The power soft top uses a system of 11-13 hydraulic cylinders whose original seals disintegrate with age, leaking fluid that can ruin interior and trunk carpeting. It is the single most-discussed R129 fault, treated as a when-not-if job on any unserviced car. …
Soft-top hydraulic cylinders: the R129's Achilles heel
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) · mechanical