R171 SLK55 AMG Roof failed

BnMd · Aug 31, 2026

I guess it's my turn.

Roof would not go up. Straining noises. attempted a few times and now it is stuck with trunk open and back and roof visible.

I replaced the battery six months ago. Put on charger just in case but still wont work.

Tried manual close but couldnt find the hydraulic release in center compartment. Cant move the latches to finish the manual close.

My cars n bids SLK has been wonderful for threee years. May need to find someone who knows how to repair.

jbanks15 · Aug 31, 2026

check the diag checklist?

jbanks15 · Aug 31, 2026

@efair

LeonardoDaBenz · Aug 31, 2026

BnMd · Aug 31, 2026

I did follow. Need to look at agin later today. Could not find the pump release bolt in the storage compartment. My wife was not surprised. Also could not move the "claws" manually. It would not budge.

Avel Du · Aug 31, 2026

Do you have SmartTop installed?
If so, switch off before working.

Avel Du · Aug 31, 2026

Top hydraulics vids

https://www.slkworld.com/threads/r171-slk-how-to-close-the-hard-top-manually-system-explained-top-hydraulics.607775/

slk55amgbob · Aug 31, 2026

Klaus = best

Rick_In_Tas · Aug 31, 2026

Here is a link to the appropriate page in the online workshop manual:

AR77.30-P-6235V Close Vario Roof Manually — 2007 Mercedes Benz SLK 280 (171.454) V6-3.0L (272.942) Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 2007 Mercedes Benz SLK 280 (171.454) V6-3.0L (272.942).

charm.li

Note that you can also access the rest of the manual via the underlined text at the top of rhe page.

bcessario · Aug 31, 2026

The pressure relief valve is accessed via the hole behind the center console behind the seats, you may have to punch out the circular tab to get a 6mm Allen wrench in there. There is a layer of felt that you have to navigate around to reach the valve.

BnMd · 2026-08-31T19:03:57-0400

yes. I have been hunting for the hole and cannot find. Which is why I said my wife was not surprised.

efair · Aug 31, 2026

Sounds like the fluid is low. did you inspect for leaks in the five cylinders?

BnMd · 2026-08-31T19:04:48-0400

Definitely has leak, on the passenger side. Have not found the source.

jbanks15 · 2026-08-31T19:16:27-0400

forgive me but the fluid will come out of passenger or driver's side usually by front left/right of windshield where the roof meets it

efair · 2026-08-31T21:55:07-0400

Open the rear center console and post a photo.

BnMd · 2026-09-01T19:03:48-0400

I think my communication has been poor. I know where the access is and removed the cirulcar tab. However, I cannot locate the (Nut?) behind the fabric in order to turn it. I am referring to the nut as the hole that i cannot find. Unfortuately cant get to it again until weekend.

I think if I am able to turn that nut and release some pressure i could then turn the nut to release the claws on the roof and close the roof.

My main focus right now is just getting it closed up. Then I will look into solving the problem.

Fortunatlely i was able to make room in my garage for now

Car Automotive Exterior Automotive lighting Sports car Car door

bcessario · 2026-09-01T19:14:43-0400

What i normally do is try and remove some of the felt with needle nose pliers, then you can feel around with a small screwdriver of even your finger to locate the valve.

efair · 2026-09-02T07:26:41-0400

Just in case - it's a hex key (allen key in some places) you need, not a socket.

BnMd · 2026-09-07T13:53:46-0400

The took way too long.

Car Automotive lighting Automotive Exterior Bumper Automotive Tire

What a **** design. Roof is closed. Can’t get trunk to close

bottom is up and out and cannot get it down

efair · 2026-09-07T16:09:36-0400

if you're trying to close manually you're almost there. It just takes a little muscle pushing "down and forward". it will close with a thunk.

R171 SLK55 AMG Roof failed

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AR77.30-P-6235V Close Vario Roof Manually — 2007 Mercedes Benz SLK 280 (171.454) V6-3.0L (272.942) Service Manual | Operation CHARM

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AR77.30-P-6235V Close Vario Roof Manually — 2007 Mercedes Benz SLK 280 (171.454) V6-3.0L (272.942) Service Manual | Operation CHARM

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