2006 SL500 Roof Fix

Problem identification and fix on retractable hardtop for SL500s (2003 and new model years). Simple fix, or watch to be sure and lubricate needed parts.

[@steveclarke2947]

Hi Stephen, I have a 2004 SL500 with this problem. MB quoted me $2400 I just finished fixing it myself from your video with a thin piece of steel as packing , it now works a charm! thank you very much you just saved me $$$$ BIG thank you.

[@petercollard811]

Hi Stephen. I've watched several videos on this problem. Yours is by far the best! Thank you.

[@nickynap6238]

Hi Stephen I had this problem with my wife"s car lose flaps in trunk right side hanging really low order the kit thank"s to your advice paid $77.00 ON Ebay OEM part watched your video & repaired the convertible works perfect my mechanic told me theirs a kit for $590.00 I guess he meant cable & wings ? I explained to him what I ordered he told me bring the car to him so he could see no book price to do that type of repair I did it my self thank you very much saved over $500.00 ! thank you again. Oh ps i'm not so good with my hands if i could do it anyone can took about 1 hr & 15 minutes to repair.

[@stephenguyon]

Freakin awesome! You da man.

[@akapeej]

That little flap was loose disassembled and alignment everything assemble it again NOW IT WORKS JUST FINE THANK YOU!!!

[@jackiedivenere]

Changed that part on the right side flap today. Worked like a charm. 2003 SL500.

[@johngrant1638]

Hi there, your video was a great help, I was quoted £862.00 to fix that same problem on the same side, after I was picked up off the floor through shock I thought fxxk that, so went online & saw this video. Went to Mercedes & bought the part for £38.00, it took me 45 minutes to fix and now it’s working fine, thanks for your help couldn’t of done this if it wasn’t for you. Cheers John (London UK)

[@stephenguyon]

Just happen to see you reply come across... that's great! Good luck. PS when do we get more leaders like Churchhill?!?

[@peterharasym2768]

Hi Stephen Thanks so much for your video. I have a 2005 SL 600 and the roof suddenly stop going down. I watched your video twice and followed your instructions to the T. Instead of using copper I used Teflon. In addition, I oiled everything as you suggested. My roof now is operating thanks to you. With tons of gratitude. Cheers, Peter Harasym, Kelowna BC

[@stephenguyon]

Peter Harasym, thanks for sharing, so others can learn from your success. Great idea with the teflon

[@MPT6999]

Just wanted to say thank you for this video. I had a similar problem on a 2006 mercedes sl500. I did not put the strips of copper, but simply ordered the new part - repair kit Part # A 230 750 01 11. It looks the same as the original part, but now has added reinforcement to prevent the part from flexing. My guess of why the original part was updated. Most dealers will stock one set anyways so it is a common problem. This works perfectly now.

[@mt7449]

Thanks so much for the great instructions Stephen. I purchased the OEM upgraded version from Pelican Parts, including shipping was $75. I added frog lube to the internal slide and bearing for the flapper. I figure if it works for gun parts it will work well for this application to reduce wear and friction. I followed your instructions to the tee and completed the project for both sides in about 1 hour. Thank you for making the video, greatly appreciated. 👍

[@alpinewhite]

Hi Stephen. Thanks for making this video. I just did my 2006 SL55 with the same symptoms. I didn't have to remove the flaps from the assembly. I simply removed the 3 10mm nuts you mentioned in 1:06 and then removed the two torx bolts behind the sliding mechanism. From there, I was able to remove the slider piece. I used material from an old head gasket as shim material. I cut it with tin snips and smoothed it out on my grinder. Then, I reinstalled the slider piece with the two torx screws. Later, i put it all back in with the 3 10mm nuts. The part that took more time was to make sure that the flap is as far back as it can go before tightening the two torx bolts. Thanks again for this video.

[@stephenguyon]

Augie Inciong, how did the head gasket material work? Are used copper because it was soft and figured it would wear before the steel on the gear did. I got one reply from a person who used teflon, and I thought that was a good idea too

[@graemecooper4375]

Thanks for the video. I had also to change out the cable as one side the nipple had snapped off. Not sure how but hey ho. Easy to change and follow your instructions once I had changed over the cables. Mercedes wanted to charge me £3000 to replace the simple fix and of course a new complete cable loom. Roof works a treat, appreciated. The sun is shining, beep beep.

