Soft top would not raise - oil Leak by the winshield

[1999_SL600]

After winter, I removed hardtop from my 1999 SL600. While doing it, I noticed oil on the passenger side sun visor. When I tried to raise the soft top the oil was leaking more and indicator lamp on soft top switch was blinking – the top would not rise. Please help, I can’t afford to go to the dealer.

[tecqboy]

Search this forum for soft top hydraulic cyclinder replacement. There is lots of information on do-it-yourself repairs. This is a very common issue on this vehicle. It is not a difficult repair, but as usual with Mercedes, price for the cyclinders is a not cheap. Get them from Fastlane or post a request if any private party has some for sale.

[Carlos Serrano]

I've had leaking cyl. before but that never stop the top from working until the hyd reservoir went low. Check under your spare tire, there is a plastic cover, remove that and you will see the pump and reservoir underneath, use only Mercedes hyd fluid and don't go insane after they tell you how much it is for a liter, we all go thru this with the front cylinders, if one is leaking the other is soon to follow.

[1999_SL600]

Thank you very much, I found Febi-Bilstein Hydraulic/Suspension Fluid for $8.58 per liter (part no. 0009899103) at
https://www.***************/search/productx.aspx?sid=ix5lon55qnxacs45rowcgz55&makeid=800016@Mercedes&modelid=1356465@SL600%20&year=1999&cid=98@Fluids%20%26%20Chemicals&gid=7607@Hydraulic/Suspension%20Fluid
is this Ok to use?

[Carlos Serrano]

Not familiar with that brand, There is no self leveling in my SL 500,I use Mercedes central hydraulic fluid
P/N 001-989-20-03-10, US $ 24.00 a liter from the dealer, when it comes to this type of equipment I don't trust anything that it is not MB, the same with brake fluid or antifreeze. Look up Phil at fastlane, top of the page, he probably has a better price on the MB fluid.

[casper]

The same happened to my top when the hydraulic fluid leaked out. The first was a major leak in one of the rear lines in the trunk. The seal went bad. I didn't notice the leak until it was dripping out by the battery compartment. The 2nd leak was the "common" leak from the lock cylinders on top of the windshield frame. Get that leak repaired asap. You'll just end up pumping more fluid into the hydraulic cylinders and it'll leak down into your dash console. BTW, parts are expensive. It is a Mercedes.

[5280BENZ]

I purchased a bottle of the hydraulic oil (Hydraulic fluid, ZH-M) from the local MB dealer yesterday for my 1999 SL500.
Part # 000-989-91-03-10. List price= $22.20.