R230 SL500 2004 Sticky Boot Release

[Motozone]

Morning all, my boot release more often than not will not quite release the boot. There is a sound about half a second which I guess is the release/close mech in action. The boot is not the power open type, I guess the springiness of the seals makes it pop-up or release. New gas struts fitted but these only take effect once past half open. I usually have to use the catch which works fine, it feels like I am only moving the catch a small amount to release. This being after using either the fob or door release.

The car does have Keyless Go (none of which works) although I can't see any relevance.

The self close system works well with about a second or two of pump? noise.

The boot seems correctly aligned when closed.

Is it a case of adjusting the release bracket a touch? Lubrication? Or is there a mechanical solution within the lock mech in the lid itself?

The lock and its catch seem free and not worn at all where visible.

Had a trawl but did not find an existing answer.

 

[television]

Many of the 230's do this, you press the remote and the lid just moves up a touch, and as you say you have to pull the handle, I would say that this is normal for this year of car. The remote just seems to release the soft close bit.

My early car has always been like that.

 

[Motozone]

Not sure I could sleep at night knowing that something doesn't quite work right.

Apart from me that is .

Time to twiddle methinks.

When it's warmer.

 

[drmw]

I've had this in the past - some PTFE lubricant on all joints in the hinges helped

 

[Motozone]

Thanks David, lube it is, easy too!

 

[television]

I do not think that you have a fault, I have owned one of my SL's from 17k miles and its always been like that. The boot will not open up all the way open.

Later cars had an boot opening option that my late SL has that is motorized to lift the boot lid all the way open.

 

[Motozone]

Oh, and I'm waiting for that Gummi rubber seal stuff to arrive (2 for 11.50) which may add some springy to the release process.

 

[drmw]

just to clarify - when you try to open the boot, does it makes a noise, lift just a little bit, but to actually open you are having to pull the boot release handle on the boot - or is it able to be opened by lifting the lid only without using the boot handle?

 

[Motozone]

Lethargic struts is one thing now changed but they don't really exert any lift force until the boots half open.

Surely the release should do just that and every time too, I'm not expecting self opening but full catch release must be the intention.

Perhaps catch PTFE & Gummi adding springy and losing surface stiction & pivot lube combo will win in the end.

Would PTFE have an effect on plastic parts, like expansion?

Should I be wise enough to accept the things I can't change?

Watch this space.....

 

[Motozone]

David, the release mech operates but does not always release, the majority of the time I have to use a little handle to release the catch.

When it does release I have to lift the boot in the usual way. My boot is not powered which I understand is an option. I found this out having purchased the wrong struts which are longer and under greater pressure.

 

[television]

There are no springs to lift the boot, you are splitting hairs here, I always pull the handle as I lift, its an automatic reaction. You have to lift the boot lid whatever, so to lift it from the handle does just that.

 

[Motozone]

Yes I admit you are right about hairs. But in some ways we could argue why bother with the function at all, it's heavy enough for a gravity close. Perhaps it's a demand of the Vario roof system. I guess I'm thinking it gives you options when you've arms full of stuff and the grounds wet, a knee maybe? Well if the struts tried a bit harder perhaps.

And if memory serves a chance to plug all the air ball valves in time.

Anyway a touch of lube on the pivots of which there are many seems to have done the trick. Pops every time now.

Thanks Malcolm and David.

 

[SH0X]

I've had this in the past - some PTFE lubricant on all joints in the hinges helped

I greased all joints hinges and the struts and it's super silky in operation with no creeking noise and also lifts much easier and drops much easier too defo worth doing

 

[television]

This was the way that I found out that a strut had failed, I lubricated all the joints and opened it, just to find that it came back down and clouted me on the head.

 

[Motozone]

BTW I have a new set of the boot struts for the R230 with power boot option (didn't read advert) which are an inch or so longer. Free to good home.

 

[Tony Nicholls]

Time to resurrect an old thread...

I have the same issue on my New Toy... 2002 SL500

So would expect the boot to drop once the mechanism is nicely lubricated...

Any recommendations on brand / supplier of new struts to buy as mine are also a tad weak... don't fancy getting a clout on the head

OEM approx £40 each some spurious aftermarket £12 per pair!

Plenty on ebay claiming to be the right ones with various loads and lengths and prices....

any help gratefully appreciated

Tony

 

[Blobcat]

Time to resurrect an old thread...

I have the same issue on my New Toy... 2002 SL500

So would expect the boot to drop once the mechanism is nicely lubricated...

Any recommendations on brand / supplier of new struts to buy as mine are also a tad weak... don't fancy getting a clout on the head

OEM approx £40 each some spurious aftermarket £12 per pair!

Plenty on ebay claiming to be the right ones with various loads and lengths and prices....

any help gratefully appreciated

Tony

If Mercedes are £40 for a pair why would you go anywhere else?

You know they’ll fit and are correct for the job.

Mercedes Grangemouth do discounts for forum members and reasonable shipping. Just give them a call and they’ll quote you for the right ones. Just mention the forum for your discount.

 

[Tony Nicholls]

Because £40 each equals £80 per pair..

Not looking at cutting corners as I do know the value of OEM parts but I also know the mark up OEMS have....






So if anyone has any experience of any known brands I'd appreciate sharing..


Cheers

 

[LostKiwi]

SGS engineering have supplied my struts in the past and they've worked well.

 

[Tony Nicholls]

So to Just close the loop and help anyone out....

OE parts are Stabilus 8986TQ at £80 a set from Dealer.

I have just fitted Stabilus 8467UA at £36 (various on line suppliers) a set and they work a treat ... Couldn't believe how 'weak' the original struts had become.

Happy Days!

Tony