[@emedvallejo377]

5-19-16 I really appreciate you taking the time to do this video. My right flap was down just yours in the video. I have a 2007 SL550 Silver with Black interior. I changed the bracket in less than an hour. I was going to change the other side by it was firm in place and didn't need to be changed. I'm keeping the spare bracket ready to install once a bracket wears out. Your video saved me $600 in mercedes mechanic fees. You are awesome! I'm a fan!

[@cc21playa57]

Any help with where the hydraulic fluid is installed to operate the roof? There is no cap so please don’t say cap

[@jamesfelsing1635]

Hi Stephen, your video is great, I was apprehensive but when I took it apart it was obvious that the old bracket was bent, so got the repair kit from a Mercedes dealer, it was only £38 here in the UK which I thought was reasonable. The new replacement part is nearly twice as thick and much more robust. Just gave it lots of lube and put it back together. Slipped in the new part and now the roof works fine.

[@stephenguyon]

You da Man!

[@mhmir]

Perfect video Stephen and many thanks. I have replace two parts on my 2007 SL600 and now my roof rework perfectly. My little problem has been to disconnect two electric connectors but it's done! Thank you again. Marcel

[@marcvansteenberghe3948]

Hi Stephen, thanks for a brilliant video. Thanks and regards from Cape Town...Marc

[@mdj9765]

Nicely done, particularly the copper shim. Thanks

[@myoneblackfriend3151]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I sure appreciate it. I have wanted one of these ever since I was a college student and my concern has always been the cost of maintaining the vehicle. Over 13 years of driving my Honda Element the repairs barely exceeded 20% of the purchase price. I didn't figure I could be so lucky with a used Mercedes or BMW. Maybe with enough tutorials like this an old Merc becomes as good as new at a discount.

[@stephenguyon]

MyOneBlack Friend thanks for the reply. I have a Toyota Tundra, hardly any maint expenses and it’s an awesome vehicle. $500 for a typical service on the SL got real old. What scared me the most is how much it cost to fix the air conditioning system in an SL 500. Pretty much have to remove the entire dash to get to the components. So the cost is over $5000 from what I’m told. Forget that

[@antonrodnov1399]

Thank you. I repaired roof in my car, after watching your video. But I need replaced electrical motor too.

[@donaldcarter4324]

Thank you for the tutorial. I will check and lube the mechanism on mine.

[@johnnyhandsome7073]

I have same problem with my car thanks for the video ❤❤❤

[@malcolmgay2206]

What a great instructive insight your video was. More please. I understand you can hold the unlock button down on the key fob (without the engine on) and it will unlock the SL and if you continue to hold it down it with open the roof and fold it away. It works on my 2007 model

[@billbog25]

Fantastic job! Thank you so much!!!!! I changed the rear center brake light and after that this happened. So helpful!!

[@diplomat63]

Thank you for your great video Stephen. I had the same problem. It was easy to fix it because you show so exatly how to do it. Greetings from Germany

[@stephenguyon]

Thomas Riem, Germany? This video/solution may not be German approved 😜

[@kittypigeonclueless5566]

magnificent video. thank you!

[@munoaperformance]

Thanks for the tip! It worked like a charm. I went ahead and popped for the new repair kit, $59. The new parts are much beefier and better reenforced than the original parts that failed.

[@antonkristijanto820]

where did you buy the part?

[@cc21playa57]

How do u add hydraulic fluid in the trunk reservoir for the roof? Mine has no cap! It has 3 little dime size looks like covers only one depresses. Any help? 🌈

[@thenanook]

you saved me 140 bucks, thanks

[@243wayne1]

Nice job Stephen!

[@stephenguyon]

Sia, that's awesome you were able to do it yourself and save the $$$$

[@nickynap6238]

Yes thanks again A+++++ on your video your awsome

[@stephenguyon]

I like the various solutions people all over the place have come up with on this SL500 roof issue. I think the Germans would be proud ( maybe not)

[@AZshootist]

Well done! Thank you.

[@axentean]

Thank you sir very helpful

[@EdK911]

Great job!!

[@enegron6987]

Great job!

[@sitihouseofexoticparfums8503]

Great job

[@krit7728]

could you show me how you install a copper plate? and what is a thinkness of that copper?

