I have a 1998 mercedes sl500 and the soft top won't go down and it's leaking oil

Well, my friend you have a classic SLXXX problem. After so many years the seals in the 11 plus hydraulic cylinders Become brittle and crack. I bought a 97 SL500 that leaked oil on the ground from those tubes that stick out From the bottom of the car. I removed them and sent them to Top Hydraulics in Oregon. They overhauled them and Sent them back in a couple of days. It was a lot of work but well worth the savings of going to a dealer. Check the oil level of the pump. It is located underneath the spare tire. Do not run the pump dry or you could damage It. $$$$$$ ! Hope this helps

See my reply to Tom Johnson and check You Tube for Video on how too Manually get your Top Down and instructions on how to remove your Hydraulic Top Locks. I suggest you send them to "Top Hydraulics" for rebuild rather than trying to put new seals in yourself. Very cost effective. When done, drain olg fluid from reservoir under spare tire and put in MB Quality fluid.