R129 SL question - hard tops
Discussion
Here's a question I can't find an answer to online, anywhere. Hopefully PH will succeed where others failed 
Will a panoramic roof fit *any* age of the R129 SL range? i.e. could I buy a 1993 (for example) SL and source a panoramic roof separately, or was the attaching mechanism (or something else) changed at the same time as the pan roof was introduced (1998 ish I think)?
A panoramic roof is a big plus for me over the alu roof - but some of the cars which otherwise stack up either don't come with them, or were produced before the panoramic roof came out.
Will a panoramic roof fit *any* age of the R129 SL range? i.e. could I buy a 1993 (for example) SL and source a panoramic roof separately, or was the attaching mechanism (or something else) changed at the same time as the pan roof was introduced (1998 ish I think)?
A panoramic roof is a big plus for me over the alu roof - but some of the cars which otherwise stack up either don't come with them, or were produced before the panoramic roof came out.
The panoramic top was previewed as early as 1993 and available from about 1995. Essentially it was available from the first facelift which (I think) was for MY1996 (i.e. part way through 1995).
I have always been told that the panoramic top is not a direct swap for the steel top. On various forums, it is suggested new seals are required up the 'A' pillars and over the windscreen header rail. These are not cheap. I suspect you could do without them without suffering unduly. The latching mechanism is identical.
I have today checked the Mercedes parts catalogue. I cannot see any evidence that different seals are required--or different anything for that matter--on post-1996 cars. As of chassis number 125158, there is a modified header rail seal fitted to all cars whether or not supplied with the panoramic top ex works. There is also a part number A1297902540 described as "Hardtop, parts kit, subsequent installation up to chassis number 107602". I have no idea what this is. The number is very similar to the part number for the panoramic hardtop A1297901240. I suspect it is a variation for early cars.
I hope this is helpful. It suggests to me that on latter cars (i.e. post-first facelift) the panoramic and steel hardtops are interchangeable.
The panoramic top is not without its downsides. Chiefly it is much heavier than the steel top: unless your woman is tall and strong she will not be much use in helping you remove it. I would be wary of hanging one from a garage roof-mounted winch, too. Aesthetically I am not convinced (although my car has a pano top): for me, as time has gone by, the pre-facelift car with steel top, angular two-tone bumpers and orange front indicators is by far and away the best looking car. This is not unusual: the pre-facelift w124, w126 and w202 have also aged better than their "updated" equivalents.
I note that the list price of a new panoramic hardtop is £11,006.65!
I have always been told that the panoramic top is not a direct swap for the steel top. On various forums, it is suggested new seals are required up the 'A' pillars and over the windscreen header rail. These are not cheap. I suspect you could do without them without suffering unduly. The latching mechanism is identical.
I have today checked the Mercedes parts catalogue. I cannot see any evidence that different seals are required--or different anything for that matter--on post-1996 cars. As of chassis number 125158, there is a modified header rail seal fitted to all cars whether or not supplied with the panoramic top ex works. There is also a part number A1297902540 described as "Hardtop, parts kit, subsequent installation up to chassis number 107602". I have no idea what this is. The number is very similar to the part number for the panoramic hardtop A1297901240. I suspect it is a variation for early cars.
I hope this is helpful. It suggests to me that on latter cars (i.e. post-first facelift) the panoramic and steel hardtops are interchangeable.
The panoramic top is not without its downsides. Chiefly it is much heavier than the steel top: unless your woman is tall and strong she will not be much use in helping you remove it. I would be wary of hanging one from a garage roof-mounted winch, too. Aesthetically I am not convinced (although my car has a pano top): for me, as time has gone by, the pre-facelift car with steel top, angular two-tone bumpers and orange front indicators is by far and away the best looking car. This is not unusual: the pre-facelift w124, w126 and w202 have also aged better than their "updated" equivalents.
I note that the list price of a new panoramic hardtop is £11,006.65!
Edited by r129sl on Wednesday 15th April 23:35
That is really helpful - thank you!
11k! Wow! Although, my fiendish plan was to find a panoramic SL with the right colour trim which has sat in the classifieds for a while and offer the owner a swap plus cash. I'm sure one would eventually bite.
I agree about the early SLs looking 'better' - the problem is it will be an every day car and, to me, the early ones are becoming classics and to use a low mileage example as a runaround would seem foolish.
11k! Wow! Although, my fiendish plan was to find a panoramic SL with the right colour trim which has sat in the classifieds for a while and offer the owner a swap plus cash. I'm sure one would eventually bite.
I agree about the early SLs looking 'better' - the problem is it will be an every day car and, to me, the early ones are becoming classics and to use a low mileage example as a runaround would seem foolish.
11k is the price at the dealer's parts counter. It's lunacy. There is generally one on Ebay where they go for £1,500 to £2,500. The chances of getting one that perfectly matches the paintwork and interior trim is slight but it needn't cost the earth to have it painted.
If you're looking for daily driver, then the latest possible model is probably best for you. The post-06/1998 models are cheaper to run across the board.
If you're looking for daily driver, then the latest possible model is probably best for you. The post-06/1998 models are cheaper to run across the board.
Another super post from R129sl. I was interested to read your caution about hard top hoists for the garage. Is this because of the weight and the fear of a garage roof not being able to handle it? I was thinking of buying a hoist off Ebay (see http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...)
and then using a garage crane (see http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/...) to lift it.
I think the panoramic roof is super. Looks great on mine and it's a joy to drive it with it on. Makes the car so much more airy. Just my view though.
and then using a garage crane (see http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/...) to lift it.
I think the panoramic roof is super. Looks great on mine and it's a joy to drive it with it on. Makes the car so much more airy. Just my view though.
Edited by Merc fan on Saturday 18th April 09:56
Merc fan, my comment about the garage roof hoist and the panoramic top is based on the fact that the panoramic top is so much heavier than the standard top. I was amazed by the difference. I would be really worried about the stress on any screw fixings as well as the gears and cord. Mercedes do their own Hardtop Lift, mechanical version is B6 781 1051, electric version is B6 781 1058.
I agree that driving the car with the panoramic top is a great experience, the glass panel in the roof is very large and gives a really light and airy feel with no heat build up problems at all.
To remove and store my roof I use the Mercedes-Benz Hardtop Shuttle, accessory part number B6 781 1057, 897euros in 2006. These were available from the dealer for about £750 but apparently there are none left. I haven't seen one on Ebay since I bought this one five years ago but I suppose they may come up on German Ebay more often:
I agree that driving the car with the panoramic top is a great experience, the glass panel in the roof is very large and gives a really light and airy feel with no heat build up problems at all.
To remove and store my roof I use the Mercedes-Benz Hardtop Shuttle, accessory part number B6 781 1057, 897euros in 2006. These were available from the dealer for about £750 but apparently there are none left. I haven't seen one on Ebay since I bought this one five years ago but I suppose they may come up on German Ebay more often:
Maxf said:
Someone posted on another forum, in response to a question about hardtop hoists...
A £15,000 car, sat below a £2,000 hardtop, held by a £200 hoist, supported by £10 of rope and pulley, attached to the cieling with a 10p bolt.
Puts it in perspective doesn't it? Especially when the car is worth £10-12k and the hard top is £11k to replace new!!!A £15,000 car, sat below a £2,000 hardtop, held by a £200 hoist, supported by £10 of rope and pulley, attached to the cieling with a 10p bolt.
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