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Closed company - Repair of hydraulic tops on classic and vintage cars

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Created on September 24, 2020

Reading time 3min

Written by:

Sven Jürisch

Photos:

Sven Jürisch

Daimler AG

Sven Jürisch

Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz W124 Cabriolet mit hydrauischem Verdeck

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Mercedes-Benz SL (1990) - Profis am Werk

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Zustand der Kolbenringe prüfen und vergleichen

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Mercedes-Benz SL (1990) - Montage des reparierten Zylinders

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Mercedes-Benz SL (1990) - Abschlusscheck

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Mercedes-Benz SL (1990) - Besitzer von RSC-Autotechnik

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Mercedes-Benz SL (1990) - Offen für alles? Oft streikt beim SL die Dachhydraulik

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Die Dachelektronik des Mercedes-Benz SL ist diagnosefähig. Ein Tester hilft.

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Mercedes-Benz SL (1990) - Hoffen, dass es nun wieder funktioniert

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Mercedes-Benz SL (1990) - Im Rohbau erkennt an die komplexe Hydraulik der SL-Dachsteuerung

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Mercedes-Benz SLK (2000) - Wenn es funktioniert, ist aber alles super

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Mercedes-Benz SLK (2000) - Kleid fallen lassen

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Mercedes-Benz SLK (2000) - der SLK verfügt über eine dem SL ähnliche Hydraulik für sein Variodach

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Mercedes-Benz SLK (2000) - Hoch und runter im Zeitraffer

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Mercedes-Benz C Cabrio (1998) - Das Verdeck

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Mercedes-Benz C Cabrio (1998) - Auch anfällig

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Summary

In 1989, we enthusiastically celebrated the fully automatic soft top of the Mercedes SL. But now the roof remains closed more and more often because the hydraulics are on strike. Zwischengas has tips for an inexpensive repair.

This article contains the following chapters

Malfunctions accumulate
Shock at the parts counter
Problem solution for SLK
Cost comparison

Estimated reading time: 3min

Preview (beginning of the article)

It's just a small, inconspicuous button in the center console of the Mercedes SL R129 series, but it makes all the difference. Back in 1989 when the car came onto the market and even today. This is because the red flashing switch in the shape of the stylized hardtop sets off a veritable technical firework display. A total of 11 hydraulic cylinders ensure that the soft top opens or closes in front of the ice cream parlor as if by magic. The cylinders are driven by a high-pressure hydraulic pump located in the trunk, which at 195 bar ensures that the actuation process is powerful and quick. At least when everything is in order.

Welcome to Zwischengas!