Hello,

2 weeks ago I bought a used 1998 SL 500, After removing the hard top I noticed a oil drip comming form behind the sun visor mounting position on the drivers side. I now must keep a rag on the seat and on my left leg when I drive the car, any Ideads as where it's comming from ? Also the soft top operation has worked fine until friday, when I got to work the top would not cycle through the closeing cycle, after some tugging and pulling it finally closed. Yesterday the same events occured. Are the two problems related? Is the leak causing the top problem?

The leak is coming from one of the hydraulic latches, and yes, the soft-top operation is being affected. Due to the leak, there isn't sufficient pressure to complete the locking operation. This is not a DIY job unless you're familiar with the system. The new latch must be adjusted correctly and the correct hydraulic fluid MUST be used. I hope the fluid didn't damage the interior. Get to a dealer ASAP. Good luck

The two front latches are actuated by small hydraulic cylinders. The oil leak you have may be a bad actuator cylinder shaft seal or a loose connection. When the oil level gets low, the system will not work.
Try and get warranty repair. This is not a usual failure.