hydraulic reservoir

[beyowulf]

Hi Guuys !
Anyone know where the Hydraulic reservoir for the top lifting is located on a1996 SL320 129 style body? And what type fluid is recommended?

[HitParader]

It's in the trunk under the spare tire. You need to remove the hat-like plastic cover which is held down by three plastic nuts.

Fluid: Hydraulic fluid: Mercedes part#A 000 989 91 03 10

Be careful as this is a slow seller at many dealerships, I had a dealer try to sell me a bottle last year that was probably a decade old.

[beyowulf]

Thanks for the information on the location didn't think to look under the black cap.I live quite aways from a dealer wish there was a comparable fuild on the market... Jim

[tecqboy]

Mail order it from our forum sponsor. Don't substitute generic fluid.

[johnflight1]

mercedes hydraulic fluid is aviation quality mil spec 5606A it is a mineral based hyd fluid.unlike regular 5606 which is red 5606A is a clear fluid with an additive that lubes seals and prevents leaks better than regular 5606.
Which is why it can sit in your car for so many years and keep the seals preserved and the system corrosion free. The reason the actuators above the windshield go bad first is that they are the high point in the system so from lack of use they dry out due to drain back in the system to the lowest point. With hydraulics you should use the system at least once a month . so always use the correct factory fluid and replace it as often as you can those actuators are expensive

[beyowulf]

Many thanks to each of you for sharing your information,I shall use the MB fluid and will suck out the sediment that appears to be in the bottom of the tank.Thanks again for taking time out of your day to comment on my thread. Jim