Convertible Hydraulic Issue

[DLGarza]

Hello all,

I have a problem that started last Friday and I hope someone can help. I have a 1993 300CE Cabriolet that is leaking hydraulic fluid for the convertible top. As I was trying to put the top down, I notice the back window was having a hard time coming up. When I went to see the problem, there was fluid all over the paint, the back seat, and the ground near the rear wheel on the driver side.

I took my car to my mechanic, who only works on Mercedes and knows a lot about the mechanics of the cars, but does not have a lot of experience on the convertible tops. He knows enough to find his way around. He knew exactly where the reservoir was for my car. He's willing to work on it and will probably get it working on his own. I will be taking my car to him on Monday, June 12th. He is hoping that it's just the actuator. I hope I got the name of the part right.

I would like to get any advice if someone knows about this car and this issue. Also, is there a schematic of the hydraulic system for the convertible top? I looked at my E-Class Bible yesterday and it has very little information. All it really did was tell you where and how to fill the hydraulic reservoir. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Darrin L. Garza

[Robert Goodwin]

My limited research finds little or nothing about the convertible actuating system. My source refers to a microfiche, but I have no idea what it is. Mercedes typically provides little or no information on major components that they buy and put in their cars. A good example is the turbocharger in the deisels. They don't fix them. They only replace them Same with A/C compressors and, get this, transmissions. Good luck.

[DLGarza]

Robert,

I appreciate your help and research. My car goes to my mechanic tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be that much of an issue.

Thank you,
Darrin

[DLGarza]

My mechanic is wonderful. He found out that the driver side cylinder for the convertible top was bent and that caused all the hydraulic fluid to leak out. Since he was there, he looked at the passenger side cylinder and noticed that it was starting to bend, so I had him replace both sides. Oh, the joys of purchasing a nice, pre-owned car.

If anyone is concerned, the part numbers are as follows:

1248000272 Cylinder for drivers side - $220.00
1248000772 Cylinder for passenger side - $370.00
Plus replacement hydraulic fluid.

The prices don't include labor and is the cost as of this posting.

Anyway, I've got my car back in time for the nice weekend here in Los Angeles.

Darrin L. Garza