[@tombucher4771]

Amazing video. Thank you! I can't believe there's a video for my exact car, exact problem, same side (passenger). It worked. I used a strip of copper, lubed it with lithium. It's working great. I was able to do it without taking the cover / flap apart.

[@stephenguyon]

Tom thanks for the kind words. Good luck to you

[@adrianwebb1819]

Hi, what thickness of copper did you use please?

[@TomBucher]

@@adrianwebb1819 Hi, I used 1/2" copper tubing / pipe - the one that comes in a coil is softer than the harder long pipes so I'm thinking that I used that. (It's been a while). I used sheet metal shears to cut a strip just shorter and narrower than the little rack gear. I then hammered it flat, greased it with lithium and placed it under the rack gear in order to lift the rack gear closer to the pinion gear. It seems that, over time, the pieces expand and move away from each other. Think of the piece of copper like an insole for your shoe. Good luck!

[@severnfreewheelers2910]

I guess this will work on my 2002 SL?? Many thanks

[@ditol7927]

Thx so much dude

[@siasabourm3]

Hi there, I really appreciate for your helpful video, it was great and I saved $2700. some garage quote me for $2700 to repair it, and I've done it with your guide. THANKS A LOT :)

[@davisbrewer6136]

My question: Why didn’t you test the repair before installing the final cover which is so hard to remove

[@stephenguyon]

Ben, 1 mm seems good but you should be able to test it by installing the shim in it without the cable connected and moving the flat back-and-forth and seeing if you got good movement and a also good engagement of the gear. Good luck, I sold my SL 500 a year or so ago but it was fun while I had it. Just crazy costs even for the minor things.

[@bengebert6101]

Thanks for your reply. That's a great idea to check it! Will get into it today. Got the part number, thank you. Unfortunately everything in Australia is Pretty much double the price you pay in the US, I like to DIY and save as much as possible so this works is great! Thank you again for the great video and information!

[@theil6]

Excellent Clear Video about the mechanism

[@joannparker7421]

The bolt going thru the shaft broke, any idea on replacing it?

[@keatoneckert9518]

I wanted to personally say thank you for taking the time to post this video! I am having the same issue with mine and almost dropped it at the dealer! Very informative and a great video!! Thanks Again! Also, not sure if you've had this issue but it seems to be dripping fluid on my passengers seat

[@stephenguyon]

Keaton, The problem with mine was purely mechanical in nature that is it was pretty much a gear issue on the roof-flaps. My SL 500 at that time had no leaks of any kind. So unfortunately yours sounds like something else and not covered in my little video. But I hope it works out for you.

[@eddiesouther]

I had that problem. The latch in the center of the top of windshield was leaking. I found a place in Tampa to rebuild it. Much easier and cheaper than putting in a new one. They have a coupler for the hydraulic line that can be cut so you don't have to remove line all the way back to pump. Check fluid level in pump

[@tonychan4526]

Brilliant!

[@alexrSL368]

Hello! great and very useful video you made, thank you very much for this! I have a question for you, how did you secure this plate inside so that it does not move under the action of the rod ?? I have her stock all the time squeezes out and she moves out from under it ((

[@fdauhajre]

Hello, do you have instructions on how to remove to top latch cylinder. My vario roof is failing and I have been told this is the first place to look.

[@nickynap6238]

Hello, Steve I replaced brackets for wings about a year and four months ago the rigt side flap came loose again? I was nice a tight when I fixed working perfect can I ajust the nuts on the piston to tighten right side wing again? I know this is not suppose to happen so soon not used everyday to drop top barely used?? Any suggestions? Thanks Nick

[@mrkongsimr]

Thank you ,great video , is there a guide to how and where to lubricate the roof ??

[@isaiahprescott1587]

Hi, how did you get the gear back on? Can’t seem to do it and it popped out some how

[@DaytonCarCare]

Great video and ingenuity. Instead dropping $75 for two little parts. ☺

[@severnfreewheelers2910]

I cant get my flaps to stay tight and the weight of the flap is making it drop forward!! \Even with the new clamp, Any ideas? Paul

[@mikeovanes]

how much lubrication can be done without taking things apart? And what type of lube would you suggest. thank you..

