I have a 1976 450SL Mercedes coupe that's been in storage for about a year, and, of course, the battery is dead. But recharging it is impossible because - the battery is in the trunk, and the trunk won't open! This car has one of the old vacuum actuated trunk openers, but the trunk is still supposed to open manually even if the battery is dead. The "flange" on the trunk where you put the key in is currently in the "popped out" position, but nothing I do will open the trunk...lifting the trunk lid, trying to lift it while pushing the flange in, trying to lift it while pushing the flange in with the key inserted...none of these work. I tried each of the above options with all the car doors open, and then with all of them locked, and nothing worked. Is there a way to get the trunk open without boring out the lock?

I asked someone else about this, and it was suggested to recharge the battery by hooking up the positive lead of jumper cables to the solenoid switch on the car, but I don't know where that is, or even what it looks like to find it. This would allow me, of course, to start the engine and take the car for service, but as I said in the beginning, I'm not sure it would allow me to open the trunk, as the trunk is supposed to open manually even if the battery is dead.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Lou Dalessandro

If you have tried every possible move with the key ...

Open the hood and look on the rear of the right fender well for a black plastic cover about 4" long sort of triangle-shaped. Open it and you will see a stud and nut holding a large cable. You can hook the positive lead of your battery charger there and connect the negative to a convenient spot on the frame or engine, like the alternator bracket. Then turn on the charger, and you should see some amps.

You can also buy those chargers that plug into the cigarette lighter, but they take longer.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

funny, I have the same problem with my 380slc. Presumably, you need a good vacuum to fix it. Got a mighty-vac? Once I figure out where I put mine, I'll let you know if it works. -CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/