Power top

[Waltd1966]

Just bought a 93 300sl only to find the power top doesn't work. I've been told I need to replace the 4 hydraulic cylinders. Is there anywhere on Long Island who can do this reasonably? Or rebuild them? I'm fairly handy but don't have a lot of time to work on it

[tecqboy]

There is a fellow on this forum who rebuilds them very reasonably, but I can't seem to find his name with the search function right now. ALso check this link
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/sl-forum/326888-129-top-hydraulics.html

Do the cyclinders leak? What is the actual problem? The electronic control module is notorious for getting out of sync and causing the top to not function. It can be reset. Is the red top operation switch flashing?
We can help if you give more detailed info.

[tdoriot]

You see, that's where your probably wrong ! Unless some other poor slob did the other 8, you've got 12 cylinders to rebuild ! If one leaks, the rest will ! Get ahold of Klause @ top hydraulics on the Oregon coast. He will rebuild all 12 for less than $ 600 bucks with improved seals. Or a $tealer can do them for around $ 12,000.00 ! DO NOT do anything STUPID like trying any treatments. He has exchange programs, or will turnaround in just a few days. On top of that, he will provide step by step instructions as well as other troubleshooting tips. If you fall for the EBay oring fiasco, you'll get really good at rebuilding these yourself, as orings don't last. Best free advice you'll get about power tops !

[Gusfazekas]

Well I can speak from experience. I've had my 1995 for about 5 yrs. and some of the cylinders "leaked" but not all. You need to be very handy in order to remove and replace the bow cylinders, these are the two that "lift" the top into its final position. I spent an entire afternoon trying to re-insert the circlips to hold them in place.

As an earlier responder mentioned, the top can be out of synch especially if it hasn't worked for awhile due to a dead battery for example. Raising and lowering the windows several times will resynch them. The power top hydraulics motor is in the trunk under the spare tire. Be sure to obtain the proper Benz hydraulic fluid if its low. The main large cylinders are located in the pillar where the door latches. You will need to remove the inside panels to remove them and also the hinge covers behind each door. The other more problematic cylinders latch the top to the window frame. You'll know if they leak because they leak on you. A small leak won't interfere with the top operation just makes a mess somewhere to be cleaned up. Try to see or hear if the top motor functions. Send me an email if you need further assistance. I've removed all of these cylinders and either had them rebuilt or exchanged them with others. I've taken the top frame off and put it back on and I don't advise your doing that if you are not very savvy about these technical challenging cars.

Good Luck, Steve fazekasstephen@gmail