How To Open 'Locked Out' R129 Trunk Without Damage

[timm9]

In October I purchased a 1998 SL500 and quickly discovered that the battery was draining very quickly from what I eventually discovered was a faulty lower trunk release mechanism. I found a used replacement on eBay and waited for the part to arrive. Last week I replaced the lower trunk release mechanism and stupidly did not ensure the actuating rod was properly engaged before closing the trunk and locked myself completely out.
After searching I quickly discovered that I’m not the first or the last to do this. I was told that I had three (3) Options; 1) Drill through the sheet metal behind the License Plate and then fill with a ‘plug’. 2) Drill out the Locks estimated at $600 to 800. Or, 3) Break out the passenger side tail light.

I’m here to report that I was successful in unlocking the trunk without going through the tail light or doing any other damage whatsoever. Originally I had indicated that I would document the attempt via video. Unfortunately, it went so fast that I never had a chance to video. The ‘unlocking’ part took about 20 minutes and here is what I did/used;

After breaking two old screwdrivers that were obviously tempered I gave up and found a small piece (8 or 9 inches long) of round stock. I heated the round stock and hammered out one end to resemble the blade of a screwdriver. I then bent the round stock in a 90 degree angle at approximately 2 ˝ to 3 inches from the blade end. After removing the right/passenger side license plate light and pulling it to the side, you can then insert the makeshift tool into the recess/opening left by the light fixture. It was a huge help that the ‘broken’ lower release mechanism was nearby as you are flying completely blind and the actuating rod is actually sitting in the way and blocking any possible view of the recessed area that receives the actuating rod into the locking mechanism. Needless to say I will be keeping the makeshift tool inside the car and not in the trunk from now on.

In all seriousness it was not that difficult once I was able to visualize the approximate location of the 'seat for the rod' while holding the old part carefully against the exterior until I had a good reference point. Then you can barely make out a brass colored 'pin' about the size of a 9mm that is part of the actual lower release mechanism. The 'rod seat' is below and slightly towards the front of the car just 'inside' where the actuating rod lies. I realize that 'just inside' may not make sense now, but it will when you are staring into the hole. The other important thing to note is that the mechanism never made a sound. I 'felt' some resistance against the tool and knew I was very close if not right on and reached up and pushed the trunk lid up and it opened. I will post a picture of the 'makeshift tool'. It is nothing but a piece of round stock the diameter of thin screwdriver or small knitting needle with a 90 degree bend and a flat end.

I apologize for 'going on' but I really wanted to document this while it is still fresh in my mind because It's normally me that is desperately searching on a Sunday when everything is closed, and most folks are driving their SL's!