I Fixed The Expensive Convertible Roof On My $8,900 SL55 AMG For Free (Almost)

[@MrJunesoo]

As a convertible owner I am so pleased to see you have your convertible fixed. Driving an open top vehicle on sunny day is priceless experience.

[@LordPrometheous]

I genuinely felt happiness and excitement when seeing the top fold up. Great content, man. We can all enjoy the small victories right alongside you.

[@ShiftingLanes]

That happiness when it opens. That's what it's all about.

[@kroynenno]

Tavarish, good for you. We just got rid of our 2004 SL500 after spending $3000 on a new accessory battery, new hydraulic pump for top, looking to replace engine and transmission mounts and oil seals after only 42K miles on the car. If you haven't already done so, put a trickle charger on the rear battery 'cause the car eats electricity even when turned off. It is indeed a beautiful car, great for touring and just cruising the boulevard but over-engineered with sensors everywhere! As to the trunk not staying up, the shocks are shot; an easy and surprisingly inexpensive fix with new shocks.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I've been looking at 2007-2008 S550s, but after seeing how much shit breaks on these cars, I'm having second thoughts. Very disappointing. I've owned many older German sports cars/sedans (70s/80s & 00, Audi, BMW, Porsche) that I've had good luck with, but I'm starting to realize the newer stuff is overpriced junk.

[@kgisabeast]

OMGWTFLOL LS460 would be your best bet if you want a reliable flagship luxury car although not as sporty as the s550

[@nicke2307]

I had a 2009 s550 and it was awesome. I did all my own repairs on it. Its not as bad as this car but still expensive if you dont know how to fix it yourself

[@DitzlerPhoto]

I'm keen on the 2004-2006 Lexus LS 430. V8 with only 290hp but 27mpg hwy. With the Ultimate Luxury package you have tons of comfort and luxury with Toyota reliability.

[@JS-hu9qo]

Yep, have an 04 SL 500 as well. Replacing the struts on the trunk is a 15 minute process. Done it a few times now. Can buy the struts on Amazon.

[@MrAdy993]

From a SL55 to a McLaren P1, who would've known?😮😂 Congrats!🎉

[@robboy18]

Love going back to these older videos. Miss them a lot. The DIY stuff is always good and its what made me want to try and tackle the problems with my 2011 E63

[@mwlagana]

The reason the roof panels didn't come up in trunk is because the trunk wasn't all the way up, If you replace the trunk struts it'll be much better

[@TheSunnySide]

this put a HUGE smile on my face - it's nice to see when guys don't give up and use a little brain power to sort things out - great job - S

[@chuckhandyjr.1585]

Hi! Just purchased a 2006 SL500 and like you the top in inoperable. The ABC suspension was inoperable but found the leak and it's back in service. Next to tackle the top! Thanks for your input!

[@Gesh622]

1. Fix electrical issues 2. Fix Mechanical issues 3. Restore Headlights 4. Adjustable Coilovers 5. Wash & Polish 6. Brabus Wheels 7. Remap ECU 8. Dyno 9. Wheel Alignment 10. New Exhaust

[@TheBombrothers]

Chris Logue Yes, he should take the ABC system off to make the car much more reliable. ABC is what makes this car cheap. Once (not if) it fails, i'ts 4k per corner to replace. There are coilover conversion kits out there for this specific model. The 55 v8 engine itself is very, very reliable.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I love the factory wheels. Can't believe you would consider replacing them. I also wouldn't touch the suspension or exhaust. Gotta go with Chris Logue on this one.

[@eman0828]

The endless money pit machine. Get that check list ready! lol

[@Gesh622]

Why coilovers, Because in these cars they tend to go faulty at some point.

[@rosssmith9941]

Eman 08 u jealous?

[@terrymickie8140]

I relocated to Tampa from Philadelphia a few years ago. The best way to transport your car to Florida is the AUTO TRAIN from Lorton, VA. It will let you off in Sanford, Fl., just outside of Orlando. You can skate up to Northern FL from there! If you have AAA it is even cheaper!! Good luck!

[@77Riku]

Looking forward to more Merc videos👍🏻. Really liking your channel. Greetings from Sweden😊.

