Good morning,

Over the last year, my trunk lid has slowly lost its will to stay open. I'm assuming this is caused by the gradual failure of the two pistons to maintain their internal pressure and that I will have to replace them. So I have two questions:

1. Is replacement the only option?
2. There are two pistons on each side of the trunk lid. Do all four support the lid and thus all have to be replaced?
3. Is the replacement process challenging? Does it require any special tools other than the regular metric sets I already have?
4. How long do you expect it will take to replace them considering I've not done this repair before?

Thanks very much,

ASCETIK


Right side trunk lid pistons

Left side trunk lid pistons

Here’s a related thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ose-issue.html


Struts are cheap and a good first place to start without XENTRY.

Good Luck

Same thing happened with my trunk. I replaced the struts - the two with the blue print - and the problem was solved. The struts aren't expensive and it doesn't take much to replace them. You'll need a flathead screwdriver to remove the bands that hold on the old struts and loosen the bands on the new ones to get them installed. It doesn't take long to do the switch, but you'll need someone to help hold up the lid as getting the second strut attachment lined up can be a little challenging. Overall, a pretty easy fix and likely the cheapest one you'll have on this car.