S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

Trunk Lid Alignment

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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 05:49 PM
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Trunk Lid Alignment

2004 S430 -

I'm having a hard time finding an exact answer on how to align the trunk lid on the side that is closest to where the rear window, trunk lid and quarter panel meet. The lid is aligned everywhere else, however, if looking from the side of the car, you can tell the lid is just a tad higher. I'm sure the 2 brackets (visible with the trunk open/just below the spring/shock) are what is needed for the adjustment, however, I don't want to mess with all of them and end up making it worse. Has anyone had the same issue as me and if you have, do you know where I should make some adjustments. Any help is appreciated! I'm OCD with alignment/fitment and I'd be shooting in the dark if I go and mess with it. I've attached some pictures of what I mean exactly and numbered all visible adjustment points that I can see. Hope everyone is having a good weekend!





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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 06:06 PM
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I suggest that the first thing that you try is to apply a good thin oil (not WD-40) to every moving joint on the hinges. It is not unusual for friction in the joint to cause the corner of the deck lid to ride up a bit.
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 06:39 PM
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Thanks, I'll give this a try tonight and post the outcome!
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Old Jan 21, 2018 | 09:41 AM
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
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BTW - The same treatment can help with the hood hinges.
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Old Jan 22, 2018 | 07:26 AM
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I got some thin oil from Home Depot like suggested and applied it to every moving part on the trunk, but also went around to all the doors, engine hood, and sunroof. However, the trunk is still mis-aligned. Any other suggestions before I start playing with the hinge brackets?
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Old Jan 22, 2018 | 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by myles_everett
I got some thin oil from Home Depot like suggested and applied it to every moving part on the trunk, but also went around to all the doors, engine hood, and sunroof. However, the trunk is still mis-aligned. Any other suggestions before I start playing with the hinge brackets?
Don't think oil will help with misalignment issue. Look at the little rubber dots on each side of the trunk. Third pic all the way after number 5 towards the back bumper. I have used those in the past to align my trunk. They are a bi*ch to adjust since you can go a little at the time but have to be patient and make sure you have a flat open wrench. Can't remember if they are 8mm or 10mm...

Last edited by doni01; Jan 22, 2018 at 03:11 PM.
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Old Jan 26, 2018 | 05:07 AM
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Hmmmm I noticed the same thing on my S430 this morning. I actually thought that something in the boot might’ve been causing the problem.
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Old Dec 22, 2025 | 04:01 PM
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Mine has the same issue, it started after my rear SAM went bad and the trunk was trying to open itself while it was still locked. I have OCD as well and I was constantly pushing it down almost every time I parked. I am having my rear SAM rebuilt and will report back if the issue persists but hoping it does not so I don't go crazy LOL
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Old Dec 22, 2025 | 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Showcase78
Mine has the same issue, it started after my rear SAM went bad and the trunk was trying to open itself while it was still locked. I have OCD as well and I was constantly pushing it down almost every time I parked. I am having my rear SAM rebuilt and will report back if the issue persists but hoping it does not so I don't go crazy LOL
Havent done anything about it but I now can't open the boot and the central locking doesn't work. Bad PSE pump I suspect???

Frankly the W220 is starting to annoy me. My 140 with triple the kilometres is still working dandy...
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Old Dec 22, 2025 | 04:19 PM
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2003 Mercedes S500 4Matic
Any other comfort features not working? That is a sign that the rear SAM is going bad.
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Old Dec 22, 2025 | 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Showcase78
Any other comfort features not working? That is a sign that the rear SAM is going bad.
Nope. I've narrowed it down to the PSE. The fuse for it keeps blowing. Used the spare from my CL500 and it blew also. Problem with that is it drains the battery
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