Mercedes r171 vario roof problems

I would shop around for another price. If the cylinders are leaking they must be replaced or rebuilt (if possible). I would check with a good European car specialist for another estimate.

Try this website or Google "Top Hydraulics" --- https://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/en/

I'very already found a company that rebuilds the parts and has a 3 year warranty. But until I can get the parts shipped and the money to have them installed through an independent mechanic, my wife needs the car. Is there a way to get the windows to work normally and the alert to shut off, so she can just use it as a hardtop?

I don't know. You will have to do the best you can or rent a car in the meantime. Messing with it could end up causing a lot of problem$.

Top Hydraulics has a section on their website for those that want to DIY.

Readjust the rubber tubing over the window as it becomes loose over time. It will need to be readjusted on a regular basis if you have the roof up and down on a regular basis. If it just leaks on one side check the rubber tubing on the other side and match up. If that fails try parking with the bonnet higher than the boot.