SL/R231: a different trunk open/close issue?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 256
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
a different trunk open/close issue?
My trunk opens about a quarter of the way up and then promptly closes again, regardless of the method used to open it. If I use the rear switch or my fob, I can manually grab the trunk lid and lift it to fully open, but then I cannot close it using the buttons on the trunk lid. I can manually close it and it will latch electrically once down without forcing it. I have read all of the threads on trunk issues and mine does not seem to match any I have read about so far. It is not a cold weather issue, and the struts hold the lid open once manually lifted to the top. Any thoughts on what may be the problem or the best way to diagnose further?
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From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
My trunk opens about a quarter of the way up and then promptly closes again, regardless of the method used to open it. If I use the rear switch or my fob, I can manually grab the trunk lid and lift it to fully open, but then I cannot close it using the buttons on the trunk lid. I can manually close it and it will latch electrically once down without forcing it. I have read all of the threads on trunk issues and mine does not seem to match any I have read about so far. It is not a cold weather issue, and the struts hold the lid open once manually lifted to the top. Any thoughts on what may be the problem or the best way to diagnose further?
It’s quite possible that it IS the struts….
The trunk hinges use leverage to lift the trunk lid. The heaviest part of the lift is typically mid-stroke in the lift cycle. Kind of like what you’re describing.
They should be relatively inexpensive to swap out. I probably would start there..
Of course XENTRY might offer some trouble code to help if you have access to it.
Good Luck!
Last edited by crconsulting; Nov 15, 2024 at 09:32 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 256
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
It’s quite possible that it IS the struts….
The trunk hinges use leverage to lift the trunk lid. The heaviest part of the lift is typically mid-stroke in the lift cycle. Kind of like what you’re describing.
They should be relatively inexpensive to swap out. I probably would start there..
Of course XENTRY might offer some trouble code to help if you have access to it.
Good Luck!
The trunk hinges use leverage to lift the trunk lid. The heaviest part of the lift is typically mid-stroke in the lift cycle. Kind of like what you’re describing.
They should be relatively inexpensive to swap out. I probably would start there..
Of course XENTRY might offer some trouble code to help if you have access to it.
Good Luck!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 256
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
I decided to leave my car with my independent mechanic while we went to Las Vegas for 5 days to see if he could resolve the trunk issues. He called after having the car for 3 days and failing to fix it. He recommends taking to the dealer. He believes the trunk issue is tied to the vario roof operation. I think he is off track but will take to the dealer anyway just to try to get the problem resolved..
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Joined: Aug 2023
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From: El Cajon / San Diego
2015 sl550 Designo
the simplest test it to manually 'assist' the trunk when it starts opening.and see if that helps somewhat. . . $50 struts are a lot cheaper than a trip
to the dealer. . . Weak strut issues start being noticable when colder weather arrives. . I just changed mine and it fixed everything.. .
Dont be surprised if when you remove the old struts, you;ll swear they are good because you can;t manually compress the. .
Weak struts are a lot stronger that you think/.
ir
to the dealer. . . Weak strut issues start being noticable when colder weather arrives. . I just changed mine and it fixed everything.. .
Dont be surprised if when you remove the old struts, you;ll swear they are good because you can;t manually compress the. .
Weak struts are a lot stronger that you think/.
ir
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From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
I think your initial gut reaction is correct, he’s off track.
I’m an old guy too, so certainly understand not wanting to deal with it personally and get it repaired by someone.
While obvious, If you do go to the dealer, give them the symptoms and let them diagnose. Don’t tell them your independent thought it might be the Vario roof.
They'll be more than happy to replace it for you $$$$$$$
I’m going to assume your Vario roof functions properly? Yes?
Good Luck.
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2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
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From: DFW
SL63
I went to a Mercedes dealership in Memphis once, because I was having trouble with the power steering. This would have been around 2010 or so. It started drinking power steering fluid. After 2 refills, I found the leaky hose myself. When I got to the service center, I told the service department about the leaky hose. After it was ready for pickup, they handed me a bill that included 2 hours of troubleshooting at $125.00/hr. I asked them why they trouble shot the system, when I told them what the problem was, upon dropping off the car. They reluctantly deducted the 2 hours of troubleshooting. I wasn’t very impressed by that interaction. That goes to show how some, maybe even many dealerships operate.
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From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
Were the struts their diagnosis?
And they never offered a solution? i.e. another diagnosis/estimate?
Going to the dealer can be like rolling dice.
Sorry that happened….
Hopefully OP will have better luck.
Last edited by crconsulting; Dec 23, 2024 at 10:49 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
Well, I have bought the car from a Florida dealership, drove to Illinois and then realised that there was something wrong with the trunk, the Mercedes dealer I took the car here got in touch with the one in Florida which payed for the repair ( yes their, the diagnosis was the struts )
Now I have a newer one, with only 11,000 miles, the trunk is perfect !
Did Mercedes fix their problem ? Who knows !
Now I have a newer one, with only 11,000 miles, the trunk is perfect !
Did Mercedes fix their problem ? Who knows !
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
The biggest issue I see today isn’t the fact that the dealer is ripping people off on purpose, but rather they are mis-diagnosing issues from incompetence. Hopefully they ordered the right part number. There are several, depending on trunk lid options/configuration.
Haha, well that’s one way to fix a problem. Glad you’re enjoying your R231 👍
Happy Motoring!
Happy Motoring!
Last edited by crconsulting; Dec 23, 2024 at 11:12 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 697
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From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
Thank you very much !
