Trunk Lock
 

Trunk key lost on 83 300D turbo lock is damaged how can I open the trunk?

I bought a 1979 300SD that came without a trunk key, so I took a drift and a heavy hammer (5 pounds?) and punched the cylinder into the trunk. Now I open my trunk with a screw driver. There is a little lever sticking down from the top. I jamb the screwdriver in at the 12:00 o'clock position and the little lever pushes back (the lever moves towards the front of the car) and the trunk opens. Sometimes I get it on the first try. Other times it takes a lot of fumbling around.

Roboman,

Your car should have a vacuum operated central locking feature and two keys, one Master Key for the ignition, doors, trunk and glove box which has a square shaped black plastic head. The other is a Valet key, and it cannot unlock the trunk or the glove box, will work on the doors and the "ignition" so you can give it to the valet and feel secure the stuff in the trunk is not immediately available to him. The Valet Key has an oval shaped black plastic head on it. Usually the car is delivered with two Master Keys and one Valet Key. I never had use for the Valet Key as I don't frequent fancy places with valets.

If the trunk was locked with the Master Key and removed from the central locking system (the trunk can be locked with the central locking system, or be put in an independent mode and locked so the valet key concept works) and you lost the Master Key, you are out of luck unless you wish to break the lock as dculkin described. Otherwise, you have to go a Benz dealer and order a new Master Key. I believe the VIN number is all they need.

Otherwise, all you have to do is insert the master key, and turn it 90 degrees and remove it, and the trunk will be back in synch with the central locking system. If you have a vacuum leak, start the car and let it run to charge the vacuum locking system and once the trunk is unlocked by the vacuum system it will stay unlocked, unless you lock the doors before the vacuum dissapates. Good Luck, Jim