Mercedes-Benz Convertible Top Replacement: SL Roadsters and Cabriolets
Mercedes-Benz has built some of the most admired convertibles in the world, from the 1950s 190SL to the long-running SL roadsters and the CLK and E-Class cabriolets. Their tops are well engineered, and they can be complicated, especially the power tops. Don's Auto Interiors & Tops has replaced and repaired convertible tops in Alsip since 1977, and Mercedes convertibles, classic and modern, are a regular part of that work.
SL generations at a glance
- 190SL (1955–1963): a classic manual soft top. These cars are usually collector-owned and originality matters. Our online catalog lists tops for the 190SL.
- W113 "Pagoda" 230SL/250SL/280SL (1963–1971): soft top stored under a hinged cover, with an optional removable hardtop that gave the car its nickname.
- R107 SL (1971–1989): a long-running manual soft top, often paired with a removable hardtop for winter.
- R129 SL (1990–2002): a fully automatic hydraulic power soft top. A remarkable system that rewards careful diagnosis when something goes wrong.
- R230 (2003–2012) and R231 (2013–2020): folding retractable hardtops instead of fabric. No soft top to replace, though we can talk about interior and trim.
- Newest SL: returned to a fabric top.
Mercedes cabriolets
Beyond the SL, Mercedes offered fabric-top cabriolets in the CLK line and the E-Class and other ranges. Many of these have power tops, cloth outer covers, and glass rear windows. We work on these alongside the SLs.
Common issues on Mercedes tops
Hydraulic problems on power tops. On cars like the R129, the top relies on a pump, multiple cylinders, and hoses. Leaks, weak pressure, or a failed component can stop the top partway or keep it from latching. Fluid leaks can also stain the interior. We diagnose the system first so you're not paying for parts the car doesn't need. See convertible top repair.
Rear window wear. Plastic windows on older tops cloud and crack. On tops with glass windows, the bond can fail along the edges.
Fabric wear and shrinkage. Cloth tops wear at frame contact points and can shrink with age, which strains seams and makes latching harder.
Header and side-window seals. Wind noise and water at the edges are often seal or alignment problems rather than the top fabric.
Classic Mercedes: originality and fit
On a 190SL, Pagoda, or R107, owners often care about getting the details right: color, material, how the top folds into its storage area, and how it looks closed. We'll talk through your goals, whether the car is a weekend driver or a show car, and inspect the frame, pads, and seals before installing a new top. A top that fits correctly starts with a frame that's adjusted correctly.
Hardtop owners
Many R107 and Pagoda owners use a removable hardtop over the winter and the soft top in summer. If your soft top spends months folded in storage, check it before the season. Creases and cold can crack plastic windows, and a top that's been stored wet can mildew.
Care tips
- Clean cloth tops with products made for convertible fabric, and reapply a protectant periodically.
- Don't fold the top wet if you can avoid it.
- Watch for fluid spots in the top well or on the rear seat of a power-top car. That's an early sign of a hydraulic leak.
- Address small problems early, before they put stress on the rest of the system.
Most Mercedes soft tops we install use Haartz cloth or vinyl topping. We'll confirm the grade on your quote.
Planning ahead
A convertible top installation takes 8 to 12 hours of shop time. Hydraulic diagnosis can add time depending on parts. If your car is in winter storage, schedule before spring.
Warranty
Mercedes soft top replacements include a 3-year materials warranty plus a 100% fit guarantee. Free 90-day workmanship coverage applies to repairs. Coverage ranges from 3 months to 3 years depending on the service. Extended Protection Plans: /warranty.
Bring your Mercedes to Alsip
Don's Auto Interiors & Tops, 11937 S. Cicero Ave, Alsip, IL 60803, is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (708) 371-8020 or request an estimate with your model, year, and photos of the top and rear window. A short video of a power top cycling is very helpful.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mercedes SL models have a soft top?
No. The 190SL, the W113 'Pagoda,' the R107, and the R129 use fabric tops. The R230 and R231 generations use a folding retractable hardtop, and the newest SL returned to a fabric top.
My R129's top won't open or close properly. Can you fix it?
The R129 uses a hydraulic power top. Slow or incomplete movement often comes from the hydraulic system or frame adjustment. We repair convertible hydraulic systems and diagnose before recommending parts.
Do you work on classic 190SL and Pagoda tops?
Yes. Classic Mercedes roadsters are a regular part of our convertible work, and we'll talk with you about material and color for your car.
Related
Request a free estimate or call (708) 371-8020.