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is there any kits or seals available? NO
could this be the result of the latch cyl. leaking? YES and loss of fluid. When you repair you will need two liters of fluid. See above answer.

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ORIGINAL: 500man

I have a leaking cylinder or the front right side.  The repair shop just told me it is two hours of labor and $500 per cylinder to have it fixed. 

Tirst, get a new shop!  All the cylinders can be rebuilt!   For the front...the pair will run you about $80 to rebuild and everyone should recommend that if one side is leaking, the other is soon to follow. 
 
Go to the post from Lynns earlier in this string for the links to the wiki site that has the instructions on how to change out the cylinders yourself.  I did it...and if I can, you can as I'm about as techie as a stone.  The email address for our cylinder rebuilder is mercedescylinders@sbcglobal.net


BUT HERE IS MY QUESTION.  I would prefer to just plug off the cylinders in front and operate them by hand with the wrench.  Can that be done and have the rest of the system work?

I can only give you a qualified, 'Maybe' you can.  Some of the 129's do not provide access to the rear latches and I can't tell what model year you have.  Look in the trunk next to the lift arms that connect the hinge to the lid.  Next to them may be an access plate that you can pull off to get access to the rear latches.  Check your owners manual for details!  To plug the lines, you have to open the moulding anyway, remove the failed cylinders and plug the lines.  If you go that far, send the cylinders to be rebuilt as Dennis, the rebuilder, turns them around in 1-2 days after he gets them so you won't be without automatic top operation for long making trunk access moot, imo.

Bob 

PS.  I just joined.  You guys are great and have already helped me a bunch.  Thank you!