[@mollybags455]

Thats a great job! And great tutorial

[@stephenguyon]

There is a small gap (from my memory) that will allow lubricant into that gear compartment. I'd use something like a chain oil to spray in there. Chain lube comes in a pressurized can and typically has a little straw to allow for accurate application. I'd also spray the bearings of the cover flap. (may want to use a rag to cover area you done want oil on. Good luck. I sold that SL to get a Loaded Tundra. Maybe I'll get another one some day. But for now I don't miss the thousands I'd have to spend keeping that car in top shape. Hope your smart shock system doesn't need worked on.

[@DAMOOF100]

Just fixed mine your video was a big help but now my front bow hydraulic cylinder is leaking do you have a video on how to replace that or rebuild the hydraulic cylinder

[@gugulethusithole2492]

My father used to play that exact same song ( first song ) in his SL with roof that couldn't go down.

[@stephenguyon]

Mr Dayton Car Care: I was more curious to see if I could fix it myself and make my own bearing. I didn't trust that the new castings parts were any better than the original ones as MB did not recall this defective design. As and update, roof has been working great now issues 6 months later. Also, I'm surprised lubing the bushings on those roof flaps is not recommened. Without lube they bind up and start to cause problems. If I was at a shop doing the work for someone else, I would have bought the parts as well. That way when it failed, you can blame MB.

[@williaml3885]

Do you know if the gear inside is replaceable? I see the cover PN 2307500111 for sale everywhere but my customer has a bad gear that sits inside the cover. From what I see that PN does not include the gear and one tooth is missing. Respectfully, Gene

[@bengebert6101]

Hello, This is a awesome video, I was thinking the part might have been bent and was about to get the old hammer out! I too was quoted over $2000 for complete flap assembly and after seeing this and calling the only dealer ship in my area were unaware of the replacement or service kit and asked them to search for me. Crooks.... Can I ask one question, What thickness was the copper shim/bearing you used? I was thinking of using 1mm? Here in Aussie land Mercedes still want $175 for the parts and a copper sheet is $5.

[@espann111]

Instead of snapping cover on in trunk leave it off and lower roof. You then have access on top for perfect alignment. Dealer wanted 1300 with 6 hours labor. I did it in less than an hour. Thanks for the video

[@stephenguyon]

espann111 glad it worked out for you. Thanks for adding additional comment for anybody else that has a similar issue

[@stephenguyon]

Maurice, sorry for your issues. I did not have to mess with the cable "torch the cable". If you have cable issues that would be a much bigger deal. I doubt that is the problem. It was th gears for me. But since I did not buy the "repair kit" I am not sure what the replacement parts are like and if they are any different than the originals. My guess is that you did not set the teeth on the gears properly. Having a friend help hold the assembly may help (as its kinda upside-down). when you assemble, I remember the flap is fully closed and making the switch connection when assembled if properly set. If its not, then you need to adjust the long straight gear so that is meshes with the pinion gear so that the flap is fully engages. There is only so much movement of the cable and only so much room the long flat gear can move. If not set right, you could strip some of the teeth. Also lube the back side of the long gear as it will rub against the aluminum housing and will wear causing slack. That's where I used copper to make a howmade bearing. Sorry I'm not much more help, going off old memory here. Get the SL500 shop manual as well, that may help too. I would avoid "torching" the cable, that sounds like a bad idea. I but those cables and the housing they come in are big money and need a professional to install.

[@thisisit7110]

thanks for video big help first side took about1 hour reason being was trying to leav flap on big mistake take it of it isnt that hard sencond side timed it 16 minute thanks again

[@ryanleigh9417]

What are the part numbers

[@dougsailor2304]

Hello Stephen G - I have a 2004 SL500 and have tried (and PAID) 3 different mechanics to try to fix my convertible top which has a problem raising (closing / going up), in the Fort Lauderdale / Miami area, yet none of them seems to be able to diagnose why: after it seems to be working perfectly, when I drive it (just a little distance) it fails again, i.e., the trunk opens but the top won't come out of the trunk. So..... I was wondering if you either know what the problem might be, or anyone in the greater Miami / Fort Lauderdale area who REALLY knows what they are doing with these tops so I can pay them to fix this????

[@chuy196545]

My car open and close ok. But my window does not closed totally when roof are close. What can be ?

