Hi Guys,

I just picked up a 2004 E500 wagon with the power tailgate option.

Searched the archives on this one, but couldn’t find anything pertinent.

The tailgate opens just fine to its full open position, but when I push the red button on the tailgate to close it, the tailgate closes slowly for about 1/2 the way down, then basically free falls until it hits the latch at which point the electric cinching servo pulls the tailgate fully closed.

Is there an adjustment to slow the tailgate closing down so it is in one linear motion down to the electric cinching servo? I fear someone could get hurt by this….. If not, what should I look to replace?

Thank you, Ed

 

System consists of pump (180 in diagram), potentiometer (190) and gas springs (60) and control module. “May” be springs.

Left spring part 2119800364, right 2119800464 (to comparison shop, parts.com $84 each)

 

Thanks Konig - I’ve looked for a writeup on how to replace the tailgate struts and so far, I know it’s a bear of a job and not fun. But I still don’t know what you have to do.. Drop Headliner?

Thanks, Ed

 

Can anyone supply a PDF or photos of how-to replace the rear lift gate struts for the w211? I own an '05 E500 Wagon and the tail gate does not stay open (not an automatic lift gate). I have purchased the parts but understand that the headliner needs to be dropped to access. Unfortunately, I only own Mac OS computers so I can not access the MB parts catalog that shows all of the various parts. Thank you for your help! Patrick

 

Sorry to see this thread died. I need to do the same job. Did you find instructions for this DIY?

 

http://workshop-manuals.com/mercedes...ce_and_repair/ + next pages

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...,d.cGc&cad=rja
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...rAjEueA4TcMYbw

 

Thanks, konigstiger, for the speedy reply! Looking forward to attempting this fix soon.

 

The tailgate on my 2004 W211 slams shut. Itt comes down smoothly on the hydraulic cylinder to about 1/2 way down and then behaves as if all hydraulic pressure has been suddenly released and bangs shut. I had the whole system repaired at a reputable independent shop. All the struts are new and it still slams as before. It is dangerous. Component replacement requires lowering the headliner. This was a $1500 job for me and did not produce a marked improvement It is a poorly designed system and I accept it as such.

 

You need to top up the hydraulic fluid in the lift mechanism.

 

I've got the same problem. Replaced the gas struts and still it slams. As a consequence the lock mechanism is bust and will need to be replaced, but first to cure the slam. Removing the potentiometer, and checking on the bench with a good old fashioned AVO, there appears to be a section in the track that's faulty. Opening and closing the potentiometer slowly, whilst monitoring the resistance, I can clearly see a point where the resistance doesn't correspond to the position of the potentiometer. That would appear to correspond with the position where the hydraulics 'let go' and down it comes. Logically, the hydraulics are perfectly capable of raising the tailgate, so I'm taking a punt that they are up to the job, just that the control side is the issue. Otherwise, the tailgate has performed without any issues for the 14 years I've owned the car. Had a few other surprises along the way but MB have been very supportive.

 

hi is this the same for all cars? I have a Mercedes cls550 and when I press the close red button to close the trunk it slams shut! It’s pretty scary lol anyone know how I can fix this? Plsssss 😋

 

E Class S211 Tailgate Strut Replacement part 1 R,

 

Need to have someone pull fault codes using MB diagnostics. May simply need to be normalized (reset) see attached bulletin.

 

Further to my earlier post on the dreaded tailgate slam; replaced the potentiometer, part No. A2118201297.

Result !!!