C Class Trunk Lid Hinge Assembly Broken

[Mike Moseley]

The spring abutment bracket on the Trunk Lid Hinge Arm has recently broken on my W reg. saloon with <90k on the clock. The trunk lid drops on your head when this happens!

Has any other owner experienced a failure similar to this?

The car has only been used for private purposes and the number of times that the trunk lid has been opened and closed is probably less than 100!

This is not a taxi!

 

[landover]

Never saw this before on any merc .Must have been faulty .But nothing a little welding wont put right. :wink:

 

[piestore]

trunk lid

Hi
Landover must be mistaken , this is a common problem but due to the age you could have to pay. It sounds like you only open your boot lid once in 1000 iles is that correct?

 

[landover]

Re: trunk lid

Hi
Landover must be mistaken , this is a common problem but due to the age you could have to pay. It sounds like you only open your boot lid once in 1000 iles is that correct?

Quote As i said I have never had this problem on any merc ...And i use them every day.No I don't open it every 1000'miles.Why tell the guy he will have to pay .2minutes welding will fix it.Take it off 'go into a local garage get it welded 'paint it' replace it' JOB DONE.TOTAL COST£5.

 

[Mike Moseley]

Thanks for all your inputs. Yes I do use the boot infrequently.

I am reluctant to fix the failure by welding because it looks like there is a fault in the sheet metal from which the bracketwas formed.

I only have a rudimentary knowledge of metallurgy but it looks like a 'pipe' to me. This is a flaw rolled into the sheet at the manufacturing stage when the 'shrinkage pipe' in the steel ingot is not completely removed before rolling - this creates a lamination in the sheet. If I am correct, it will just fail again only more quickly after welding - hence my search for a replacement.

 

[piestore]

hinge

Hi Mike

You are quite correct, the part to fix is not dear but it is a horible job to fit, all the rear parcel shelf has to com out, head restraints off

 

[landover]

Thanks for all your inputs. Yes I do use the boot infrequently.

I am reluctant to fix the failure by welding because it looks like there is a fault in the sheet metal from which the bracketwas formed.

I only have a rudimentary knowledge of metallurgy but it looks like a 'pipe' to me. This is a flaw rolled into the sheet at the manufacturing stage when the 'shrinkage pipe' in the steel ingot is not completely removed before rolling - this creates a lamination in the sheet. If I am correct, it will just fail again only more quickly after welding - hence my search for a replacement.

Ok mate, dont weld it .It was only a suggestion.

 

[Mike Moseley]

My Broken Hinge

Dear Landover,

Thank you so much for your intelligent and helful input.

You have really helped me to understand if I have a common problem or not; and to find a replacement part.

I suggest you wear a protective helmet next time you go 'off-roading' - you can't take too many more knocks on the head.

 

[landover]

Re: My Broken Hinge

Dear Landover,

Thank you so much for your intelligent and helful input.

You have really helped me to understand if I have a common problem or not; and to find a replacement part.

I suggest you wear a protective helmet next time you go 'off-roading' - you can't take too many more knocks on the head.

Very good, And next time you have a problem put a nappy on your mouth

 

[landover]

Joined: 24 Oct 2004
Total posts: 5
[0.01% of total / 0.71 posts per day]
Find all posts by Mike Moseley
Location: Cornwall, UK
Website:
Occupation: Retired Chartered Mechanical Engineer
Interests: Golf DIY (all sorts)


Just joined and giveing abuse already.

 

[Mike Moseley]

My Broken Hinge

Dear landover,

My apologies. My fault entirely. I joined this group in the mistaken belief that it was a serious forum through which interested parties could share and exchange information and advice; and give mutual support.

I didn't anticipate that it would also provide a forum for individuals to 'get off' by abusing other contributors.

I see that your initial offensive outburst has now been edited - by you or the site management? I also see that you have now resorted to the 'private message' route to launch your obscene messages.


Mike Moseley

 

[philharve]

Mike's C230K

Hi All

Mike sold his MB ... to me! He replaced it with a Volvo.

The boot hinge now works fine and I'm pursuing the issue of slight corosion to the top of the rear, nearside door. I have lodged a claim with the local MB dealer in addition to the one Mike lodged himself many months ago. Mike's claim was 'lost'. I just wish I felt certain that the dealer was sympathetic to my claim.

Corosion in a car less than 5yr old is inexcusible, especially for a Mercedes. This is a fine motor and it doesn't need much work done to it make it right. But should the repair costs be bourne by customers alone? The corosion issue I been reading about in this forum doesn't only affect late model Es, it seems.

I am considering writing to the Editor of the Mercedes Enthusiast car magazine on the issue of corosion. If my email is published it might stimulate debate and raise the issue to national/international level. If there are other like-minded enthusiasts 'out there' who enjoy driving the marque, maybe they would like to consider taking such action too.

MB should be open and honest and help those customers with corosion problems to their vehicles. Only by providing a speedy response can they regain their reputation for umblemished quality.

If any other member would like to write to the magazine, the editor/magazine contact details are:-

The Editor
Mercedes enthusiast
Sundial Magazines Ltd
Sundial House
17 Wickham Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 5JS
fax 020 8639 4411
email sundial.magazines@btinternet.com

REGARDS Phil