[@tavarish]

Thanks!

[@Bryan-fg3ey]

that must have added €5'000 to its value

[@supergoat94]

On behalf of the U.S. we apologize for Triple Emce.

[@aabidamn]

The world use US$ a lot more in international trade than any other currency bar Renminbi. It is a key factor that makes American economy ahead of everyone else. Globalization is also a significant factor that has made American companies, such as Apple, GM, Dell, Microsoft, etc and entertainment industries are cut above any other companies from any other countries. You probably invented the terms 'globalization' and 'MNC' yet American people are so afraid of them, terrified that you won't be able to compete living in a world that you have shaped.

[@TCreatorO]

I agree with you supergoat, he didn't had to be so rude, but he has a point, the euro was created to keep Europeans enslaved, their own currency was collapsing, because the system is rigged to end with the banks having all the money while all of us in debt with the banks, so instead of changing the system, creating one that would work, they just created the same system they ran in each country but this one included all of Europe and created the European union, have you heard of the Amero? thats what they are planning to do here in the Americas, and make the American Union, ever heard of inflation? its what they keep doing to prevent the system from collapsing.... for now, because even while doing that you cant make this system change its ultimate end, it has to be changed. when the goverment loans money from the banks, they dont print those trillions of $, they do a transfer of funds to an account, and from that point on we pay interest on money that doesnt and will never exist, where is the interest going to come from for that loan? if the private bank is the only one that can print money, search on youtube "Understanding money and banking" it will be the 1st result an animated video that will explain everything. follow the rabbit hole and you will know.

[@PressurePlayerStudio]

On behalf of the U.S. we apologize for Triple Emce.

[@chrisrobert5872]

Ok....$5,500

[@jobselebron5835]

The rattling sound in the engine is the idler pulley, frequent failure, cheap and easy to change. If the car have any sudden loss of power after some hard runs check the intercooler pump, another cheap and easy fix. My S55 had both replaced.

[@ClemsonTiger75]

I had the same problem with the heavy trunk wanting to close on my head on my SLK350. I replaced the struts in the trunk, and it fixed that problem for good. It's a cheap fix, so do that. Awesome car. Good video. Thanks.

[@ryanconklin1440]

Gotta admit this guy' s honest.

[@blaccayman5233]

Congrats on fixing it. Last year I saw a YT vid on this issue and was glad to see you discovered the part and process to fix it. Keep up your enthusiasm.

[@mtridgee11]

Amazing, Persistence! ! had a huge smile when that trunk opened! Well done Tavarish!!

[@jimbeck3230]

Great Job on fixing the roof! Mercedes seems to under design components sometimes. I had a 98 ML320 that had an air conditioner failure at about 3000 miles. Naturally, I was crossing the desert from Escondido, CA to Phoenix. Took it to the dealer who fixed it under warranty and said it was a minor change. When I looked at what they changed the upgraded parts were completely different and much, much sturdier. I would imagine that most of these SL tops are similar.

[@Bryan921SS1]

Nice work! You cheering in the car reminded me of the Top Gear episode where Clarkson starts "mending" his cheap Porsche 944 or 924. Pure enjoyment at fixing something yourself!! Keep up the good work Tavarish, the videos keep getting better and better!!

[@HandsomeMoose]

That is one good looking car. Even better looking when it is topless. 8.900 $- Wow! Hope you keep beeing lucky and don't find any too expensive things to fix.

[@daveriley6310]

[A question at end of my comment] Fantastic. "I'm so, so pleased." So am I, Tavarish. Those two flaps on my '04 SL500 hang down just a couple of inches. I have been using a few strips of clear tape to hold them up so the top will begin its operation, then pause the retraction about halfway and remove them. Now I will get the part and attempt the same repair. Question - Same part number for both sides?

[@lifesbeautiful2285]

That is neat. Good job. Now it's worth $16,000

[@frankburdodrums8984]

Maybe to you. But to anyone that drives one it's worth so much more.

