Well thanks,lol. It took me some doing, but I pulled it off. First thing I did was try Wreckerman's idea, having been experienced with Chevy's, and I discovered the "brick wall" behind the seat to isolate the fuel tank from the passenger area, so I looked for alternative ways in, had to make another run to the wrecking yard for other stuff, so I found an open trunk and dug into it to find out what made it tick, came back home and did the coat hanger thing.

Cool beans......as I said, I had no experience with MB and no idea about the fuel tank. That's good info to know if something similar happens.
Glad you "got er done". :D

tail light
 

If the vacume trick dosn't work the tail light may be the way to go. there are quite a few of those out there in the boneyard. I have tried almost all combinations of the unlocking sequence. My button just wont go in when in the unlock position with the key in. By the way I forgot to mention that I removed the trunk lid before this happened. Im sure I got it on straight.I must have done something wrong.

I know many of us are telling you can open the trunk with the key in spite of any problem with the vacuum lock, and I'm sure you keep trying this. I forgot to mention one thing in my earlier reply. To get the key to turn ccw, I have to push the key all the way in, then very, very gently start backing the key out until it turns the button assembly to the left. (ccw) Don't know if my lock is bad or if this is par for the course. Sometimes it seems l just can't find the spot where the key catches and let's me turn it left. Once turned to the left, push in on the button with the key in it and you should be home free.

Are you atleast able to turn the key to the left at all?
Gene

Whenever you see the 7 words "By the way I forgot to mention", it usually changes things a tad.......:D

So..... Is it open yet?

(inquiring minds want to know - and me too) ;)

my drivers door lock did the same.. i sprayed some white lithium grease into it.. stuck the key in turned it to the left and right and it broke free.. huzah perfectly working door locks and trunk fuel door. knock on zebrano wood

Still not open
 

I have been able to reach the unlocking mechanism that is connected to the vacume solenoid in the trunk. I pushed it as far toward the lock( left) as i could. The button wont go in at all. I think the latch is jammed. The button pushes in easily when in the locked position, but when in the unlocked position the button wont go in. I have tried a rubber mallet, lifting and pushing down on the lid many times over. no avail. I called a locksmith. he couldnt help. Didnt even want to try. I will have to call around and see if anone else can help. Im stumped. I am kind of affraid to take it in for i think the repair may be expensive. I could try gong through the tail lense, but if the latch is jammed, i dont know if that will help. That may just add to my bill. Maby I can get to the bolts that hold the trunk lid to the car and get it off that way. Doubtfull. Looks like it is going to be a little while before i figure this one out.

Update please
 

What is happening with the trunk lock???

Note:
Here is a link to the other thread.

Help! trunk wont open Tools inside No cable
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/152712-help-trunk-wont-open-tools-inside-no-cable-post1163205.html

the mechanical lock? mine didnt work so i sprayed some white lithium grease in the keyhole stuck the key in jiggled it around and viola it opened and locked etc

C.DONER,
I don't know if this will apply to your car, but I had the same problem on my 84 500SSEL. My car has a factory alarm system that will lock the doors and also lock a secondary trunk lock. This secondary lock is electrically operated by the alarm controler located under the passenger foot rest (or what ever you call it). I just went out and tried opening the trunk with the key while it is locked by this secondary lock. Well, there is no way to open it until the alarm system is disabled. The key turns CCW but will not push in in that position. Disable the alarm and then the key works as it should and locks or unlocks the trunk. In my case, the alarm switch in the drivers door went bad but the passenger side would disable the alarm. Try unlocking the doors from the passenger side. You may have to lock the doors from the passenger side and then unlock from the same door. See if that works. If not, let me know and maybe I can look up the wire colors for this trunk lock and tell you how to activate or deactivate it with jumper wires.

I had two Valet keys also. I went to a locksmith and had a new key cut from the valet key to a master blank. Unfortunatly due to excessive wear on the valet key (and possably a poor copy at the locksmith) it works very stiffly but it did allow me to open the glove box and trunk.

By the way, probably due to tumbler wear, the dealership key only worked in the ignition, not in ANY of the other locks. :(

Wingnut stuck in latch. Trunk finnaly opened.
 

I broke down and smashed the right tail light. loosened the bolts on the trunk mount bracket on the left side accessed through the med kit hole, and the right through the broken taillight. i loosened the lock mechanism. I pushed the trunk lid foreward just enough to get the latch to release. I'm sure glad I didnt pry anymore I think I was about to break something inside the lock. Thats typical of me to have a problem like this. Two months with a wingnut stuck in my trunk latch. Haha!: :laugh2: :laugh2:
By the way the best way to smash the taillight out without damaging things is to place a length of 2 by 4 over the lense and hit with a mallet.
Thanks to everyone all for the help,and to the sponsors of the forum which I am very grateful to. I do appolagise for not replying for so long. I have had a busy summer trying to work,play and fix up the Benz.