S124 Tailgate issue...

sausagesandwich

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1994 S124 E220
As I was putting the dogs in the car this morning the nearside hinge on the tailgate of my S124 "popped", for want of a better expression. It has now dropped relative to the roofline and is skewed to the offside by several degrees. There is also now a gap of half to three-quarters of an inch between the tailgate and the roof and the tailgate will not close as a result. I took it to a local independent Mercedes specialist who said that he hadn't seen that happen before and recommended I ask at a local bodyshop, who says it is beyond him. Despite trying, we both could not get the tailgate to close. It does remain open when lifted but judging by the weight of the tailgate their must be springs or a counterbalance. Some corroded metal was evident but the hinge arrangement does not otherwise appear "loose" or wobbly.
Does any user of this forum have an idea what the problem is and, perhaps more succinctly, is it possible/worthwhile repairing it?
Thank-you.
 
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sausagesandwich

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N/s tailgate hinge "popped". Tailgate now cannot be closed. Some loose corroded metal evident but hinge otherwise is no loose or wobbly. Has anyone come across this problem before?
Thank-you.
 

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malcolm E53 AMG

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It would be useful to photograph the other side (good side) so that a comparison can be made it does look heavily corroded so welding looks necessary. As regards whether it’s worth the effort it depends what the car is worth to you a good body shop should be able to sort but I doubt it will be a cheap fix
 
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sausagesandwich

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1994 S124 E220
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Well, I think in terms of pecuniary cost it is definitely an uneconomical repair. It is more a question of sentimental value as I have had that car a long time. I didn't photograph the other side as that remains "normal" and there is not much of a gap to get the phone in to take a shot.
Thanks for looking.
 
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sausagesandwich

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1994 S124 E220
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Does anyone know if the tailgate on an S124 is sprung or counterbalanced as it very heavy and clearly does not have gas struts? Also, does any forum user know if MB will supply blueprints to private individuals or to dealers only as I would like an idea of how it works.
Thank-you.
 


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