Funky B

I recently purchased a SL500 with 33k and it had an issue with the trunk latch not latching (among other things). As I was readjusting the latch the trunk closed before I attached the shaft and connected the left side electric connector.

With the trunk separator not latched, is there anyway to disable the separator warning or force the top to open through SDS so I can access the trunk again, or do I need to break the third taillight?

I've tried re-seating the fuse and using the key while pushing down on the trunk with no luck.

Plutoe

Hey bro your fooooooooked!! SDS ain't going to help----now its drill lock time!---He aha nô lâ kou `ano!!

Rudeney

Make sure that then you use the hard key, you insert into the lock, rotate it counter-clockwise and hold it there, then squeeze the handle. It's purely mechanical with no electronics or hydraulics used in this process, so it should work regardless of the top position, partition, etc.

Funky B

Unfortunately the shaft is not connected so I don't have the handle. Drilling the lock is a bad idea because it faces the wrong direction and will be very expensive. I was thinking of drilling out the third brake light or the left license plate light. The left license plate light is very close, but there's probably more room with the third brake light.

Definitely not fooooked, there's always a solution.

Rudeney

Oh, I see. The strike has two bolts holding it on, so if you can get some access into the trunk, you could remove those. I don't think you'll get much going through the 3rd brake light opening. I think what I'd do is remove the license plate, and drill hole behind it large enough to get a hand and wrench in to remove those strike bolts. This can then be patched and the "damage" covered by the license plate.

DavidCA

Indeed there is a solution!

The procedure for opening the roof is as follows :-

You need to disconnect two wires from the Vario roof control module {N52}.
The module is located under the storage compartment behind drivers seat.
Disconnect Plug no 1 (52 way connector) from roof control module.
Remove pins 33 yellow/white and 44 violet/orange at Plug1.
Reconnect plug to control module.
The roof will now open using the roof switch.

I hope this will help you!
Regards

Funky B

Thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it! Because the latch was secured I decided to take another approach but I'm sure that info will help someone.

I ended up successfully drilling out the 3rd brake light. I put a drop of Loctite on the tips of the new brake light and pressed on the old light for an approximate location of the screws. To cut, i had a 5/8" diamond hole saw and was able to separate the plastic housing from the metal frame. The sides popped right out, while the middle needed the red lens to be separated first. The shaft was right there and with a quick push the trunk opened.

Really easy, and absolutely no need to drill holes under the license plate.

Julie Ho

Close all the doors with you inside and pop the trunk.

kuwabaram

Thank you very much for your info. I had exactly the same problem, and now I could open the trunk by breaking the 3rd stop lamp. This lamp is available in AliExpress.com at the cost of 25 USD, and I believe this is the cheapest way. My case was PSE pump has gone due to water leak together with trunk soft closer's hinge was not connected properly (my mistake) and mechanical key did not work.