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  #1  
Old 07-17-2010, 01:54 PM
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How to remove 1994 E320 soft top cylinder?

Hello ...

Can anyone provide me with step-by-step instructions on how to remove the convertible top cylinders (rams) from a 1994 e320 Cabriolet (W124)? Or direct me to a site that can guide me?

My top has operated fine for years until last evening. Went to lower the top and, while it unlatched from the tonneau cover, it would go no further. This morning I saw hydraulic fluid had leaked on the garage floor. It was dripping from just in front of the passenger-side rear wheel well. I checked the fluid reservoir, and it is reduced to 1/4 full. I assume I have a broken seal on the top-lift cylinder, although a simple leak is possible. But I don't want to start pulling things apart without some guidance. I assume I will replace both cylinders once I get started.

This car had the same problem on the driver's side some 10 years ago; however, it happened within 30 days after I'd purchased it from a MB dealer so they fixed it for free. No such luck this time! I have the tools and basic skills, but a road-map would be very helpful.

Thanks!

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  #2  
Old 10-19-2010, 02:38 PM
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Wish i could help but I have the same problem with my '95. Plus I keep it down in Mexico at my retirement villa. If you get private replies please share the riches.
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  #3  
Old 10-19-2010, 03:18 PM
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It involves removing the rear seats and paneling. As well as removing the paneling in the trunk.

that is what I see that needs to be done..

my '94 needs its hydraulics redone too
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  #4  
Old 10-20-2010, 02:37 AM
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Look here http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w124-e-ce-d-td-class/1395095-w124-soft-top-manual-operation-1994-a-5.html

The links to removing the side interior panels have changed but the links still work. Once you get the side panels off you should be able to see which ones are leaking.
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  #5  
Old 10-20-2010, 10:01 AM
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awesome!

I am on the fence if I want to pull all of the cylinders or just the cylinders I know that are leaking.

I really hope I do not have to remove the entire top

ps2cho still posts here maybe he can fix the broken links

also, how do you drive the car while there are no top cylinders in it? my cabrio is my only car
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  #6  
Old 10-20-2010, 10:09 AM
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great stuff. You should submit your info to the DIY section here.


side note, I stopped by the dealership to get hydraulic fluid($25 a quart.. oww) and they had an R129 getting all of its cylinders replaced.. $800 each, noooo thank you.

I am also curious to what the special wrench is in the tool kit. I dont think my car even has a tool kit

Last edited by TheDon; 10-20-2010 at 10:20 AM.
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  #7  
Old 10-20-2010, 11:26 AM
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I urge you to have all eight cylinders replaced. The cylinders that you're immediately concerned with are the most difficult to get at. The remaining four are easy.
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  #8  
Old 10-20-2010, 01:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kestas View Post
I urge you to have all eight cylinders replaced. The cylinders that you're immediately concerned with are the most difficult to get at. The remaining four are easy.
What's the total count? 6 or 8?

Two mains for the top frame, two to lift the rear of the top, and two for the cover?

Sounds like the l/r cylinders that raise the back of the top clear the cover are the ones leaking.

Thanks,

Jim
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  #9  
Old 10-20-2010, 02:18 PM
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There are 8; 2 main frame cylinders one on each side by the wheel well; 2 bow (rear of the top) cylinders also in the wheel well,one for the compartment lock, one for the rear of the soft top where it locks to the cover, and then two in the trunk, one on each side.

As Kestas stated, it's best to get it done or at least do the four in the wheel wells at the same time. Those are much much harder to R&R, the other 4 are relatively easy.

If you pull them you could reassemble the car and drive it. You won't be able to lock the rear of the top but that should not be a problem.

The "special" wrench is really at thin 10mm (or 12) open wrench, you could take a cheap wrench and grind it down it you need to.

Also the febi hydraulic fluid works fine and is at least here much less than the dealer.
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  #10  
Old 10-20-2010, 02:20 PM
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ok, makes sense.

now to just save up to have them all rebuilt.

one or two of the cylinders in the right wheel well are leaking as well as the lock for the top(in the toneu cover)
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  #11  
Old 10-24-2010, 04:31 PM
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Convertible top hydraulic repair

I have a '95 SL500 and I have recently replaced/overhauled all of my top cylinders. If you send me an email, I will give your the name of a person in north Detroit Michigan who overhauls the cylinders for a reasonable fee, as low as $69 for the top locking cylinders, the bow cylinders are a bit more, and a core exchange fee. Another person in LA has the seals if you a DIYer and Dennis Ficken (on this site) also repairs them with a 3 day turn around. Steve fazekas@baxter.com

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