[@karrknutt3842]

I own one of these and I think it is awesome the depreciation on these cars, it is still a car that was over $100,000 new and the engineering on Mercedes is best in the world. People know that and that is why you can spend $150,000 on a new one today. I have owned 16 different Mercedes. When driving a Mercedes, you can understand why they cost so much. I would much rather spend the money on a Mercedes than almost any other car.

[@dab4562]

Now when he tries to close it sometime in the process the computer needs to see that switch open again. I guess he just takes out the jumper....if he still has access to it in this position.

[@chibu3972]

The minor things to look out for (or at least things that don't require surgical dissaasembly) when the roof stops working are: that switch that you fixed, those trunk flaps having play, the hydraulic pump not having enough hydraulic, or the PSE pump is dead. The roof won't work unless those issues (and hella others) are rectified.

[@ilukatube1972]

well done with the roof!! they are great cars and usually its the little electrical bugs that frustrate owners. You have shown again that if you are prepared to have a crack at fixing it yourself you can save thousands of dollars. awesome !!

[@herbertsupernova7307]

Great Video Dude! My Mom owns a SL500 from the Same generation as yours and it's just sich an awesome car. I was so happy Seeing you buy this car! Im hyped for more SL videos!👍🏻

[@Athfos]

Hey Tavarish, you are making progress, it has so much potential. Just think you need to check the power steering pump, and some of the bearings in the serpentine belt route. From the start up sounds these may be more pressing problems? Also would like to see the paint sparkling and the head lights clear. Love your commitment to this project.

[@radmansa5514]

Good work, I also repair my own R129, currently working on hydraulic top. These mercs are not that complex, now days even the fords and Toyota’s are filled with complexity’s due to all the electronics. Nice to see someone doing repairs with common sense👌👍😎

[@aabidamn]

That $60 metal parts and switch was what fixed the problem. That willingness to make the effort fixing on his own is what saves him tens of thousands of dollar of repair cost in the future. Fixing that roof alone has already increase the car's value significantly.

[@HunterDugasVideos]

I'm just dying for you to resurface those headlights. It would look sooooo much better lol

[@MrCarGuy]

Hunter Dugas Resurface? No, you just buff them out with Meguiar's polish compound.

[@cocoabiscuits]

toothpaste, water and a towel works.

[@EddieCdeejay]

The car needs a full paint correction and detail.

[@carlosbarragan1673]

I would just wet sand them 600 trough 2500 grit... polish them, also clean the interior leather.. and I would also would detail the paint my self... that alone brings the car up in value... now with that roof fixed I would get rid of it inmediately and easily ask 17000 for it...accept 15 or 16 INSTANT profit...

[@paveljurena7634]

Great job mate and great looking car.I like your approach to simple problems.MB technicians are far too expensive and only replace box for box.Not really fault findings.I'm an aircraft technician and lot of things you have described in your other videos are pretty much similar to modern aircraft.For instance replacing certain modules before they actually fail.We replace regularly a lot of parts because they have so called 'Hard time'.It means replacing even fully functional and faultless parts because they reach the end of the safe operating life.Just like your MB brake module.

[@Pinkpolo85]

I was equally as excited as you were when that top lifted up. I love to see a hard top convertible open and close. I am always amazed at the work you do yourself!!! That probably would have cost $2000 at the dealer to fix!!! AWESOME!!!!!

[@HighDefinitionVideo]

DUDE! I just bought one in San Juan! Thank you for the killer vids. I wouldn't have made the commitment without knowing way I have watched you do. Wish you and yours all the best!

[@jdhicks1979]

Love the direction this channel is heading!! Keep the videos coming!!

[@DanDuffy071]

Tavarish, the reason why the trunk is so heavy is because it's automatic. Hit the button on the trunk and it should open up on its own. Let me know if this works!

[@RobSchafer1]

T, Thanks for inspiring me to fix the leaking roof actuator on my 04 SL55 AMG! I saved $3,400 and put out a video explaining where to get a new actuator and how to fill the reservoir on the pump. Couldn’t find that video online.

[@simonblunden2151]

You are the king of perseverance. A lesson to us all. I just love how you don't give up.

[@nadinekirkland6145]

Hurray!!! I am so happy for you and your accomplishment on repairing the convertible top...you saved lots of $$$$$!!

