maxorbit

Hello all, my 2006 SL500 had the common trunk latch failure telling me it was not locked and I couldn't use my retractable top...grrrrrrr. Fortunately the weather isn't so good.
I removed the latch several times sealing all the obvious places. I removed the white plastic unit on the latch to seal the 2 placed near to there. However!!!! When I replaced the white plastic container I fatally damaged it beyond repair..sniff sniff. So I was forced to buy a replacement. It's a used part but it'll be fine since I WO'NT take the plastic container off. Then hopefully I can operate the top. In my case the hardest part is reconnecting the small rod to the small ball stud on the trunk lid.I ended up using my channel locks to clamp it on. Then I attached the other end of the rod to the latch itself. So wish me luck. I really enjoy the car and love driving it. I can't wait for good weather to put the top down.

A1EK

You should be fine, I have swapped my actuator over three times and each one I have had out the car dozens of times to seal. You are correct about the white part, leave it in place and use good quick dry epoxy to seal, then with wet finger you can smooth it down nice.

Here is a video I did that shows the places I have found that commonly leak to help.. Remember you may need to reset the fuse

maxorbit

Thanks for the video