SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Trunk and roof issue- please assist
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 164
Likes: 13
From: NJ
2003 SL55 AMG GT , 2000 BMW 323I coupe
Trunk and roof issue- please assist
Forum members,
I have a specific problem with my vario roof operation and trunk that I'd like to explain in hopes to get some corrective action.
The only time my trunk does not open (using the driverside door button, keyfob or squeeze-handle on trunk) is when the roof attempted to fully close after having been opened, but can't complete the process. I'm sure the inability to have my roof fully complete the closing process and my trunk not being able to be opened go hand-in-hand. I don't know which problem to resolve first or which one is causing the other to malfunfunction. I can fully open my roof - no problem. Everything functions as it should. When closing roof, the only step not finishing is the windows don't fully close and so the display states "in operation". Because of this, my trunk doesn't open using door button, handle or keyfob- the removable key from fob does open it but that doesn't solve my real issues mentioned above.
Anyone have a starting point for me to try and fix this? I don't have STAR diag tool and avoiding dealership costs if possible. Thanks everyone!
I have a specific problem with my vario roof operation and trunk that I'd like to explain in hopes to get some corrective action.
The only time my trunk does not open (using the driverside door button, keyfob or squeeze-handle on trunk) is when the roof attempted to fully close after having been opened, but can't complete the process. I'm sure the inability to have my roof fully complete the closing process and my trunk not being able to be opened go hand-in-hand. I don't know which problem to resolve first or which one is causing the other to malfunfunction. I can fully open my roof - no problem. Everything functions as it should. When closing roof, the only step not finishing is the windows don't fully close and so the display states "in operation". Because of this, my trunk doesn't open using door button, handle or keyfob- the removable key from fob does open it but that doesn't solve my real issues mentioned above.
Anyone have a starting point for me to try and fix this? I don't have STAR diag tool and avoiding dealership costs if possible. Thanks everyone!
Last edited by 03sl55amgmjd; Jul 19, 2021 at 10:53 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 365
From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
The roof will inhibit operation of the trunk and roll bar unless it is fully open or fully closed and recognized as such. This could be failure of the hydraulics to the latch at the front of the roof or at the tubular frame locks, or it could be a bad limit switch that is not showing them to be locked. You can check the latches and close manually to verify.
Does the trunk open very slowly (backwards) when you are stowing the roof? The trunk frame lift cylinder, the two tube locks, and the front latch are all on the same circuit from the hydraulic pump. If one has a bad piston seal, you won't get good pressure for latching or opening the trunk.
Does the trunk open very slowly (backwards) when you are stowing the roof? The trunk frame lift cylinder, the two tube locks, and the front latch are all on the same circuit from the hydraulic pump. If one has a bad piston seal, you won't get good pressure for latching or opening the trunk.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 273
Likes: 21
From: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Just sold my '11 Porsche TurboS cab for an '03 SL55!
I'd start by taking a look at the fluid level in the vario roof hydraulic reservoir. The reservoir is located in the lower, left had side of the trunk under a foam grey cover. Mine was near zero and all was fine after refilling (not with Pentosin strut oil). There are two hash marks on the reservoir end that indicate the correct level, but it will operate fine well below the low level.