[@lewaaolislam]

Tavarish, beleive it or not, being that happy makes me happy.. Keep our happiness bro..

[@gzablodski]

One of the coolest car in MB lineup. Still looks beautiful. Perseverance & calmness will go a long way. Respect, man.

[@amolson8594]

Awesome! I love that SL era. Looking forward to seeing you fix it up.

[@aliawad1202]

bro, I love these videos. the s class, the v8, and now this! keep up the good work. BUT PLEASE take care of the swirls on the sl

[@scottishfanta]

So glad you're happy with it! Great video looking forward to the next one! :D

[@dimitriliving]

Dude I've been eyeing these cars for a while, bc they are so cheap. I'm so happy you are giving us DIY guys the chance to own a car that we might otherwise never be able to afford. Keep up these high end car maintenance videos!

[@tmat04]

Great Job, man! If you'd taken it to a Mercedes Benz dealership, they would've probably charge you more money than you actually paid for the car, just to fix that roof.

[@TheSalPic]

Good thing we're about to hit the rainy season in Central Florida!

[@tavarish]

Perfect convertible weather!

[@markcarter9476]

Fit two new gas struts and the boot lid will open properly and the red roof lift button will then work. Yet another lock out switch requires the boot lid to be fully up for the red button to operate. Also please don't slam the boot lid shut. Close it gently and then an auto close mechanism will grab it and close it shut.

[@napalmnn]

These mercedes convertibles really aren't as finicky or hard to fix as many would have you believe. I recently restored my fathers w124 roof mechanism for about 500 bucks, while he was quotes upwards of 4k for the fix. Mercedes are great DIY machines.

[@ethanflowerday]

Watched the first video last night, so satisfying to see this work today!

[@michaeljacyno8368]

I love this channel. Lots of good and honest troubleshooting and communication, plus you are a riot to watch. Nice job on this fix!

[@LynxStarAuto]

The heavy/hard to open tailgate is worn support rods. Replace those bossman, and the tailgate will open silky smooth, and easy peazy.

[@clist9406]

There is about 10 different sensors that will prevent the top from working. This is when a professional scan tool helps find and test sensors. Autel 908P Elite / Star 4

[@donsmith8126]

Ahhh the good ole sound of the secondary air pump in those 55 models

[@leonardr6704]

Damn, this dude gained 1000 subs from yesterday. Keep up the good work!

[@PentaYOOO]

It's like a whole new car now! I'm loving this series already, looking forward to you fixing it up

[@dzonikg]

And my peugeot 206 cabrio (with is now less then 2000 euros) with metal roof works since year 2002 no problem..one time end off one cable broke..fixed by mu self for zero money..and one time stopped on half open i did not want to go more but return normally..fixed by my self just by spraying spray for brake clean on sensors

[@Kfcng60]

Good job! This is the reward of not giving up and good research.

[@Ljorm]

That is one sexy automobile. Hell of a find and well done getting the top down! I look forward to you fulling tricking out that beast!

[@Pedro-up1jb]

You deserve at least 1 million subs greetings from uruguay and nice car!

[@manred6253]

80 likes 1 dislike --------> he's just hating because he doesn't have an SL...

[@DoubleT90T]

That's awesome man! I love fixing things for super cheap and laughing at the quotes. Good job!

[@2009saeid]

The error about trunk separator happens usually when your car has been sleeping for a long period of time. In this case, you just need to drive with your car typically half an hour until your second battery is fully charged. Then after you will see that it works as usual again.

[@doodlebob281]

Tavarish for President! Lol I followed your directions(also had to change the fuse #71 behind the passenger seat) and it fixed my top!!:)

[@jorgecruztrevizo5606]

First came across your Aston Martin exaust video and been looking out daily for uploads ever since. Great content keep it up wish you lots of success

[@philje123]

Wow. You are one lucky guy. That could have ended up costing hundreds of dollars to repair! Looking forward to seeing it all cleaned up with some paint correction etc. Keep up the good work.

[@JurisKankalis]

This thing makes me jealous I don't live in the states. The amount of car combined with the price combined with the endless possibilities to fiddle with it.

