I have a 1993 300CE cabriolet (A124). On Friday, while stopped in HOT weather (98F) in traffic, I decided I'd had enough of my rotisserie chicken imitation and went to put the top up. I was on a slight incline to the left (driver's side lower than passenger side) and the top wouldn't raise!!! YIKES!!
After a couple of attempts, I decided to forget it and just drive home while continuing my slow roast. On the remaining 25 minute drive, my brain kicked into overdrive about the reason the top wouldn't raise.
Today, I pulled out my trusty Mercedes Benz E-Class Owner's Bible (Bentley Publishers - a GREAT reference book) and found that there's a hydraulic reservoir for the top mechanism. After pulling the carpet and trunk liner out to get to the pump / reservoir, I see that the hydraulic fluid is just above the MIN mark.

HERE'S THE QUESTION - WHAT FLUID DO I USE??? The Mercedes Benz E-Class Owner's Bible says to use MB Part no. 000 989 91 03 which I don't happen to have any of laying around in my garage. Being hydraulic fluid, do I just use DOT4 brake fluid (same as in the car)? OH PLEASE LEARNED ONES, your direction is requested. Does one of the techs have the answer? I DO NOT WANT TO MESS THINGS UP SO THAT I END UP HAVING TO PURGE AND BLEED THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.

Thanks all, I really appreciate the help.

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Jay Yambrovich
Scotts Valley, CA.

1993 300 CE Cabriolet (A124) 131K miles
1997 C-280 133K miles

2000 BMW R1100RT 69K miles
1989 300 E 216K miles (sold)

MB uses a couple different hydraulic oils NONE ARE DOT4 brake fluid. I don't know which you need but the 000 989 91 03 would have been my first guess.

Hydraulic fluid is mineral based (whatever that means) and is NOT compatable with normal brake fluid. Do Not use brake fluid.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks for your counsel Steve. I suspected that DOT4 brake fluid would be a mistake...

As I said, I was concerned that I might mess something up (seals, pump, who knows) and on this car, that's something I don't want to do.

I'll have to stop by my indie (Precision Mercedes in Santa Cruz, CA) or the dealer in Monterey to get the right stuff.

With the HEAT WAVE we're having, I'm glad that the top is down instead of up!! A/C isn't the same.

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Jay Yambrovich
Scotts Valley, CA.

1993 300 CE Cabriolet (A124) 131K miles
1997 C-280 133K miles

2000 BMW R1100RT 69K miles
1989 300 E 216K miles (sold)

The hydraulic suspension fluid you are looking for is available from the dealer and also www.*************** under the part number you mentioned. It is unique and you shouldn't substitute brake fluid/atf/etc. It is also available from the site sponsor Fastlane. (Sorry guys).

However, I would be surprised (I have been before ) if being at the min mark would prevent the top from coming up if nothing else was wrong.

Good luck.

I've poked around and can't find a substitute for the Mercedes fluid. Don't use anything else. You don't want to make an expensive mistake.

After topping off, keep an eye on the level. These mechanisms are prone to horrible leaks at the cylinders. When they let loose, it's a flood. Three of mine have leaked. I replaced all eight cylinders.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K