Mercedes 1982 SL 280 the cowling that covers the hood aperture will only release on the handle side (N/S ) the o/s stays secured. Any ideas on how to release this please.

Dave C, May 2009

get at the cable release from inside the boot. remove the carpet and the panel that covers the petrol tank (bolts) the reach in its very tight you might need to use a bit of wire to get at the cable tug it and the panel will release. then you have to work out why it stuck before putting everything back!

geoff, January 2010

Where is the manual swith to the soft roof on the sl320 and how to get roof up

naomi, May 2009

manual switch for sl280 soft top

naomi, May 2009

Dave
I have looked and the only manual I can find is as per link for a 380SL and I think its US spec but hood operation may be the same. Also worth going to a Mercedes-Benz specialist in your area , many are helpful and give free advice.
Regards Maurice
http://www.mercedesmanuals.com/product_p/w-107.htm

Maurice, May 2009

Thanks Maurice, I have already tried the remedy you suggest but no luck. I do not have an owner book, If you or anyone else can suggest a link to one I will investigate the up down theory. As you can imagine I am loathe to be brutish with the handle because of possible damage. Thanks anyway.

Dave C, May 2009

From memory this is a cable release system. The release handle is on the wall of the rear wheel arch behind the passenger seat.
One of two options spring to mind Get someone to push down the o/s while you release the handle several times and see if you can free the release catch. Once open lightly oil the release .
The other point and I'm not certain if I am right but I have the feeling that the handle worked in two directions down opens one side - up open the other side. I guess if you have an owners handbook you have checked how it works.

Maurice, May 2009