R 129 Top Locking Cylinder replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

FiremistSLK · #1 07-20-2004, 08:04 PM

As usual...after 63,000 miles, my driver side, top locking cylinder is leaking! I purchased the replacement cylinder and would like a step by step instruction on how to remove the windshield molding to get to the cylinder. I see the little black cover over the locking pin hole, but where are the rest of the screws I need to remove from the top windshield trim to get to the cylinder? I know alot of you guys have done this job, so could someone help?? THANKS, John D

mbdoc · #2 07-21-2004, 08:26 AM

That is a very simple job. The complete windshield bow trim comes off after removing both black plastic latch trim covers. Then slide the bow cover toward the rear of the car.
AT that point you will see the latches, then remove the latch, un-clip the hydraulic line & unbolt the hydraulic cylinder. The system bleeds itself. Check your fluid level & ONLY use factory fluid or you will need ALL new cylinders.

G-Benz · #3 07-21-2004, 03:15 PM

My wife noted that oil is periodically dripping from out of the hinge point of the sun visor (on the R129)...I confirmed this today when I took the car out.

Is this from the locking cylinder or something else?

If so, how much is the replacement?

mbdoc · #4 07-21-2004, 05:55 PM

MB part number 129-800-16-72 lists for $127 each (2 @ car)

FiremistSLK · #5 07-21-2004, 10:08 PM

Sounds really easy to do! I am looking forward to the experience. BTW, where is the reseviour to check the top hyd. fluid level and is the filler hole evident on the reseviour?

RPM55 · #6 07-22-2004, 01:34 PM

The reservoir is part of the pump. The pump is located under the spare tire. Remove spare tire,remove black plastic cover. Pump is under the cover.

FiremistSLK · #7 07-23-2004, 05:15 PM

The cylinder replacement was a snap! I did only one side (driver) and it took less than 30 minutes. Just a note on the removal of the windshield bow trim. I own a 1999 500SL and after I removed both black plastic latch trim covers the trim piece still would not slide rearward! I discovered two more screws! They were under the end rubber top gaskets. I had to remove the screw from each of the end rubber gaskets because there is another screw under each of those rubber end gaskets that must also be removed before the windshield bow trim will slide rearward. Still an easy job! I will check and service the system tomorrow. Thanks again to all for the help. John D

G-Benz · #8 08-15-2004, 05:46 AM

Not a bad job...but not as easy for me as you described.

I guess with a 95, the panel was a bit more stubborn. But I did find the additional screws based on your post.

To add to the replacement instructions...you CAN remove the cylinder w/o removing the entire latch mechanism by removing the two hex screws that attach the cylinder to the latch...but with little room to work (about a 1/5 turn of play) it can take you ten minutes to get one screw out!

Another way is to remove the three torx screws that hold the entire mechanism to the windshield bow, unclip the hydraulic lines, and take the whole assembly out. The cylinder is much easier to remove while it's on the bench. Note: Moving the plunger will squirt a load of remaining fluid if you're not careful (boy, THAT didn't sound right)!

But even after installing, I still got the leak. But I believe that was excess left over from the prior part, and I found myself removing the panel and latch several times for inspection that day. But after thorough cleaning of the channels inside the bow, no more leaking occurred.

FiremistSLK, thanks for the tip! Especially thanks for posting, since my wife alerted me to the leak just as you posted...

Bandonbound · #9 06-05-2011, 05:33 PM

Just joined up, great info and a great site. I"m about to do this job, left side started dripping yesterday, and, its worse smelling and staining that diff. fluid. Washed my pants twice and they still stink! Wipe it up fast! Most of these SL's are leather and who needs stains and spatters. Thanks for the info!! MB_DOC, you're one knowledgeable guy! Been gleaning lots of info from your posts over time!! Thanks.