Just a thought as I don't know your car at all, but I would read (and record) the fault codes and then erase them. Some codes prevent the system from working and erasing them fixes the problem. I don't know the 1995 E-class, but search this forum for "codes", "reading error codes" by bobterry99 (he is the guru here) and you should be able to find instructions - hopefully you have the earlier setup and you can complete the process by yourself with just a one dollar led. On the 16-socket connector, the top control system diagnostic is socket #10, while on the 38-socket connector it is #21. This (and the threads below) is for the R129 and as I mentioned I do NOT know your car,but in case we have similar systems this should help.

Read this also, has the numbering of the 38 pin X11/4 connector:
http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_X11.html

Here's something for starters:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1209450-diagnostic-system.html?highlight=X11/4

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1199275-security-system.html

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1168365-help-my-soft-top-wont-open.html

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1267918-bobterry99.html?highlight=top+socket

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r12.../forums/r129-sl-class/1266535-diagnostics-sl-pre-94-a.html?highlight=top+socket

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r12...129-sl-class/1230037-diagnostic-code-reader-home-made.html?highlight=top+socket

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r12...s/r129-sl-class/1217149-roll-bar-soft-top-not-working.html?highlight=top+socket

 

I dug out some good saved information on my car. My info tells me codes for the Cabrio Soft Top (CST) are not accessed at the 16-socket (X11/4) connector, but are accessed at a 4-socket connector at the right passenger footwell. Here are the instructions:

"Power Soft top test connection (4 pole) at Socket 2. The connection is located at the right front passenger footwell. To avoid the need for an extension cable, connect the black lead of code scanner to any good ground and red lead to a battery + source inside vehicle."

Does this sound familiar to anybody? If not, it looks like I'll have to dig around and untrim the area.

I have a home made LED code reader and have experience using it. I also have the fault code table for the CST at the ready.

 

I found the socket, read the codes, erased them, then put the top through its paces until it faulted. I get:

Code 10 - Soft top fabric bow "raised" limit switch

What my top does, is from the top-up position, it unlatches and raises the compartment cover, raises the rear glass, then faults.

I took the three-in-one limit switch unit out from the driver's side rear quarter and tested them. All switches work fine. There's no adjustment, and I can feel the switch click when I raise the rear glass manually to the up position.

Am I checking the proper switch?

 

Fixed. I feel like a dolt. Careful as I was, I forgot to reconnect one of the electric leads to a microswitch that was hidden in the trim.

Thanks to deanyel from mercedesshop, he provided a map to a secondary diagnostic connector for the soft top, located under the carpeting of the passenger footwell. The codes led me to the microswitch.

The top now works perfectly.

 

Good to hear you found the fault and didn't need to resort to stealer services.
Oh the joy of fixing your car by yourself and avoiding the rip-off stealer charges! Both a mental and a financial reward! :-D

 

Kestas,

I am in deep crap, I need to replace or rebuild the hydraulics, right and left mains are leaking and the center latch cylinder... I need help, car is at the mechanics, and I know there are better prices than the dealer, or to get them rebuilt... Please let me know what you did and where....

 

I am in deep crap, I need to replace or rebuild the hydraulics, right and left mains are leaking and the center latch cylinder... I need help, car is at the mechanics, and I know there are better prices than the dealer, or to get them rebuilt... Please let me know what you did and where....

Shaynes, trawl through our various soft top stickys at the top of the R129 index page, there is a wealth of information about repairing and replacing leaking cylinders, I'm sure you will find something to point you in the right direction.

Best of luck anyway and do come back and tell us how you get on.

 

Redliner and lynns are directing you to some good info. In general, the R129 (SL) folk are better at answering Cabriolet questions than W124 folk, where there are few cabriolet owners. For me one thread stands out in particular:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r12...g/forums/r129-sl-class/1282885-poll-convertible-top-hydraulic-cylinder-r-r.html

In it you'll find that you want the cylinders rebuilt by Dennis Ficken. His contact info is below.

Dennis Ficken
16285 S. Chester
Olathe KS 66062
(913) 390-0506
mercedescylinders@scbglobal.net

He'll save you a boatload of money over the cost of new cylinders. Shipping is one price - whether you ship one cylinder or eight.

I recommend you have all eight cylinders rebuilt at the same time. The back four near the tonneau cover are relatively easy to get at. The four in the fender wells near the rear seat armrests are more difficult to get at. Bundle your work accordingly.

 

How many cylinders

He'll save you a boatload of money over the cost of new cylinders. Shipping is one price - whether you ship one cylinder or eight.

I recommend you have all eight cylinders rebuilt at the same time. The back four near the tonneau cover are relatively easy to get at. The four in the fender wells near the rear seat armrests are more difficult to get at. Bundle your work accordingly.

Hi Kestas,

Can you tell me how many cylinders are in the E-320, I know only one which is located in the middle of the rear eather cover!!!
I will be ver intersting to know where is the other's (in case if there is) so i ca rebuilt it as well.

Regards,

 

Of the four cylinders for the tonneau cover, two are found near the trunk hinges, accesible from the trunk behind the trim, one is in the tonneau cover lid, accessible from the bottom of the cover, and one is just behind the top of the rear seat, accessible from under the tonneau compartment behind the trim.

I've supplied copies of the W124 Service Mnaual CD set to members who request them. I typically ask $10 for my trouble.

 

Service Mnual CD

Thank you for the usefull info.

I've supplied copies of the W124 Service Mnaual CD set to members who request them. I typically ask $10 for my trouble.

Do you charge for the CD or for diagnosing the problem?!!
Can you be more specific, If for the CD I'm interested to have a copy, please PM me regarding the Details/Payment.

Regards,

 

My advice is always free! (and often worth nothing!) I'll PM you.

 

10 year old thread.

Try PM'ing the OP, or start your own thread.

 

The manual is now online:

https://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/12264/?requestedDocId=12264

 

Thanks

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

Hi Kesta,
I have e220 convertible can you tell me were the hydraulic rams are as i need to repair myn.
Thanks Dov67

 

these guys offer a cylinder rebuilding service. its not cheap, but they do a very good job.

Full Set of Top Cylinders - W124 E-Class '93-'95- Top Hydraulics, Inc.

Top Hydraulics rebuilds & upgrades W124 E-Class Top Hydraulic Cylinders to be better and longer lasting than OEM! 3 Year Warranty.

www.tophydraulics.com

linked there are these instructions for the removal of the 8 cylinders. its quite an involved process

http://www.tophydraulics.com/E320%20Hydraulic%20Cylinder%20Removal%20Manual.pdf