The one that I have now is very well equipped ( including ABC !) the ride is way better !
The dealer I have bought it from did a full ceramic paint correction ( at a cost of $1900 ) obviously I had to pay for it !
I do not know what they have used but the paint is like new with absolutely no orange peels !
Now I'm waiting for better weather to do a full front end PPF !
The one that I have now is very well equipped ( including ABC !) the ride is way better !
The dealer I have bought it from did a full ceramic paint correction ( at a cost of $1900 ) obviously I had to pay for it !
I do not know what they have used but the paint is like new with absolutely no orange peels !
Now I'm waiting for better weather to do a full front end PPF !
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 256
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
Sounds like he may have been too busy to do the repair
I think your initial gut reaction is correct, he’s off track.
I’m an old guy too, so certainly understand not wanting to deal with it personally and get it repaired by someone.
While obvious, If you do go to the dealer, give them the symptoms and let them diagnose. Don’t tell them your independent thought it might be the Vario roof.
They'll be more than happy to replace it for you $$$$$$$
I’m going to assume your Vario roof functions properly? Yes?
Good Luck.
I think your initial gut reaction is correct, he’s off track.
I’m an old guy too, so certainly understand not wanting to deal with it personally and get it repaired by someone.
While obvious, If you do go to the dealer, give them the symptoms and let them diagnose. Don’t tell them your independent thought it might be the Vario roof.
They'll be more than happy to replace it for you $$$$$$$
I’m going to assume your Vario roof functions properly? Yes?
Good Luck.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 256
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
the simplest test it to manually 'assist' the trunk when it starts opening.and see if that helps somewhat. . . $50 struts are a lot cheaper than a trip
to the dealer. . . Weak strut issues start being noticable when colder weather arrives. . I just changed mine and it fixed everything.. .
Dont be surprised if when you remove the old struts, you;ll swear they are good because you can;t manually compress the. .
Weak struts are a lot stronger that you think/.
ir
to the dealer. . . Weak strut issues start being noticable when colder weather arrives. . I just changed mine and it fixed everything.. .
Dont be surprised if when you remove the old struts, you;ll swear they are good because you can;t manually compress the. .
Weak struts are a lot stronger that you think/.
ir
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 256
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
the simplest test it to manually 'assist' the trunk when it starts opening.and see if that helps somewhat. . . $50 struts are a lot cheaper than a trip
to the dealer. . . Weak strut issues start being noticable when colder weather arrives. . I just changed mine and it fixed everything.. .
Dont be surprised if when you remove the old struts, you;ll swear they are good because you can;t manually compress the. .
Weak struts are a lot stronger that you think/.
ir
to the dealer. . . Weak strut issues start being noticable when colder weather arrives. . I just changed mine and it fixed everything.. .
Dont be surprised if when you remove the old struts, you;ll swear they are good because you can;t manually compress the. .
Weak struts are a lot stronger that you think/.
ir
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I have a similar problem in cold weather. Worse, the trunk will not latch even with manual assist. So, as a last resort, I used the inside switch to open and then close the trunk, which it did.
I scanned my car and coincidentally I had a stored code B252E98, The hydraulic pump ''Soft top'' has a malfunction. The component or the system has overtemperature. This was recorded in the VDS (N52) Vario Roof control module. So, when the independent said it was a Vario Roof problem, he was probably more on-base than you think. XENTRY has some tests that can be run, but for now everything seems to be working again. I do have a Vehicle Service Contract (a.k.a., extended warranty) on the car, so I may take it into the dealer if it happens again.
I scanned my car and coincidentally I had a stored code B252E98, The hydraulic pump ''Soft top'' has a malfunction. The component or the system has overtemperature. This was recorded in the VDS (N52) Vario Roof control module. So, when the independent said it was a Vario Roof problem, he was probably more on-base than you think. XENTRY has some tests that can be run, but for now everything seems to be working again. I do have a Vehicle Service Contract (a.k.a., extended warranty) on the car, so I may take it into the dealer if it happens again.
Last edited by JettaRed; Dec 26, 2024 at 09:45 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 475
Likes: 157
From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
The trunk and roof operate off the same hydraulic system. So it's important to know whether the roof works. If it doesn't then it's probably in the hydraulic system or the vario roof control module. There's also a position sensor that could have an issue.
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From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
Trunk also opens in a different direction when stowing top, putting less emphasis on the pneumatic struts.
Xentry should show any malfunction in the sensors and control modules, OP’s latch does release so hopefully easy fix and diagnosis.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 256
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
Do I dare try opening the roof with the trunk not working properly? I am fearful the system may lock up and I may be unable to use the car. Are there safeguards to prevent such a disaster?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 475
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From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
If the problem is just the struts then the roof should work. I would definitely do the test in a garage in case the roof gets hung up. I've heard the roof can be manually closed though I don't know offhand how to do that.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 475
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From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 256
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
New struts arrived yesterday and with my wife's assistance holding the trunk lid open, I was able to install them. Despite my limited mechanical aptitude, watching a good You Tube how to video gave me the confidence I needed. My problem remains, but the trunk is noticeably easier to raise manually now and stays up without starting to sag and drop when not fully up. I am going to consult with an independent MB specialist repair shop in town before going to the dealer to see if he can diagnose the issue further. Besides not fully opening, the options to close the trunk electrically continues to not work so hopefully some codes will pop up to help us understand what is going on. The independent shop was closed yesterday, apparently because of the holidays, but I will report back findings as soon as I can get in and have them do diagnostics.
