I searched and didn't find one post on this. My recently acquired 82 SD trunk lid won't stay open. I pulled the lid off and the arms feel like they have enough tension to hold the lid but they won't. Any one else have this problem? Suggestions? Thanks Mike

How about a broom stick?





I thought there were slots in one of my MB's to slid the spring into for greater spring tension. It could have been the 190E, don't really know about the SD hopefully someone else will chime in here..........BB

I checked Fastlane for an official Mercedes broomstick but they didn't list one. I figured it would be with the official Mercedes underwear we are all required to wear!

Must be back ordered... .Personally I'd go with sawn to length hockey stick.

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Rob M
Norwich, VT USA
1980 240D Euro delivery 4 speed manual silver/blue
~160K miles

weskill,

I'm currently having the same problem on my 85 SD except that I know exactly why it's happening.

In my case, the car was rear-ended and repaired. As part of the repair, a new trunk lid was installed.
After I discovered that the lid wouldn't stay open, I took the car to my indy, who found the problem......with a magnet.

On the SD models (later models?) the hood, trunk lid, and I think something else is Aluminum....not steel. The replacement trunk lid is steel (heavier obviously).

The heavier lid won't stay open because the springs that keep the trunk open are designed for the lighter weight Aluminum trunk lid.

My problem now is trying to find out where/how to get the correct springs/parts to fix this. I suppose I could grab some from a 300SE or something.

In any case, since you say this is a newly aquired car, grab a magnet and check the lid. If it sticks, it's steel which could indicate that the lid was replaced for whatever reason (wrecked maybe).

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Chris
1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)
2018 Honda Civic Sport
2018 Honda CRV LX
2010 Honda Fit Sport (RIP)
2013 Honda Accord Sport (Sold)
1996 Lexus LS400 (Retired)
1995 Ford Contour SE (Retired)
1976 Porsche 914 (Sold)
1972 Datsun 240Z (RIP)

Thankyou for the reply, You are absolutely correct! STEEL When I had the lid off to check the springs, they both were very firm. I couldn't understand why they wouldn't hold the lid up . Now I know.
Just today, I met with a guy who has a nice lid and a few other things I need so I will check to make sure its aluminum and on it goes. Thanks again Mike