Folks,

I can't get the trunk open on my 81 300D. The key slot is oriented vertically and the button will move in and out freely. The key, however will not turn at all. I have had a 300D for a while and know how to push and turn to get release the lock. I purchased an new key from the dealer and it slips into the trunk lock more easily than the old one, but it still won't turn the lock. I have tried pressing down on the trunk lid to help relieve the load on the lock while tring to turn the key - no luck. I have tried using my hand-held vacuum pump to make sure that the trunk lock vacuum actuator is fully stroked (both directions) - no luck.

Any ideas?

I'm not sure of an answer for this, although you seem very on top of the situation.
I just want to commend you on the clever thread title. Very nice!!

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

As brutal as it sounds, the Surf and Turf method
is the fastest and easiest method to get it open.

It involves 3 boards and a BFH..........
Still interested?

I have seen it work in person with no damage.

__________________
81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project

Ditto what Jimmy said.

There are a few threads that have provided the 3 ways to get into a w123 trunk. I don't have the searching prowness that other members do, but you might want to search for the following terms:

1. 2x4 lock stuck
2. first aid kit lock stuck
3. tail light lock stuck

Speaking of locks that won't open, my daily driver (Coda) has a lock issue. WAIT. I think I'll keep this for next year's Texas GTG to see if anyone can figure it out.

__________________
daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

I had the same issue and ended up having to drill out the lock. I had found a new lock assembly with key at a local junk yard, since I knew the lock would be destroyed.

Let me just say....MB builds good trunk locks....I thought I would never get through!

This takes about an hour, but it always works. I use this in wrecking yards when the trunk is locked.

From under the car look at the floor of the trunk above the rear muffler. There is an access panel there that is held in by adheasive. With constant pressure you can get this panel to come loose and it will allow you to put your hand up into the trunk area.

Then unscrew the knobs holding the taillight assembly to the car. Once all of those are off you can push on the taillight assembly and it wll come off the car.

You now have a large window in which to put your left hand and arm. You can then take a screwdriver and remove the access panel in the trunk to the vaccum pod that connects to the trunk lock.

Once you have access to the pod it is possible to pull on the vaccume lock lever and unlock the trunk. You can then use your right hand to push on the trunk button and raise the trunk.

I do not curently have a 123 and it has been a few years since I have done this, so if anyone wants to check out the layout of their car and correct anything here you will not hurt my feelings.

The floor panel can be put back in with some sealant made by 3M that you can get at any place that sells paint and body supplies.

Pooka

^^^^^
Does anybody know if this works on W126's?

__________________
"I have no convictions ... I blow with the wind, and the prevailing wind happens to be from Vichy"

Current
Monika '74 450 SL
BrownHilda '79 280SL
FoxyCleopatra '99 Chevy Suburban
Scarlett 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Krystal 2004 Volvo S60
Gone
'74 Jeep CJ5
'97 Jeep ZJ Laredo
Rudolf ‘86 300SDL
Bruno '81 300SD
Fritzi '84 BMW
'92 Subaru
'96 Impala SS
'71 Buick GS conv
'67 GTO conv
'63 Corvair conv
'57 Nomad

I can see that working if only the vacuum actuated lock is engaged. But will it work if the key lock is engaged?

I believe I read somewhere in this forum that a Member went through the hole where the First Aid kit sits with something on the end of a Broom Stick and pulled the Vacuum Rod/arm while others outside pressed the button and pulled up the Trunk Lid.

However, I like Pooka's idea of the access panel better.

I also read somewhere that some 123s have a cable with a pull handle to open the trunk under the Passenger side of the Rear Seat (I looked and mine does not have this feature).

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

You can go through the first aid kit hole, but it is difficult. It is very dark in there so a light of some sort is mandatory, but as I recall the fuel tank seems to limit access.

Pooka

There is also an access hole on the 190 cars, but this takes two people or maybe three because the access hole is under the spare tire.

You first have to remove the first aid kit so one person has access to the spare tire. They have to lift it up and hold it out of the way.

The second person pushes up the access panel and disconnects the lock from inside by removing the bolts that hold it in or by working the rod to the vacumm pod.

The third person then pushed the trunk lock button and lifts the trunk lid.

CAUTION: If the tire drops on the hand of the person removing the lock they will be caught on the tire and will not be able to remove their hand.

Pooka

Ok, I think this is the thread going through the first aid kit.

www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=194141

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

do I have to tell everyone how to open the thing?


just take a fence post and hit the area to the left or right of the license plate and have another person lifting up on the trunk lid. You can put cardboard over the end of the pole to protect the paint if need be.

works every time.

Folks,

Using the methods described by FUNOLA, wherein access is gained via the first aid kit opening, I have once again gained access to the trunk. Whereas FUNOLA used a totally green and carbon-neutral bamboo pole with a custom hook attachment, I employed a piece of electrical conduit with a right-angle pick attached to the end via a compression clamp (hose clamp). So, I now hoist a beer in honor of that genius of improvisation, that god-like MacGyver-esq mercedes mechanic, the one-and-, FUNOLA!

PS, The FUNOLA method was easily accomplished in less than 15 minutes. Since this is obviously my lucky day, I am now leaving to by a lotto ticket.

When I first bought my 300SD the lock would not work with the key. I sprayed some wd-40 in it to free up the mechanism. Never checked to see if it worked. When I put it all back together after painting it, somehow it works excellent now.

__________________
81 300SD daily driver/project
86 420SEL (sold)
85 380SE(in the graveyard)