I closed my soft top and immediately after locking in, light oil poured all over me from the top left corner of the windshield inner molding. This is on a 1994 SL500. Any idea what could cause this?

I have a 95 sl320, the top is operated by hydraulic fluid and you probably sprung a leak in the system, should be pretty easy to locate and repair, run the top halfway and stop and look for leaks along the system

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Jerry

2004 SL500 Black 55K Miles
2002 s500 Black 90K Miles
1986 300E Gold 233K Miles
1966 Twin Cessna 320D
1989 Jeep Cherokee 233K Miles
1994 Ford Van E150 399K Miles

I would assume that if it is a hydraulic leak, it would be hard to spot as it is coming from an enclosed area. Do you know if this hydraulic system of which you are speaking also includes the 94 SL 500?
Thanks
cottontop

The convertible top locking cylinders above the windshield are very prone to developing oil leaks. Pretty discouraging performance for this class of car. However, for a few hundred dollars, they are easily replaced. (Accessible from the top of the windshield frame) If you are handy, they CAN be reconditioned with new 'O-ring' seals.

The leak is ABSOLUTELY coming from a leaky cylinder from the top of the windshield.

The EXACT same symptom I experienced last year.

You can buy a new cylinder for around $110 and repair from the comfort of your garage in under an hour.

Because of the residue that has accumulated along the windshield channel, you will still notice leakage even after the repair. So clean the area from the cylinder to where the leak ends as best you can.

The repair is amazingly simple. Amazing how dealers try to make the R129 seem like an exotic "black box" of sorts...

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

Thank you all so much. I am fairly handy so I will make a bold attempt at repairing it.
I agree that it is very poor performance for a car of this caliber.
Apparently I will need to add hydraulic fluid to replace that I have lost. Where do you add the fluid. I have not a clue as to where the hydraulic pump is located.
Cottontop

Hi The motor and reservior are under a plastic cover which is under the spare tire.joeym

Thank you JoeyM. That will be a big help. I have put up a new post for the proper steps to get to the hydraulic cylinders. I am sure I can get to them with trial and error but I would much rather listen to the voice of experience if possible.

Thanks again for the help.
Changing the cylinder is fairly easy once you figure out how to disconnect the cylinder from the bracket. It ain't pushing out the pin that connects the cylinder rod to the bracket. I don't know why that pin has c-clamp keepers on each end as it won't come through. I had to unscrew the ramrod from the cylinder.
I am sure MB doesn't have a repair kit for the cylinder. I had to order the rings so it will be a couple of days before I can finish up.
But, if one wishes, you can save $100 plus by rebuilding the cylinder.
Contact me and I can give you the numbers and manufacturer of the rings when they come in.
Thanks again,
Cottontop

we have replaced many of those for our customers, seems to be a fairly common failure. fortunately you can get the cylinder with out having to buy the whole latch, if any one needs part numbers for ordering send me an email with your vin number