[@RealDougFields]

These hydraulic tops are really cool and not that hard to work on. It does take quite a bit of time to pull the cylinders/pump to have them rebuilt and then re-install, fill , and bleed. They worked perfectly once done. Saved thousands doing it myself.

[@dragmac9442]

Wow with the top down it looks ten times better. I can just feel good vibes just coming soon.😄😄😄

[@miguelcruz7157]

It's good to show folks not all fixes are easy. Good job in not editing the video for final results. As mentioned previously, good car channel for up and coming maintenance TROOPS !!!! :)

[@4wheelsonmywagon733]

The wheels you mention in your earlier video are called 'turbine' alloys. Personally I don't mind them. Try not to go down route of 20" wheels as you'll crucify ride quality. If you swap them, don't sell them as they are factory and you'll regret it, when you trade car on.

[@craiglewis7081]

Now that's how it should go. Well done!!

[@riaanbrown4862]

It sounds like the car has a very bad wine to it when you start it up. I've only owned the SLK32 AMG, but a similar sound was an indicator of a bad bearing on the drive belt on my car. Thank about how nice the V8 will sound if it doesn't wind like that. Also, it's the first time I watch one of your vids, so it might be that you covered it before. Good job by the way! I used to love working on my AMG.

[@taihnou722]

Look i had the same exact model but in white and if you open the trunk all the way up and then press the red button it will move because as you said it before that car is full of sensors so if the trunk is not all the way up then you won't remove partially the top to get your things... Try that maybe it will work

[@tavarish]

Yup, I figured that out shortly after I recorded the video.

[@terri200026]

Probably that switch or -(switches if you have two)- That the cover presses against when it's closed. They are not making contact for some reason, broken or bent. I had the same thing happen to my SLK. I taped the contacts together and it worked fine till I got another switch.

[@tonyandrews9710]

It looked like the soft close was not working properly when you slammed the boot lid closed. Don’t slam the boot/trunk on Merc with soft closed system, you will break it. Also, the top lift in the trunk will not open upward unless the boot/trunk cover is all the way open to the top. If it wants to fall down and won’t stay up replace the shocks/support rams. Soft close is easy fix with epoxy on cracked plastic, if not working properly. If soft closed system not working properly after a few cycles it will trip error code and hard top will stop functioning, not Good if down and it starts to rain. You can reset to fix temporarily by removing the 20 amp fuse in panel behind pass seat, third fuse in, and then re-inserting fuse back. This reboots computer and allows top and soft close truck to operate until trips again. The soft close is operated by air compressor and if it reads a leak in system it will trip error code so it does not burn up the pump (expensive fix). Enjoy the car if you still have it and make sure to service oil pick up o-rings in sump before you have major engine issues. 10 years or 100k and they get hard and leak which will not oil engine properly and has led to spun rod bearings.... important for M113K engines.

[@immykayani9689]

rooted for all the way!! congrats!

[@ddaryoush16]

how do you only have 41k subscribers. love the channel- keep up the work!

[@DocNubbin]

Same thing happened to my roof. I was very happy to find the repair/upgrade kit and it worked brilliantly. Not bad for 30 minutes work and £30 in the UK. Happy boy! This is one of the best looking soft tops ever, and an utterly brilliant car even for every day use.

[@mpdpr1]

Hey Tavarish, just found your channel looking for SL55 AMG videos, because I just won the car in Gran Turismo 6 for getting all gold trophies in the International B License tests. I got to say, I really like your content a lot and you just earned a sub, Hope to see more great content like this.

[@caskrebbers]

I really love the Mercedes series, and I also love you!

[@AMomcilo1]

You look way happier with this car than the Aston, I can't say I blame you.

[@Crimithy]

So happy you got the hardtop working. PLEASE KEEP US UPDATED

[@frankburdodrums8984]

So the bent metal part you replaced was fine. You just needed to close the trunk separator.

