How-to Remove and Install the Hardtop on a R129 Mercedes-Benz SL

[@MDavidG1]

I have one of these glass hardtops on my 1998 SL600. They look great but make the interior of the car extremely hot in warm weather. Also they are substantially heavier than the standard aluminum hardtops. It is helpful if the guys removing or reinstalling the top are tall, and strong. It's nerve wracking because it's easy to upset the car's many hydraulic parts and sensors, and to scratch the paint when manhandling the big awkward top. It's not a job for women or kids. I always heave a sigh of relief after the top is removed or reinstalled. And it pays to do both on a regular basis, to keep the hydraulics from getting stiff and seizing up.

[@bighilbili]

i use old tennis balls on the back latch to protect the on and off. just slice the ball and insert the back shafts .It easy and they keep the shaft from scrapeing if you loos grip of top

[@MDavidG1]

Do you mean you put the tennis balls on the shafts of the roof?

[@andreasmayer7027]

my general recommendation: it`s better to keep the car engine running whenever opening or closing the softtop - otherwise puts too much load on the battery

[@jpogrady88]

Good tip, also along those same lines you cannot remove the hardtop while the engine is running.

[@vincentbilger3115]

Does it work as well for a 1990 model ?

[@gleecheeeurico605]

I’m having a hard time closing the back part of the hardtop all the way down . Any suggestions?

[@jake2772]

I’ve got a hard top excellent condition same color, I’ll trade you for that pano roof!

[@schmago1348]

hello chief, I have the problem, the arch remains blocked in the low position, and nothing works, it only clicks. did you find the problem yourself. Many thanks to you. Cordially

[@cores10]

do you push or pull when installing the hard top again?

[@user-wv6vv2nu4i]

Tengo algun problema electrico y no logro activar el boton para sacar el techo duro, hay alguna forma de hacerlo manualmente.

[@user-yj7kq1wm6r]

Yes you’ll need the special Mercedes tool for removing it

[@benicamenica1557]

So...turn the ignition on you say....subjective. Turn the ignition on could mean to some...just turn the key to...on and others it could mean...turn on the engine.. Now..why.. don't know. We have a few later model SL's...R129's and two......the procedure is completely different..2000 and 2002....R129's. One... engine has to be on...the other...key has to be in position 2 to release the top....go figure. .

[@leofight3920]

Do u push or pull the switch, If u Install the hard top? If u push, how does the Car, know that its not starting the soft top Thing? Greetings from Germany

[@user-is4hg2zn5s]

Sensors in recieving ports i suppose