[@steveskitini]

Great Video Thanks!!! 4 years later and this video really helps make this an easy fix first side within a few hours, 2nd side will probably only take 1 hour tops. If the roof is stuck open you can manually hold the flap in the correct position to engage both micro switches and allow it to close (2 people will help here). This saved me paying £650 when quote was to replace complete mechanism £450 + 3 hours labour!! So firstly this video covers what you need to do, for me the exception was to buy the uprated part from Mercedes £35 for a pair, the shim clearly worked, but the old part actually was bent over the gear because of the upward force, hence the new OEM part is double the height to stop this, the slight challenge was to push the cable sleeve in far enough so the case seated properly. Part Number MA230 750 01 11. (This was selling for £50 on Ebay so goes to show main dealer can be cheaper). I'll post a picture of the part, and copy link here once done.

[@rickcarr4196]

My SL roof opens and closes randomly. Once had to drive from Missoula MT to Coeur d Alene, Idaho (approx 500 miles) with the roof open in 50-55 degrees. People thought we were insane along the road. It more often is stuck in the open position, is it the same fix? Had it in the dealer and they supposedly replaced a switch (don't know which one) and has'nt resolved anything. The response was they would replace every switch one-by-one til fixed. No thank you! Why ldon't these experts know the answer, it seems so logical and simple! Maybe they do know, but that won't make them any service revene! I'm going to order the part # shown in comments below and get on it. Thank you

[@stephenguyon]

Rick, my bad, I did not read all of your comments. The fix in my video was pretty obvious that one of the Flaps was out of position. Unfortunately your issue may be something different in the Roof retraction system that is made up of about 5000 parts and pieces. Good Luck.

[@chrisking1699]

What's the name of that little flap.

[@mrkongsimr]

Hi there is no problem yet ,can you suggest any service to prevent problems ? Thank you ,good video .

[@stephenguyon]

sputnik , lubricate the pivot bushings

[@Wisdom2812]

I have a 2004 SL500 and the roof won't open, (it was working when I bought care 6 month ago) shortly after I purchased car I notice fluid started leaking down passenger side window, then it slowed down before it stopped. I did notice that the flap on the same side of my was open like the one in video when I first got it. Do I have 2 issues going on and will the steps in this video resolve my issue?

[@stephenguyon]

I am no expert, but leaking fluid sounds like a different problem than what this video was showing. My issues was with a position switch. No fluids were leaking.

[@shog4267]

E.T. Gasque Mine too 05 did you get it fixed?

[@cc21playa57]

Stephen G u have a leak from going back and forth it’s the actuator requires removal and new o ring. Other issue is car not driven everyday has to be driven 30 minutes before tip will open. Of course trunk separator must be closed to open top

[@skillz1855]

if the bat wings get in the way or not fold properly after installation of the top going down does that mean they need to adjusted....

[@YouTube.TOM.A]

+skillz1855 In my experience it is best to open the vario roof and install and adjust the cable with the roof in the open position. [ this position is more of a hard stop compared to the flap tucked up against the trunk lining. if the flaps keep falling [ into the trunk ] then the circular tooted gear may be worn beyond limits.

[@stephenguyon]

Ben, see some of the comments below but the part number for the kit is listed in the comments

[@julioqueiros4409]

thanks for video it was very helpful I had the same problem my retractable roof still don't open I checked sensor with meter on flap it was good I also checked the sensor on flap of trunk was good I have a message coming up on the right hand side display. that says reset r-button 3 sec can that be the problem what does that mean and where is it located can you reply please

[@willwills100]

Does anyone know if I can buy the gear

[@deividgonzalez9572]

Hi Stephen i have a problem with my mercedes sl500 2006, the process of opening the roof just opens the trunk and i need help, how I can repair that, thank you very much

[@kevinwiltshire2217]

I have the same problem Both flaps are making contact with the switches

[@lavishluxury]

I followed the steps to this video, but it left out some important info (Did you torch the cable?). I have an SL500 with the same problem, but the issue that i'm having is the flaps are not tight enough as they sag when the trunk close or when the trunk closes when the top is fully closed (After installing the repair kit). is there any torch needed to the cable? How did you get it tight and for it to stay tight during the open and close process?? It seems like the cable is not tight enough during the closing and opening process. HELP!! I did not take the teeth off, but I did buy the repair kit. Everything is back in place but the top will not close because the flaps are not tight enough during open and close process but its tight flush against the roof of the trunk hood while trunk is open.

