Manual Removal of Hardtop? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mikeybob2 · #1 08-07-2004, 10:35 AM

Does anyone know the procedure to remove the 1997 r129 hardtop manually? I know how to release the front latches with an allen wrench but I cannot find the levers to release the back pins. Are they in the trunk or behind the interior panels? Are they color coded?

Thanks, Mike..

mikeybob2 · #2 08-14-2004, 12:31 AM

I'm still trying to figure it out.. Does anyone know how to release the back pins??? Thanks, Mike

RPM55 · #3 08-14-2004, 07:27 AM

Use the soft top switch to release the hard top latches. With the car in park and the key on or engine running pull back on the switch and hold in that position until it unlatches.If it doesn't unlatch and the light in the switch starts flashing you have problems with the system and will need to have the fault codes read and cleared, and the problem corrected. The releases for the rear latches are accessed from the trunk. Check tour owners manual for proper procedure.

mikeybob2 · #4 08-14-2004, 09:32 PM

My top switch does nothing and I know the control box is faulty. I got the diagnosis from the dealer and have a new one on the way. I just want to get the hardtop off so that I can get to a leaking hydraulic cylinder. How can I identify the latches to manually release the hardtop in back? Manual removal of the hardtop is not mentioned in the owners manual. They only address manual operation of the soft top.
Thanks, Mike

bwheitman · #5 08-14-2004, 10:48 PM

I don't think there is any way to manually remove the hard top without the control systems working properly. You are following the instructions in your manual? You put the key in and turn to the #2 position, do not start the engine, you have to pull back on the switch until the top unlocks and lifts up. within 10 seconds
If you have tried this (I think you have just making sure) then I would reccomend that you wait until you get your new controller and fix it properly. In your owners manual it illustrates how to manually pull up the soft top, and there it states that there is no way to manipulate the rear locks, this would tell me that either with the hard top or soft top you are not going to be able to manually lock, or unlock the rear locks.

bobterry99 · #6 08-16-2004, 12:00 PM

R129s prior to MY1995 have the facility to manually work the rear locks, Mike. You do this with a very narrow wrench provided in the tool pouch which engages a lever on each lock, and you access the locks through openings in the rear of the wall of the trunk by the openings for the hinges. Of course, your car lacks this feature, but I think it would be worth a try to remove the wall of the trunk. With this removed, you can get your hands on the locks and surely release them, I would think.

#7 04-21-2005, 12:25 PM

Mike,
I am having the same problem as well, I will post if (when) I find a solution
I have a 97 SL600 sport so should be the same.

bwheitman · #8 04-21-2005, 12:47 PM

I looked back behind my panels in the trunk and I can see the hydraulic lock back there, it looks like the one closest to the fender. I do not see any place to put a wrench, but you can see the lock mechanism itself. I am sure there might be a way to unlock it, but be careful, it looks tight and you might squish a finger. But honestly if I had my hard top on and my roof controls were not operating, I would leave the top on until I could get it to the shop and have it fixed. At least with the hard top on you don't have to worry about anything and can drive the car. The diagnostic should tell you what is wrong and once that is determined you can decide to fix yourself or have someone else fix it. When I had my battery replaced they didn't sync the windows and my hard top would not come off, I thought something was seriously wrong, but it was just something simple. Good luck!
Brian

#9 04-21-2005, 02:15 PM

I GOT IT

....daymmn mercedes rep said it couldn't be done. It's so simple really...front unlocks with allen wrench,...the back you need to go into the trunk undo the panels to expose the hydraulic locks...on the outside locks on each side there is a place to put a 10mm wrench...place your wrench there and pull up gently....and there you have it! Voila!...now I have to find a neighbor

RickM · #10 04-21-2005, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rakyn

I GOT IT

....daymmn mercedes rep said it couldn't be done. It's so simple really...front unlocks with allen wrench,...the back you need to go into the trunk undo the panels to expose the hydraulic locks...on the outside locks on each side there is a place to put a 10mm wrench...place your wrench there and pull up gently....and there you have it! Voila!...now I have to find a neighbor

Great work!

A few pics and your procedure would make a great tech article.

chiwanga · #11 05-13-2005, 04:13 PM

Is the "special tool" for latching/unlatching the soft/hard top manually which is supposed to found in the tool kit, nothing more than an Allan wrench and a 10m wrench? I do not have this tool and I am wondering if I should investigate into getting one or not.

speace · #12 05-14-2005, 07:33 PM

Regular tools will work for manual operation of the top, but it takes a really THIN 10 mm wrench to slip betweent he roll bar and the top cover to release the hatch.

Several people have had success in locating the original type tool on eBay.

Good luck!