Replaced trunk struts!
 

Just a recommendation for those who have bad struts on their trunks. I purchased struts on Amazon from Lift Supports Depot. They were only $90 shipped for the pair, and made by Lift-O-Mat, just like the originals. Replacing them is literally a 5 minute job. Now I don't have to look like an idiot having the trunk constantly shut on my head. :D

Thanks for passing along that info, I just ordered a pair.

I ordered a pair from Amazon a couple months ago. They are OEM and working pretty good. :)

Anyone ever try the "upgraded" Stabilus struts instead of the exact OEM replacement? Found both here:

http://www.autopartsdeal.com/catalog...t+Lift+Support

can anyone tell me if i have the right ones here:
http://www.amazon.com/MERCEDES-Suppo...3021619&sr=8-3

55, those are for the hood trunk link below
http://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-Trunk...3130212&sr=1-1

Thanks , just 2 questions
1. It says 05 wil it fit my 03?
2 a set of 6 ? I need all 6 ?

No. You just need 2. I found the OEM ones cheaper on this site. They also have "upgraded" ones from Stabilus ( the OEM manufacturer) that they say hold the trunk lid on any position and guaranteed for "life". Anyone try them?
http://www.autopartsdeal.com/catalog...t+Lift+Support

Are there different parts for an SL600?

SL600 Struts
 

SL600 has same part number. I replaced mine over the Summer, huge inprovement now that cooler weather has set in.

Did you use the standard stock Stabilus OEM replacement or the "upgraded" Stabilus heavy duty one? If the stack one, does it hold the the trunk lid open in all positions? The claim for the "upgraded" one is that it holds in all positions.

I just received the struts from them last night( standard one) took 5 minutes to installed them they seems to work well :zoom: for the price I don't think anybody can beat it!!!

Just ordered a set of these...will report.

AMGsport which set did you order and from where? I need a set too. Thinking about getting these...http://www.autopartsdeal.com/catalog...t+Lift+Support

Those are the lifts I ordered.

...and today I get an email letting me know they are backordered from this source. I then called Autozone just for grins and they show backorder...of course, the dealership has them at $100 bucks each - no thanks.

Anyone else aware of any potential source?

OK, found them through a previous poster's suggestion, "Lift Support Depot" aka Mr. Lou's Stuff (not exaxtly confidence inspiring LOL)....

We'll see; I have not yet received PayPal credit on my other backorder...Hmmm...likewise, we'll see.

Lifts arrived today; as others have said, as simple job. Some comments:

1) Lifts are an EXACT replacement. Same mfg, length, etc, save for the Mercedes star and parts number.

2)In removing the struts, you definitely want to support the trunk with a broomhandle, what have you.

3) In removing the old struts, I completely removed the "U-band" snap ring that holds the struts on. Simply easier to manipulate removing the old struts with two hands. The first strut required a bit of torque to remove at the top.

4) The new struts go on more easily than the old ones come off. Simply line them up, lift the U-band to open the apeture, and push on. Simple.

5) On my car, once both were installed, the trunk lid felt "locked" open. I lifted the trunk lid a bit higher and gently pulled the cantilever towards me. It then operated as designed.

6) The struts do indeed keep the trunk open in any position. I can already tell the 100 bucks or so will be well worth it to alleviate the frustration of the lid not staying open.

7) I have not attempted to operate the top, but see no reason why there should be an issue.

8) Even with the most limited mechanical ability, you should be able to do this job.

Good luck!

Today I made a quick compilation of the gas struts/springs on a 2005 R230 SL:

Hood (2 needed)
Mercedes-Benz: A 230 880 00 29
Stabilus/Lift-O-Mat: SG403057

Trunk (2 needed)
Mercedes-Benz: A 230 750 00 36
Stabilus/Lift-O-Mat: SG403056

Tubular Frame (1 needed)
This is on the right side of the car, by the battery, opposite the hydraulic cylinder that lifts the trunk lid backwards when you retract the roof. If you care at all for the life of your Vario roof hydraulics, definitely replace this one, right around when you replace the normal trunk struts.
Mercedes-Benz: A 230 750 01 36
Stabilus/Lift-O-Mat: SG303007

Center Console Storage Bin (1 needed)
This spring holds the storage bin open. If the lid together with the upper drawer does not stay in the upright position, replace this spring.
Mercedes-Benz: A 230 980 00 64 (this part # good for ALL R230 incl. BS)
Stabilus/Lift-O-Mat: ??? (have not been able to locate an aftermarket part)

Hope this helps you all prolong the life of your R230. :)

I have figured out an alternative. You can order a 30lb gas spring from McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com), part number 9416K302, and an eyelet for the body end, p/n 9424K14, for about $20 + shipping. These together replace A 230 980 00 64. Dealer price is $60-$70 for the same part.

I bought the 2 trunk struts (SG403056) and tubular frame one (SG303007) from Amazon. The trunks struts only took minutes to install but the the tubular one looks buried. Any tips on installing it?

TIA
Jeff

First and foremost: open the trunk hatch to the "service" position. This is accomplished by:

1. Actuate the "roof opening" cycle until the trunk hatch is all the way open, then *stop* so that the roof is closed, but the trunk lid is folded back.
2. "Open" the trunk lid from the tubular frame. Insert the key (yes, the key that is within the fob) into the slot adjacent to the trunk handle, and turn it 30 degrees counterclockwise. The trunk handle now turns into a mechanical handle for the trunk latch. Pull the handle and the trunk lid will separate from the tubular frame.
3. Once you've fully opened the trunk lid, your car should now look like a Transformer with its pants down.

Now you can easily access the top clip of that gas cylinder, and the bottom clip isn't too difficult as long as you have a flat-head screwdriver with a long shaft. *DO NOT ATTEMPT* to remove the gas cylinder without first opening the tubular frame, as you will be fighting against its fully-contracted, maximum-force position.

Karl:
What exactly does the "tubular" frame shock do and why do you need to replace it? DOes it show signs of "failing" like the other shocks that don't keep the trunk or hood raised? I replaced the 2 trunk ones a few months ago in my 2004 sl55.

Thanks

The tubular frame gas spring counters the weight of the trunk lid when the roof is operated, much like how the two gas springs on the lid counterweight it when you open it to access your luggage. If the tubular frame gas spring weakens, then the hydraulic system needs to apply increasing amounts of force to the tubular frame piston to move the trunk lid back. It is likely that the first indication that your tubular frame gas spring is dead would be the failure of the seals in the tubular frame hydraulic cylinder. Replacing the tubular frame gas spring is cheap insurance against costly hydraulic component repair.

Excellent! Just ordered the part on Amazon.

Thanks