R129 boot locked and flat battery

CJD397

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R129 300sl 24v
Hi - I've got a 1993 R129 300sl 24v. I only have the valet keys and not a remote/fob - but have had no problems in the 3.5 years I've owned the car. However, I recently hadn't been able to lock the boot and when I was fiddling around in the mechanism I tripped a switch like thing before stupidly closing the boot and it locked. I now can't unlock it‍♂️. My key won't turn the lock barrel and the barrel itself (also the boot button) just goes in and out without engaging the lock. I've tried feeding a trim hook through the number plate light hole but can't get it to engage anything (which is one of the possible solutions I read somewhere).

To make matters worse the battery has now gone flat.

1. Any ideas to open the boot?

2. Can you charge the battery under the bonnet (are there any terminals)?

Sorry if I sound a bit vague (stupid) but I am not mechanically minded and am all fingers and thumbs when it comes to things like this.

Thanks
 

bembo449

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Mercedes Cl500, shitron dispatch
as you suspect , I think there are terminals under the bonnet , look for a NEG on the suspension tops , not sure on the POS , it maybe near the fuse box ?? someone will know for certain though so don't panic
 

LostKiwi

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'93 500SL-32, '01 W210 Estate E240 (RIP), 02 R230 SL500, 04 Smart Roadster Coupe, 11 R350CDi
R129 of that era has no terminals under the bonnet.
If you can get to the starter solenoid the main battery cable connects to it. Put a positive clip on there and the negative clip on the engine block.
 

bembo449

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R129 of that era has no terminals under the bonnet.
If you can get to the starter solenoid the main battery cable connects to it. Put a positive clip on there and the negative clip on the engine block.
oh right , I though most MB cars had them as a good percentage are automatics but every days a school day , at least it can be got round
 

LostKiwi

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oh right , I though most MB cars had them as a good percentage are automatics but every days a school day , at least it can be got round
Later cars only (and then not all). Pretty safe to assume most that are first sold after 2000 will and some as far back as 1995. The 129 is a 1988 car (first appeared).
 
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CJD397

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R129 300sl 24v
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Thanks guys. Can anyone provide an image of where the cables need to connect to? Sorry but I really am clueless...‍♂️
 

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