Soft close ok but CL65 trunk won't open except manually. Help needed
 

I couldn't get trunk to open with remote or button on trunk. I pulled fuse and after reinserting trunk lid will crack open but not lift automatically. Before I head to repair shop I was hoping that someone here knows probable cause and cost of repair.

check for hissing by the tag when you hit the button. There is an air operated actuator that splits apart and leaks air that will cause that issue.

Lots of youtube videos on this issue. the CL and S class have the same mechanisms for trunk opening so if you see one for a W220 S class its ok to watch

The hydraulic pump is also out of fluid if it doesnt raise the trunk after it unlatches it.

Took to shop and was told that it needed new trunk struts. Total price over $400. I saw YouTube video on install and ordered aftermarket from autohauosaz for around $80. Installed them easily in 5 minutes but trunk would not come close to closing manually. Pushing trunk button to close did nothing.

I can understand struts opening trunk when latch released but what is the mechanism for trunk closure? What should I do now?

It is probably the truck hydraulic pump, the pump opens and closes the trunk... It is under the battery in the trunk, you can find youtube videos of repairs and or replacement, if you replace it will need to be calibrated. Look for w220 trunk wont open, you will get more results and its the same system