We have a low mileage ( 42K) 2004 E320 wagon with the power lift tail gate. During the last MB major service the Tech found an error code for the power lift mechanism although the lift was and continues to work fine. The Tech said it could continue to work with no problems or it could go out tomorrow. ( no surprise there). My service advisor said it would cost around $2,200 to replace the mechanism since the whole headliner has to come out to reach it, very labor intensive. My questions are: 1. If the power lift mechanism does go out can the tail gate be operated manually indefinitely without further damaging anything? and 2. If it does go out and can be operated manually I assume the unit should be disabled and could I do that ( and how) or is that best left to a MB Tech? Thanks, Desert

If it does not open the rear hatch you can continue to open it manually without hurting anything.

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Jim

Thanks for the info, good to know that I can open/close manually if and when the power lift goes out.....Desert

I've got an '05 and every now and then, if you do not open it using the handle properly, it will go into manual mode. It is heavier than it looks.

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Jim

Old thread, I know, but the power tailgate on our 2007 E350T-4M (S211) has completely ceased to function - it won't open or close under power and the activation button under the tailgate to close it doesn't illuminate.

We had it in the shop (local independent, as the dealer is an hour away and I don't trust them anyway) last week for unrelated service, and while there the shop owner said the main battery was dead and wouldn't take a charge, going dead within a matter of hours after being on the charger overnight. He checked the electrical system for power drains and could find none, so since the battery was more than ten years old, we decided to replace it. The car starts and runs fine.

Prior to this, we were also having issues with the motorized cargo cover not functioning and the light in the cargo area not coming on when the tailgate was open. I've verified that fuse 11 (tailgate control unit) is good.

I've never heard of the "manual mode"; I'll call the shop on Monday and most likely have to take it back, but any advice or guidance on possibly something simple that I could take care of myself to save me a trip would be very much appreciated.

Best Regards,
Rob

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Robert Fini

'12 ML350 BlueTec, 87k
'06 E320CDI, 270k
'05 T1N Sprinter 2500/Pleasure-Way Plateau TS, 69k
'97 C36AMG, 313k (son's)
'94 E320T, 249k
'93 190E Sportline LE, 168k (daughter's)
'84 190E-2.3/5spd (Stage Rally Racer)
'66 230 W110 Sedan (Barn Find, Vintage Racer build in progress)

You can remove the power lift gate mechanism entirely. The talk gate also has conventions gas struts. The tail gate mechanism is hydraulic.

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words