Trunk handle broken? Or latch?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 595
Likes: 14
From: Phoenix AZ
2025 BMW I4, 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2008 ML550
Trunk handle broken? Or latch?
I just picked up a 2008 ML550 (3/08 production date).
It has the auto rear tailgate which is notorious for problems.
Right now, I can open the rear tailgate with the key only. I cannot open it by pulling on the handle.
Most of the online fixes seem to focus on the latch and not the handle. But since I can open and close the tailgate just fine with the key, I'm 95% sure the problem is with the handle
Anyone experience this before?
I'd imagine the fix is as easy as ordering a new handle and swapping it out?
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/MB-1647401193
It has the auto rear tailgate which is notorious for problems.
Right now, I can open the rear tailgate with the key only. I cannot open it by pulling on the handle.
Most of the online fixes seem to focus on the latch and not the handle. But since I can open and close the tailgate just fine with the key, I'm 95% sure the problem is with the handle
Anyone experience this before?
I'd imagine the fix is as easy as ordering a new handle and swapping it out?
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/MB-1647401193
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 627
Likes: 211
W221 S500
That's exactly the fix.
Water can get into the handle over time and they fail. Removing, thoroughly cleaning and refitting may get it working, but it will need replacing eventually. An used one may last a week or 6 months, but you should get a few years out of a new one if you can keep the water out of it.
Replacement is easy enough... Remove the inner panelling from the tailgate, (all of it), unplug it and undo two 10mm nuts. It will fall out. Refit in reverse.
Quick question, does the tailgate release using the button in the driver's door? If yes then the outside handle is the fault.
If not, it could be the latch itself or a wiring fault... The key is a mechanical connection so should work every time.
Water can get into the handle over time and they fail. Removing, thoroughly cleaning and refitting may get it working, but it will need replacing eventually. An used one may last a week or 6 months, but you should get a few years out of a new one if you can keep the water out of it.
Replacement is easy enough... Remove the inner panelling from the tailgate, (all of it), unplug it and undo two 10mm nuts. It will fall out. Refit in reverse.
Quick question, does the tailgate release using the button in the driver's door? If yes then the outside handle is the fault.
If not, it could be the latch itself or a wiring fault... The key is a mechanical connection so should work every time.
Last edited by AL5461; May 19, 2026 at 03:09 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 436
Likes: 79
Former R230, W220 and W221 owner
That's exactly the fix.
Water can get into the handle over time and they fail. Removing, thoroughly cleaning and refitting may get it working, but it will need replacing eventually. An used one may last a week or 6 months, but you should get a few years out of a new one if you can keep the water out of it.
Replacement is easy enough... Remove the inner panelling from the tailgate, (all of it), unplug it and undo two 10mm nuts. It will fall out. Refit in reverse.
Quick question, does the tailgate release using the button in the driver's door? If yes then the outside handle is the fault.
If not, it could be the latch itself or a wiring fault... The key is a mechanical connection so should work every time.
Water can get into the handle over time and they fail. Removing, thoroughly cleaning and refitting may get it working, but it will need replacing eventually. An used one may last a week or 6 months, but you should get a few years out of a new one if you can keep the water out of it.
Replacement is easy enough... Remove the inner panelling from the tailgate, (all of it), unplug it and undo two 10mm nuts. It will fall out. Refit in reverse.
Quick question, does the tailgate release using the button in the driver's door? If yes then the outside handle is the fault.
If not, it could be the latch itself or a wiring fault... The key is a mechanical connection so should work every time.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 595
Likes: 14
From: Phoenix AZ
2025 BMW I4, 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2008 ML550
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 627
Likes: 211
W221 S500
The likely culprit is the grommets that the star clips into and the washer spindle seal as both are directly above the handle.
