2003 C320 Folding Seat Trunk Access
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
C320
2003 C320 Folding Seat Trunk Access
Hi all, new to the forum and the mercedes world. I just bought a 2003 Mercedes C320 and had a question about getting into the trunk. The trunk will not release with the key fob or the button from inside the car. The only key I have does not have the metal key in it either. I was ripping the rear seat apart trying to get in with no luck so far. I know it has rear folding seats as the rear seat bases fold up, I have the indicators for seat backs being down in the rear deck, and a ski pass through. I have unbolted the bottom hinges and can pry them up enough to jam my arm in there but I have no idea where the release is. Are there any tricks to possibly breaking into your trunk in this scenario?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,054
Likes: 11
From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
usually folding seats is an option. Did you make sure the key lock on the trunk isn't manually locked for valet purposes. You should have a tab on your fob key to release the metal key. The dealer might have manually locked it with the key so no one could break into it while it was at the dealership.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
You definitely have the folding seat option if you have the indicators in the parcel shelf.
Your problem is that you don't have the backup metal key. The seat releases are in the trunk.
Your best chance is to reach through the ski cover hatch & release the back seats. The levers are mounted below the rear screen in the trunk. I have the folding seat option but not the ski hatch so I don't know if this is possible.
Good luck!
Your problem is that you don't have the backup metal key. The seat releases are in the trunk.
Your best chance is to reach through the ski cover hatch & release the back seats. The levers are mounted below the rear screen in the trunk. I have the folding seat option but not the ski hatch so I don't know if this is possible.
Good luck!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
12 BMW 535Xi; Retired 02 C230 Sport Coupe
If you have folding seats the release mechanism is just below the rear glass along the trunk lip. There is one for each side. Since you must 'pull' the release when standing behind the car, can you now 'push' the release using a stick or crowbar from the ski bag hole?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
C320
Thanks for all of the replies going to continue trying today. I could see the emergency release button in the trunk but it didnt seem to do anything when I pushed it with a stick. I am going to try and get the seats to fold with the lever. It's tough not being able to see anything in there while working. The ski pass through does not seem accessible as there is another door that opens from the trunk side as well. I have tried prying it open a bit but dont want to break it. Thanks for the replies.
