2003 SL500 R230 Manual Vario Roof Operation

I recommend watching at 1.25 speed.
The tool is just a Torx40. Just release the pressure on the pump and follow the video.
When done, I'd recommend closing the pressure release on the pump, which would probably help keep things in place while driving and ensure the roll-bar will go up/down.
This particular car would probably be fixed by new brackets for the flaps ($100), which is a common failure mode for these R230's, but this way will always work and the owner will never have to worry about electrical/hydraulic failures on the roof.
At the 3:00 mark, notice I struggle to tighten the locking mechanism. This is because the roof hasn't been pressed down far enough (it won't close until there is pressure from the trunk lid on the lock).

[@mftwohill51]

Always good to know how to manually operate the roof, in case of that unexpected emergency. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.

[@mrtonyredding]

Thanks to your video I can now enjoy my SL with the Top Down😎👍🏼

[@Mlive722]

Opened and closed . Both in less than 10 amazing video. Will be doing this

[@deangeloyoung4828]

Great video ! You should do more on the SL 500

[@gerrybond9273]

Very helpful. I managed to avoid a pricey trip to my local indie after my roof got stuck halfway up!

[@mikeb1039]

and mine is currently stuck almost closed on the LAST DAY I'll probably use it this year! Oh well, happy to find some help!!

[@pushcsf]

You’re the shit bro…We Love You!!!

[@trevon365]

It seems complicated …but easy at the same time

[@carloscastillom.866]

Gracias por el video, me va a servir cuando cambie mi SLK por un SL500

[@user-kz6vm5je8g]

Fantastic help. Others said it was a really complicated process. I would add that the joint at the back of the roof needs to be pulled down for the latch mechanism at the front of the roof inside to be turned. I was struggling but after pulling the roof down, or pushing down just above the rear window the mechanism turned easily. The allen wrench is a 5mm and if you are lucky enough to have the original tool bag that came with the car, it's in there. Thank you so much.

[@4benzes]

Though I released the torx up front the roof still isn’t releasing?? Any advice

[@ulrichmusic]

Very, very helpful. Thanks so much!

[@stephonromero1387]

Thank you so much for this video ❤🎉

[@4benzes]

Does the plastic piece under the flaps have to be removed to complete the process?

[@jasonbenyon4163]

Amazing thank you 🙏

[@Acompony]

Give this comment a like if your a technician and here for HELP

[@Tcamp95818]

You have to really know its sunny and really want top down.

[@mikeb1039]

You da man

[@chuckm482]

Thank you. At least before I attempt to repair the top, I can use it with the top down.

[@ahmadfosterrutledge]

What size Wrench or socket to use?

[@williamfael8214]

I am unable to lift the deck lid carrier after releasing the locking bolts. There seems to be something holding it as it lifts a bit but won't swing up like in the video. My car is a 2007 sl 550

[@romeaschbrenner4554]

did you ever figure it out?

[@williamfael8214]

No, I have not. I would appreciate any advice!

[@romeaschbrenner4554]

@@williamfael8214 it took about an hour of brute force and wiggling but I finally got it up. I don’t think there is any trick, it was just really stubborn to move.

[@mikerob494]

My roof doesn’t “fall into place.” It gets stuck about 10 inches above its resting place inside the trunk. What am I doing wrong?

[@protonspring5244]

Make sure you released the pressure in the pump. Other than that, it must be hitting something. Make sure to press the front of the roof down first. Does that work?

[@alrossi1641]

Fluid is full?

[@RaduJon]

Mine gets a 2 inch gap on the right side when the trunk closes or opens. The vario roof works as it should, but on the final step it leaves a 2 inch gap only on the right side. I looked inside to see if something dropped in and makes it stuck that way from closing all the way but haven’t found anything. This causes the trunk to not open going up or close at all the normal way ( as if you’re getting a bag or groceries out of your trunk) , and the windows leave a half inch open gap as well, which would be bad during rain. I can hear the highway noise through the window crack. That 2 inch gap is at the sharp corner of the trunk near the passenger door. It’s almost as if you could push it down if you forced it , but so far unsuccessful

[@moniquejohnson6600]

I'm going to assume that with over 19,000 views there's a lot of people experiencing issues with these tops...I'm definitely running into issues also. Mercedes needs to.do better!

[@Amg641]

Hi is this the same for the R230 SL55?

[@protonspring5244]

Should be exactly the same.