1980 450 SL Trunk Problems

[tomward]

i have stored the mb for the past six months so the battery is dead. however when i went to recharge the battery-its in the trunk compartment-i can not get the trunk to open. the release button pushes in with the key in both positions straight up and to the left without engaging (the driver door is unlocked). it was working fine six months ago. does this have something to do with the vacuum system? i don't recall having to turn it to the right and it does not seem to want to turn to the right. can i jump start from the engine compartment? i am stuck

look forward to your replies and many thanks

[4NDELIT]

I think there are 3 positions... vertically (start), horizontally (1/4 turn left), and full to the left (about 2.5/4 turns left from vertical). My vacuum locking system doesn't quite work, so I always go full to the left and push in. I think you can jump it from the engine bay also... I know BMW's have a plastic cap with a "+" on it you can connect to, then connect negative to a ground (bolt on the frame... etc). Hope you get this solved tonight!

[jerryb]

I've not had a problem with my SL but my CD would do that.
I would have to turn the key hard to the left, slightly past the normal unlock position and push in the button at the same time.
There was some linkage from the lock to the vacuum element that would slip and cause this, you can find it with a flashlight and force it back with a screwdriver.
jerryb

[diggad]

Hi there,
I have always had the same problem with my 1980 450sl - still do, but have not yet looked into getting it fixed, as I opened the trunk eventually after jiggling away for a while.. I always thought it was to do with the lock - I do however have a vacuum problem, so maybe thats what the deal is.......
Anyhow, I will try to describe the manouvre I use. I hope you are able to pull it off - I begin with the key in the vertical position and the 'plunger' or 'button' of the lock all the way out. I then turn the key anticlockwise without pushing in at all, until I feel a moderate resistance. Keeping pressure on in an anticlockwise direction only (ie - not depressing the lock's plunger), I then push the body of the key to the left until a 'click' is felt, much like the 'click' of a torque wrench - This action seems to push the whole marrel of the lock to the left slightly. The 'click' indicates that the lock has engaged, and I push the plunger in to open the trunk much to the amazement of my friend who has been trying for ages..... Good luck!!
Daniel

[diggad]

That was meant to be 'barrel', not 'marrel'. Also, I should mention that when I turn the key anticlockwise, the resistance is felt between a quarter turn and a half turn....

"diggad's" answer is right on the money.....I've been in the same predicament more times than I can remember. One time, I had disassembled the vacuum plunger mechanism in the trunk and closed the trunk lid not realizing that the Master Lock System (vacuum plunger) was in the engaged/locked position. Needless to say I panicked; I thought I would have to try to get into the trunk through the back seat (impossible). I looked in the Owner's Manual, and there was the answer, just as "diggad" explained. Turn the key to the left, you'll feel a slight click, and push in the button with the key in that position. Sometimes you may have to use a little more pressure when turning the key than you think.
It may be helpful to spray some lubricant (WD40) into the trunk push button to loosen up the mechanism.
Good Luck

I am currently having the same problem getting into the trunk of my 1980 450SL. I have successfully jump started the battery from the front (before my battery totally konked out).
The terminal post is on the left side of the engine, as you're looking at the car. It's next to the edge about halfway up, a small post (kindof hard to get the jumpers on) Mine was covered by a small rubber cap. I fastened the other clip to the body of the car.
Good luck, and if you found any other good advice on how to get into the trunk besides what was posted on this site, I'd appreciate it. My car is just sitting now, even the oldest mercedes dealer in town can't tell me how to get into it.

P.S. Have you discovered a battery drain on yours? It's been recommended to me to disconnect the alarm system as a battery drain is surely part of my problem. My battery was new last year.

Good luck!

Kristina Q

[Robert Mowbray]

I've been experiencing a battery drain, too. I let the car sit for 2 months and it's fine, let it sit over a weekend, and it's dead! No rhyme or reason. At least I have been able to get into the trunk to jump start it. I don't have an alarm system that I know of on this, so I don't know what could be draining the battery. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks BOB