Power Convertible Soft/Hard Tops & Roll Bar - 300SL, 500SL & 600SL: Description: Notes

Standard equipment for 129 chassis includes a hydraulically actuated roadster top and a coupe roof. The switch for opening and closing the top is located on the center console. The top can be opened within approximately 30 seconds and stored in the top compartment by pressing the switch toward the rear and holding in this position or removed from the top compartment and closed by pressing the switch toward the front and holding in this position (when closing it may be necessary to "help" slightly by manually guiding the front top frame into the initial catch on the front top locks). For this purpose roll down the side windows and put down roll bar and return to initial position afterward. The top moves only as long as the switch is actuated. The motion can be interrupted at any desired point and then continued or reversed. During an interruption the top is locked hydraulically so that it cannot fall down. The lock is released when the ignition is switched off and the top can be moved freely. Five opening/closing operations are possible immediately one after another. More than five operations are not possible due to the thermal load on the pump and solenoid valves. Monitoring is accomplished by counting the switch-on time for the pump and solenoid valves.

Prerequisites for top actuation are:

• Ignition key to position No. 2. See Fig 1 .
• Vehicle standing still.
• Battery voltage more than 10 volts.
• Roll Bar Crash Actuation Trigger Module must release top actuation.
• No malfunctions prohibiting top actuation stored in malfunction memory.
• Limit switch signals from control unit recognized as logical.
• Maximum operating time must not be exceeded.
• Removal of coupe roof is possible only when the time after switching ON ignition is less than 10 seconds.

When top is completely opened or closed, or when coupe roof is attached and locked, it is possible to lock catches (even while driving) in order to lock front catches at windshield frame when mechanical safety catches have opened without interrupting the trip.

The indicator light in top switch flashes when vehicle is being driven and catches are not properly locked. In addition an acoustic warning signal sounds. If vehicle is moved during actuation, top motion is stopped, simultaneously acoustic warning signal sounds and indicator light in top switch flashes.

The coupe roof has 2 catches at front and 2 catches at rear as well as 2 fastening points in center area. The roof can be locked electro-hydraulically in same manner as roadster top using the same switch on center console.

The entire electrohydraulic system consists of fifteen hydraulic cylinders, eleven solenoid valves, five distribution and connection pieces and 45 lines. In off state the hydraulic system is not under pressure and all catches are locked mechanically. A total of 17 limit switches signal present position of the top to the control unit in order to assure that opening and closing operations are completed properly. See Fig 2 and Fig 3 .