W231 SL400.....roof lifter thingy.

[adm]

OK, so I appreciate that the title isn't great, but what I am after is some knowledge on the function of the W231 SL (mine is a 2014 SL400) that lifts the stowed roof out of the way, so you can actually put stuff in the boot while the roof is down.

Mine has a little red button on the left hand side of the inside of the boot. Lift the boot, press the button and the stowed roof is meant to move out of the way so you can actually put stuff in the boot.

Case in point:

This afternoon, I had to take one of my kids to the station. He had a small bag that would fit easily. I pressed the button and it did nothing. Tried it with the engine on, off, ignition on but no engine running, etc.. It did nothing. I had to put the roof up so he could put his stuff in the boot.

But 10 miles later, when we got to the railway station ( I had the engine running and the car in park) he popped the boot lid, pressed the button and the roof conveniently moved out of the way so he could get his bag out. Just like it's meant to do.

So I know it works, but I am unsure of what the specific parameters are for it to work - does anybody know for sure?

 

[ToeKnee]

Strange as mine works differently to yours! When I open the boot to it's fullest point the roof lifts up automatically, I only need to press the button to put the roof back in its stowed position to close the boot and as far as I'm aware they all should work that way. So you may have more of a problem than you think. Hopefully someone else will confirm or contradict my comment?

 

[SL63Mark]

Sorry not relevant, but I think it's an R231 not a W231.

 

[adm]

Strange as mine works differently to yours! When I open the boot to it's fullest point the roof lifts up automatically, I only need to press the button to put the roof back in its stowed position to close the boot and as far as I'm aware they all should work that way. So you may have more of a problem than you think. Hopefully someone else will confirm or contradict my comment?

That’s interesting. The car has another three months warranty on it, so if I can confirm that’s how it is meant to work, I will take it to the dealer and have them fix it.

I am not near the car right now, but when I get home later in the week I will have to mess around with it and see what I can figure out.

The strange thing is that it does lift up sometimes, just not all the time…

 

[W1ghty]

That’s interesting. The car has another three months warranty on it, so if I can confirm that’s how it is meant to work, I will take it to the dealer and have them fix it.

I am not near the car right now, but when I get home later in the week I will have to mess around with it and see what I can figure out.

The strange thing is that it does lift up sometimes, just not all the time…

I wonder if it’s something like an old car battery and lack of charge .

 

[BoristheBounce]

I had the same problem a few weeks ago, the fix is......make sure the boot is pushed up to its limit making sure it operates the microswitch which allows the little red button to work

If the boot isn't fully open the red button does nothing.

HTH

 

[ToeKnee]

I had the same problem a few weeks ago, the fix is......make sure the boot is pushed up to its limit making sure it operates the microswitch which allows the little red button to work

If the boot isn't fully open the red button does nothing.

HTH

Does your folded roof lift automatically when the boot is lifted up, or do you need to press the red button to lift it up? Mine lifts automatically and I only need to press the button to lower it.

 

[BoristheBounce]

Does your folded roof lift automatically when the boot is lifted up, or do you need to press the red button to lift it up? Mine lifts automatically and I only need to press the button to lower it.

No; I have to press the button to lift and lower, only you posh bstds with SL500's have this option I believe

 

[ToeKnee]

No; I have to press the button to lift and lower, only you posh bstds with SL500's have this option I believe

Good point, it never occurred to me that it might be a "500" thing, I assumed they'd all do it. Sorry to the op if that's the case.

 

[BoristheBounce]

Good point, it never occurred to me that it might be a "500" thing, I assumed they'd all do it. Sorry to the op if that's the case.

I assume your boot lid opens automatically as well does it, the 400 boot lid is so heavy to lift its unbelievable.

 

[ToeKnee]

I assume your boot lid opens automatically as well does it, the 400 boot lid is so heavy to lift its unbelievable.

No, like you I have to lift it up manually! Have you tried changing the gas rams each side too make it lighter??

 

[BoristheBounce]

No, like you I have to lift it up manually! Have you tried changing the gas rams each side too make it lighter??

I thought it was just a "feature" of the car never gave it a thought that the struts might be buggered, its only done 30k.

 

[ToeKnee]

I thought it was just a "feature" of the car never gave it a thought that the struts might be buggered, its only done 30k.

It's on my "to do" list.......

 

[BoristheBounce]

It's on my "to do" list.......

Can you advise which are the preferred replacement struts and do they make a significant difference?

The boot lid is carbon fibre after all and I wouldn't have thought it should be so heavy.

 

[WilliamParsons]

Can you advise which are the preferred replacement struts and do they make a significant difference?

The boot lid is carbon fibre after all and I wouldn't have thought it should be so heavy.

The preferred replacement struts for your vehicle will depend on the make and model of your car. It's essential to choose struts that are compatible with your specific vehicle. When replacing struts, you should consider factors such as the brand, quality, and whether you want to upgrade to performance or aftermarket struts.

Upgrading to performance or aftermarket struts can make a significant difference in terms of ride comfort, handling, and overall suspension performance. However, the extent of the improvement will also depend on your car's current condition and the type of driving you do. If you're looking for a noticeable improvement, consider consulting with a mechanic or suspension specialist who can recommend the best struts for your specific needs and budget.

 

[23 Romeo Tango]

As Dr Feelgood used to say………. ‘Golden’

 

[BoristheBounce]

The preferred replacement struts for your vehicle will depend on the make and model of your car. It's essential to choose struts that are compatible with your specific vehicle. When replacing struts, you should consider factors such as the brand, quality, and whether you want to upgrade to performance or aftermarket struts.

Upgrading to performance or aftermarket struts can make a significant difference in terms of ride comfort, handling, and overall suspension performance. However, the extent of the improvement will also depend on your car's current condition and the type of driving you do. If you're looking for a noticeable improvement, consider consulting with a mechanic or suspension specialist who can recommend the best struts for your specific needs and budget.

 

[adm]

Just to confirm, I am back with the car today and checked it out.

The red button works just fine as long as the boot is at the extent of travel. Engine on, engine off, keys in, keys out. No issue at all.

So it was down to me just me not opening the boot far enough.

Thanks for the advice - problem solved!

 

[ToeKnee]

Glad it's sorted and hopefully if anyone else has this problem this thread will help.

 

[BoristheBounce]

Cheers
Pleased you got sorted it took me a while.