cowiepeters

Hi all,

The trunk (boot) lid on my 2003 SL55 is fairly heavy to open.

When I use the remote it clicks open a few millimetres and it takes a fair bit of effort to open fully. It's a one handed job rather than a finger lift if you know what I mean.

Other posts indicates that it doesn't spring open like other Benzes.

Can anyone advise me if their lids are easy/ light to open?

If so I know I need to replace the gas struts.

Thanks

Peter
Sydney
Australia

Gsqrd

i replaced my 04SL trunk struts for similar problem

lkirchner

The trunk does not open as easy in other MB's. It is due to the multi hinges that are required to both open the trunk and also raise the top---extremely complicated and involved. If your trunk lid does not stay up when open i.e. starts to slowly close on its own then your struts need replaced. I had the done to my SL55 under warranty. Once that was done guess what the trunk had more resistance and was a little more difficult to open. A good body building course will help

VendettaMB

replaced mine in 03 was like 150$ i think...took 5minutes! way better, standard on a 6 yr old car.

cowiepeters

Thanks for your replies... between two different groups there were a few votes each way: some say it should be heavy, some say it shouldn't be!

I thought that if there was only one person saying that it should be light then maybe there are several of us with failing struts.

I replaced both of the struts today (AUD$150 each and 10 minutes labour)

Don't forget to tie the lid up to something in the roof or have someone hold it open.

The lid now opens very easily. It pops open a few inches with the remote and a slight lift with one finger is all it takes for it to open all the way on its own and come to a gentle stop.

Magic... just like a Benz should work!

Thanks very much for your help

Peter
Sydney
Australia:

carlosamg50

Hi cowiepeters

Can you describe how you changed the struts please ?. Do i need special tools or a specific order of events ?.

Also did you buy direct from MB ?.

mkirincic

There are no special tools needed. The replacement should take about 10 to 15 minutes. You can do a search on boot struts, there are step by step instructions available.

Mark

VendettaMB

take a flat head screw drtiver..go look at yr existing stuss, takes minutes..take 1 off/on to try it.

i bought some at mb dealer..look exactly same as ones i bought from amazon seller for my jeep for $20!



http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...=sl500&x=0&y=0

andy_meng1024

Did anybody try the Amazon ones? Are they the same with the ones sold by dealer?

VendettaMB

[QUOTE=andy_meng1024;3927066]Did anybody try the Amazon ones? Are they the same with the ones sold by dealer?[/QUOTE

I replaced mine with dealer ones. Then a few months later needed new ones in my jeep wrangler. Found This amazon seller on eBay. When I got then they were identical as mb ones. Same new style universal mount clip thing. So easy and quick. I wish I had searched when I needed MB ones. Jeep ones were like 20-30$ I think. So even with him MB has an extra cost LOL
nut still cheaper than stealership. You van return if u don't like, so no loss. Great customer service. Email him

andy_meng1024

Cool. I will give it a try then. Thanks a lot.

andy_meng1024

Just got mine installed and only took about 2 minutes. These are actually OEM Mercedes parts and have the same part number as my old ones. I have to put pressure on my trunk to close it now even it's 30 degree outside and I have a spoiler on it.

VendettaMB

I figured same product after I saw the ones I got for my jeep. Wish I had found em b4 I waisted $ at MB. The guy is fast and great customer service. Glad it wrkd out 4 ya

mkirincic

So let me make sure I understand the comments correctly. The Jeep Wrangler Glass Lift Support Strut is the same as the Trunk Lid strut from MB??

andy_meng1024

I think he meant the seller sells OEM ones for all brands. So if you order Mercedes one you'd get Mercedes one and same for the Jeep and others.

VendettaMB

It's the end piece that's the same. Same clip /release.
Jeep are longer.

I'm guessing the companies buy the end pieces and attach to different size struts. Same as a zipper on pants.

sl500_dallas

Could you please post a link to the exact struts that you ordered from this seller? I'm not sure which of the dozen or so listed "SL500 struts" with different prices and measurements are the correct ones for the trunk of an 06.

sl500_dallas

Okay, I think I figured it out.

http://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-SL500...7063524&sr=1-1

VendettaMB

To be certain you should email the seller.

Benz-O-Rama

I just had mine replaced under warranty. Here's the breakdown if out of warranty:

Parts (2) 230-750-00-36 Spring ---- List ($86.80) Net ($62.00) = $124.00
Labor - 212.40

Total after negotiated price with my warranty company = 336.40

Trunk lid now opens much easier. It is, however, just a tad harder to close.

andy_meng1024

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

This is the one I ordered. I think all R230 use the same ones.

andy_meng1024

Did you have to pay deductable for it?

Benz-O-Rama

Yep, $100.00

But, my total invoice for all repairs was $1358.64. That included the trunk struts, a door speaker, convertible trunk lid flaps and a leaky trans connector gasket.

Word of advice, if you have to replace 1 door speaker at the dealer, its $450.00!

andy_meng1024

Nice. How long have you been saving up the problems for the dealer to fix?

Benz-O-Rama

Actually, I took it in to get my new wheels and tires mounted and to have my flaps looked at because they failed one time, but where working fine when I took it in. While it was in there, I asked them to take a look at one of the door speakers because it crackled a tiny bit when I listened to talk radio. While it was on the lift, they noticed a leaking trans connector.

They just replaced everything under warranty. My warranty company sends an inspector out for repairs, and he ok'd all the work.