[@Pimptobizmal]

How did they manage to damage the rear brake light

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

+Pimptobizmal - Everything on this car is worn out or thrashed, which is why he got it so cheap. Door handle button is broken, as is power window switch, as is power headrest button, as is bottom seat trim, as is trunk separator switch, as are trunk struts, etc. I can only imagine the lack of maintenance to the powertrain. Regardless, it's a cheap and fun project.

[@Pimptobizmal]

with the way the car is treated, his next video is, $12000 engine maintenance done for only $4000

[@andrewlopez314]

Pimptobizmal agreed! This car was definitely used and abused. it doesn't help that it is showing the signs of typical Chrysler quality from that era. But fun project car nonetheless.

[@Pimptobizmal]

The cheapest Mercedes is the most expensive Mercedes. Dont forget that kids...

[@kuryk01]

That's how you can get to the trunk mechanism if the remote or manual key don't open it. Otherwise some mechanics drill holes in the trunk itself or (nightmare scenario) cut through a rear light assembly. Question to other SL500 owners...shouldn't the "Visit Workshop" alert alternate with "Visit Bank?"

[@Cantuchdiz]

wish i had a friend like you. these cars and projects are cool!

[@johnsonrj74]

well done, sir, well done! (fellow AM V8V owner here!)

[@eg1885]

Damn it looks way better with the top down. I wanna see you take the speed limiter off.

[@amanwithaplan4103]

Excited to see how this car comes along

[@wjstopper]

The load assist on my 2003 SL 500 was not working either. I changed the struts to hold the trunk lid open and it started working. You could probably get it to work if you just hold the lid open all the way

[@rustyjeep2469]

Always loved these cars. I was not very impressed with the build quality and durability of my '03 C-Class but would love to own any of the AMG models with this engine, it would be worth the hassle of maintaining.

[@JonathanLong]

RustyJeep I actually own a '05 C55 and the engine is practically bullet proof, its only issue is a coolant leak

[@thexhaustguy]

Thanks for this great video! I have the Sl500 and and flaps will not go all way up when I try to open the hard Tard top so it will stop in the kind of the middle of the Operation!! What do you think?

[@FiftyTechSolutions]

Looking at the video, the soft close on the boot\trunk isnt working, along with the roof raising thing in the trunk. This indicates a possible PSE problem. I'd really recommend getting a scan tool like Carsoft 980, as it will give you a quick idea of what faults the car is picking up! All the best, love the car :)

[@VanisleNSX]

Good job, Tavarish!

[@unknownunknowns]

One thing I've noticed was, so far in these two videos of the, SL was there seemed be no powertrain issues. I'd say the same thing in his S-Class. Based on hearsay from those who own a Mercedes also, there seems to be more issues on the other stuff that is irrelevant to the powertrain than the powertrain itself. My theory is their engines are LOWER REVVING, due to the torque curve as Tavarish has mentioned in the last video, which would increase the reliability of the engine. So MB sees that great aspect and that saves them money involving the powertrain. Because of that, MB can have extra capital left over to make their interior stuff like the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, etc. more detailed than other brands, like BMW. They would implement cutting edge innovative features, like Magic Body Control, in the S-Class, something I tend to see less in BMW and Audi. The reason I mentioned BMW and Audi is because they are in the same price range as MB and they are really different. They tend to be HIGHER REVVING and that would cause more capital to be devoted to the powertrain and less to the now-powertrain stuff, explaining its lower quality.

[@mfreels]

since I am not finding the p/n anywhere, I will post it here. The old p/n was 230-750-0111 and the new p/n that replaced the old p/n is GXL 2307500111 .

[@maxjtj31]

Really looking forward to seeing the reliability of this thing!! Keep us updated

[@nyacoustics8373]

How did you know it was that part? did you scan the computer? what led you to that diagnosis.

[@TheStwat]

Fantastic. It must have been such a buzz when the roof opened.

[@tavarish]

It was a huge relief.

[@bobbysalinas4845]

Now you got to do something about that whine in the engine. Sounds like the power steering unit. The thing about these Mercedes they have a ton of sensors, and they are not cheap. Wait till that top goes out you will have to dig deep into that pocket.

[@wtoddland]

At this point, you have accomplished everything for about a penny on the dollar compared to the MB dealer's price. Well done!