w210 boot alignment

[kit820]

I don't know if anyone has noticed, the boot of w210 sedan particularly the pre-face lift model would often misaligne (mostly on the offside of the vehicle).

To be graphic, with the boot shut and looking at the offside rear lights, the inner lamp unit can sometimes sit a few cm higher than the outer unit. As a w210 driver, I often look at other w210s on the road and noticed from time to time, vehicles of this type suffering this problem. Initially I thought this was down to poor accident repair, but very recently, my vehicle has developed the same symptom. Has anyone got any suggestion in solving this problem?

 

[woodturner-fran]

mmmmm I haven't noticed this but I must have a look at mine in the morning.

What I would do...

Is the whole tailgate sitting lower or higher than the rear wings?

If it is then you may be able to adjust the boot lock or else the rubber may be deteriorated a bit.

If not then you may be able to adjust the position of the lamps in the tailgate by loosening the retaining screw and moving them up or down a bit.

you will gain a few mm, maybe even 5 but no more

Fran

 

[jberks]

I've never seen this on any 210. Mine is fine - Something is clearly out of alignment but without seeing it, its hard to say whether its the boot lock or the hinge. I have heard of the lids being thrown back too far on opening (caught by the wind) and allegedly some have even broken the back window so if this has happened, perhaps something has been bent.
Check the hinges as the boot shuts and see if one stops going down before the other.

 

[kit820]

Just came back from the dealer and here is the explanation:

It is not the boot that has misaligned, rather, it is to do with the reversing light.

The light is held onto the boot by two screws. The unit being plastic, is subject to wearing. In other words, the holes where the screws go through are now wearing out after years of opening and shutting the boot. Eventually, I am told that the plastic may even crack all together.

Minor adjustment could be had but it ain't perfect nor long term.

Another reason why I am buying myself the facelift rear lamp assembly.