SL roof removal

[graham991]

This may sound a stupid question and it probally is how do you remove a W127 hardtop i have pressed the red button but it does not seem to want to release it is there something i have not done? there is a spanner for the roof !!

 

[Alex M Grieve]

This may sound a stupid question and it probally is how do you remove a W127 hardtop i have pressed the red button but it does not seem to want to release it is there something i have not done? there is a spanner for the roof !!

Did you mean R129?

 

[television]

Must be a 129 a 107 does not really have a power hood though there are a few specials around with an add on power roof

 

[graham991]

roof Removal

Sorry it is a 129 series only just got it i have a 107 and got mixed up.

 

[jibcl500]

Check you battery voltage, if the battery is low then the roof can cause problems. running voltage needs to be 14.2 if 13.6 or lower then the regulator on the alternator could be on its way out.

Could be not related just experience ive had with 129 roof. Do you have the owners hand book for the car?

jib

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Sorry it is a 129 series only just got it i have a 107 and got mixed up.

You say you pressed the button. The button has a "fore and aft" action - so just pressing it would not work.

First, disconnect the electric supply to the hood (just behind passenger door at waist level).

As you want to remove the hardtop, sit in the car with engine ticking over (I think it is kinder on the battery) and put you finger in front of the button, push it to the rear - and hold it there. Button should light up and after a brief pause the windows will wind down. After a variable pause, there will be a loud crack (there is on mine anyway) and the roof will pop up out of its seating and rest about 2 inches proud in the sockets.

Then let go of the button. The next step is to lift it off for storage (2 people, or a hoist - it weighs 85 lbs but bulky and unwieldy).

I apologise if this is too simplistic and overly prescriptive - but until you have done it, I don't see an equally detailed description in the handbook. :wink:

 

[graham991]

Roof Removal

Thanks Alex firstly i have done what you have said but i noticed the windows did not move and the roof does not pop up i should point out that this as been attempted without the engine running as it as a starter problem at the moment and i have only just got it from the docks this weekend and been playing with it.
I am looking for a Owners Maual if any one knows were i can get one
Thanks

 

[television]

If the battery has gone flat or disconnected the windows and the roll bar must be set or the roof will not work.

turn the key to 2 ign on and close each window in turn and hold the button for 10 sec in the up mode after it has closed,then do the same with the roll bar.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

If the battery has gone flat or disconnected the windows and the roll bar must be set or the roof will not work.

turn the key to 2 ign on and close each window in turn and hold the button for 10 sec in the up mode after it has closed,then do the same with the roll bar.

Malcolm,

I can see a 3rd career beckoning us here - I explain how it should work, then the victim - sorry client - tries, and when it doesn't work you then explain the fix.

I would say however that I have had at least one flat battery and jump started the 129, whereupon the windows, roll bar, hood all worked correctly without further first aid.

In this case, it would be good to try again once the battery is charged, and preferably with the engine running. If it works at that point, you have lost nothing. If it doesn't, Malcom has explained the fix.

We will be interested to hear how you get on.

 

[television]

Malcolm,

I can see a 3rd career beckoning us here - I explain how it should work, then the victim - sorry client - tries, and when it doesn't work you then explain the fix.

I would say however that I have had at least one flat battery and jump started the 129, whereupon the windows, roll bar, hood all worked correctly without further first aid.

In this case, it would be good to try again once the battery is charged, and preferably with the engine running. If it works at that point, you have lost nothing. If it doesn't, Malcom has explained the fix.

We will be interested to hear how you get on.

A big difference in the cars is that the 1998 (08-98 on) has memory seats and the windows drop ½ inch when you open the doors.

The hand book says that the doors should be open and the roll bar down, but it will go down with the windows lowered.
My 1999 129 had a mind of its own on disconnecting the battery,,sometimes a reset, other times no re set.

I have 50 odd pages on these things

There are 4 versions of the folding roof and windows

 

[television]

The automatic mode as of 09-95 is

Top closed.
lower roll bar and side windows
unlock cloth holding brace
push up cloth holding brace
unlock top compartment cover
open top compartment cover
unlock top front
open top
close top compartment cover
pull up side windows and roll bar

The requirements are

Ign switched on
vehicle still
battery voltage over 10 volt
roll bar actuator must release top actuation
No malfunctions stored in memory
limit switch signals from control unit recognized
The max operated time must not be exceeded
removal of the roof is only possible when the time after switching on is < 10 sec

 

[graham991]

Roof Removal

Once again thank you all for your help i will keep you inform of any developments may be a couple of weeks as i will be away at work when i return it should be running and i can have a better play with it.

 

[graham991]

Roof Removal

Thanks chaps will keep you informed but will be a couple of weeks as i am off to work

 

[television]

I should have added that the roof will not go down while the switch is blinking

 

[Alex M Grieve]

The automatic mode as of 09-95 is, etc

Good morning Malcolm.

Thank you for the patient explanation. I have clearly led a charmed life in what is obviously a minefield for the unwary - I am sure you did not collect 50 pages of info for no good reason.

My 129 is 1994 - perhaps simpler or more robust? Anyway, it has worked according to plan so far, in spite of occasional flat batteries, so I shall keep my fingers crossed but bear in mind your archives. :wink:

I put my hard top on for the winter yesterday, using the winch purchased from Helen a few months back. Made for a much easier job, but nothing that 2 strong people on a flat surface with good planning have not achieved previously. :-D

I am sure the 230 has many advantages, but some of the features of the 129 I appreciate are extra boot space and a bit more carrying room behind the seats. Prices are very depressed at present, but I bought it for enjoyment and it delivers that in abundance. Ideas such as fuel economy are not on the list and any appreciation will need to wait in the current financial climate, by which time the EU will possibly have made it illegal, or the oil will have run out - but by then, so will I! :sad:

 

[television]

Good morning Malcolm.

Thank you for the patient explanation. I have clearly led a charmed life in what is obviously a minefield for the unwary - I am sure you did not collect 50 pages of info for no good reason.

My 129 is 1994 - perhaps simpler or more robust? Anyway, it has worked according to plan so far, in spite of occasional flat batteries, so I shall keep my fingers crossed but bear in mind your archives. :wink:



:

Morning Alex
Its very hard giving advice on these roofs as there are mods and changes within a series, then you need to know the build date and not the year of the car. Yes the earlier version is simpler in operation but it has more sensors and switches.

These roof faults also seem to be country originated The USA get faults that we do not and vice versa, and this also applies to the 230