with the engine on or 20 or so seconds with it off... the roof beeps then automatically closes...
does this support strut from mercedes somehow switch off the auto roof close function?
what do you do to remove the strut when you are finished, does it compress so you can get it out, engine on or off?
No hydraulics in play when using the strut. You simply position the roof, turn the ignition off, attach the strut, do your maintenance, loosen and remove the strut and reposition the roof using the normal hydraulics.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
The roof will be 'lame' and more or less balanced, so you can just take the load off the strut and remove it. After that, let go and the roof quietly and elegantly sighs towards its closed or open position. Once out of out balance, the roof is HEAVY so do watch your fingers.
Many thanks for your replies... I have a Friend who works for Mercedes... and am ordering the strut support... £110 seems reasonable to me... as I intend to keep the car many years so having the right tools seems like a sensible option. I need to change one of the roof side seals that requires the roof to be open for a longish time... plus cleaning the seals properly needs this tool.. appreciate all your responses.
Many thanks for your replies... I have a Friend who works for Mercedes... and am ordering the strut support... £110 seems reasonable to me... as I intend to keep the car many years so having the right tools seems like a sensible option. I need to change one of the roof side seals that requires the roof to be open for a longish time... plus cleaning the seals properly needs this tool.. appreciate all your responses.
In order to do the side seals you will have to take out the 4 screws/bolts item #3 in the attached PDF and I only was successful to install the replacement seals into their grove after I got the mounting wedge 110 589 03 00
In order to see the 4 screws you'll have to roll back the lip of the seal until you get access.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Some of us quite simply made our own tool ('broomstick') for arresting the roof, in stead of forking out all those bucks to the dealer, for essentially the same thing. If you do buy the MB tool, it is important to remove the extension when you don't need it, or it may scratch the roof liner. Telescopic strut (using a household stick)
04-16-2020, 04:26 PM
I'm loving my 03 SL55. I also have an 03 CL600 so understand the TT V12 love. It's another experience. Both awesome cars.
, enjoying the monster.