[@severnfreewheelers2910]

I have the same problem. Put the new kit in and it still sags :(

[@stephenguyon]

Severn Freewheelers You can give the Dayton Car Care guys a message. He gave me crap for making my own bearing. Maybe he know how the make the MB retro kit work.

[@severnfreewheelers2910]

Stephenguyon Thanks. I swapped both sides and now the roof is jammed open!!! Grrrrrrr

[@Velo1010]

Happens to my girlfriends SL 550

[@artishuk]

My roof didn't work also my computer panel lit up like Xmas tree check this check that so couple people told me to start with battery changing the one in trunk so I did and my mechanic erased all the codes and roof started working and panel doesn't light up anymore

[@bahhumbucker]

Unbelievably, a low battery will cause all sorts of problems with this car, including causing a brake failure indication and the brake pedal going soft. It's happened to me. I've heard that if you mash the pedal hard enough when this happens the car will still stop, but it's astonishing that the NHTSA allows these on the road. Beautiful car, but it's a reliability nightmare and dispels the notion of superior German engineering. There's a reason the resale value of this model is so low. I have the flap gear problem and will be implementing this fix, with fingers crossed, tomorrow.

[@cnkcnk1344]

Hi Stephen. First of all really thanks to you for your video. I try to do same thing but it take 2 hour :) Finally it was succesfull but when ı did first time, flap was so tight when hardtop closed. I tried to open hard top but it stops at the half of openin period. And then ı try again (taking of flap an doing it again) when hardtop halfly open :) at that time trunk didnt close when you want to close hardtop, opening is ok but when you want to close hardtop, trunk doesnt close exacttly. At last ı take of everything and try again this time the screw of gear so tight, because of it flap doesnt move. (this is my guess) Then ı relaxed the screw and it was ok. Now it is working. do you think is it possible when you do gear screws so tight, ıt doesnt work? Or i did something wrong another. thanks a lot

[@stephenguyon]

My guess is the brass bearing needs lubed. With the wing flap off it should open and close with little effort. Lack of lubrication on that bearing I believe is the reason why the actuation gear jumps out of position. And once the gears jump the position is off, the switches that interlock the whole system did not allow it to operate properly. That’s my guess but it’s been years since I owned an SL 500 and I’m just talking from memory.

[@sputnik8407]

Hi there , how many miles did the car have at the time ?? Thanks

[@stephenguyon]

About 60-65,000 from memory

[@stephenguyon]

Maybe 65000

[@studentofscience]

you need to file down the front of the gear bar to remove the sharp edge on it. put the black bar on a vice or press and bend the center down it will not go bad anymore

[@greg8650]

Thanks for the great video. My dealer says they just replace both flab assemblies and the cables and the motor!!!! God only knows what that would cost!! I bought the repair kit Part # A 230 750 01 11 Doc 8025815688-160. $70.00 from my dealer. The new cast parts are much larger with reinforcing webbing in the casting. I lubed the slides with wheel bearing grease. They installed with no problems per your video. If you want to own an SL that is out of warranty you better get up to speed on repairs like this or these cars will suck your wallet dry.

[@elivordoagu3630]

Greg Herndon

[@stephenguyon]

Greg Herndon, thanks for your post on my video. The information you provided in your comments will certainly help other people with this common problem.

[@MJALLSMILES]

What’s the name of the part ?

[@doleione264]

A 230 750 01 11

[@rickcarr4196]

Because you don't know whch flap is the issue, do both sides (a repair kit for both); correct? Is it the same kit repair repair kit Part # A 230 750 01 11 Doc 8025815688-160 regardless of the year of the SL. I have a 2009 SL550. Great job Stephen. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[@stephenguyon]

Rick, I believe the kit is for both sides. You should know which side is the issue if you can see the flap hanging down some and not tight to the underside of the trunk. From memory there are two switches on each flap to let the Car know if the flaps are fully Open or Fully closed. Good luck.

[@alpinewhite]

Stephen, you didn't use the kit though, right? All you did was shim it up, correct? How did the copper hold up and how thick was the copper piece that you used?

[@243wayne1]

What a hunk of carpaccio..