SL55/63/65/R230 AMG Unable to maually unlatch roof

Dec 21, 2025 | 10:51 AM

rudolphp

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 49

Likes: 1

From: Wylie, TX

2003 SL55

Unable to maually unlatch roof

Had the leaking roof unlock cylinder. Able to manually unlatch the roof lift the roof to remove liner, etc.

Repaired the cylinder, put things back together (just the assembly no liner yet), was able to manually close the latches no problem. Got busy with other things so a few months passed and I came back around to start buttoning up the rest of it. Did the manual unatch to raise the roof and ithe hooks just don't quite release enough to lift the roof.

Any ideas? It obvioulsy was open enough at one time to get it latched but not now. I haven't tried actually using the pump yet to see what that does for it but I think results would be the same or maybe cause even more issue?

I'm at a loss.

Dec 22, 2025 | 09:25 AM

Tomcat SL

Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 328

Likes: 22

2004 SL55 AMG

I too had an issue with manually adjusting/moving the hex nut during this same repair. If you take a picture it might refresh my memory. As I recall, there is a left/right adjustment/tolerance that needs to be pretty exact.

Dec 22, 2025 | 11:28 AM

rudolphp

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 49

Likes: 1

From: Wylie, TX

2003 SL55

Thanks. I added pictures of the cylinder mechanism and the left latch. Hope this jogs your memory

Dec 22, 2025 | 11:38 AM

Tomcat SL

Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 328

Likes: 22

2004 SL55 AMG

I believe I had to engage the manual override allen head in the middle to move both arms manually and "reset" the alignment...I remember it being a stumbling block for me for a few minutes.

Dec 22, 2025 | 11:58 AM

Tomcat SL

Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 328

Likes: 22

2004 SL55 AMG

Also, I think I had to loosen/adjust the allen or star head bolt that holds the center bracket (it's just to the left (driver's side) of the manual release)...as it might have some left/right movement/adjustment.

Last edited by Tomcat SL; Dec 22, 2025 at 01:54 PM.