Trunk stuck closed - 1976 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

j-galap · #1 12-26-2020, 10:12 AM

Hi folks,

I've been doing some work on a '76 300D recently and the owner has been in touch to say that the trunk no longer opens.

Apparently it makes the clicking noise that sounds like it's going to open but it just doesn't.

I was thinking about trying the technique of pushing out the round trunk floor insert, reaching through and unwinding one of the rear lights and then reaching through the light lens hole to then unbolt the lock mechanism by feel. I can also use my own car (1974 240D) as a blueprint - assuming it's the same - to help with this.

Anyway, before I start pretending I'm a professional safe cracking ninja, I thought I'd post here to see if anyone has any other methods to try. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Diesel911 · #2 12-26-2020, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j-galap

Hi folks,

I've been doing some work on a '76 300D recently and the owner has been in touch to say that the trunk no longer opens.

Apparently it makes the clicking noise that sounds like it's going to open but it just doesn't.

I was thinking about trying the technique of pushing out the round trunk floor insert, reaching through and unwinding one of the rear lights and then reaching through the light lens hole to then unbolt the lock mechanism by feel. I can also use my own car (1974 240D) as a blueprint - assuming it's the same - to help with this.

Anyway, before I start pretending I'm a professional safe cracking ninja, I thought I'd post here to see if anyone has any other methods to try. Any ideas?

Thanks!

I am not at all following you on the parts highlighted in read. I have no idea what the pushing out the round trunk floor insert is? The only thing I remember being round is the recess the spare Tire goes into and that is full of my spare tire.

Someone on another Forum had the little plastic piece which is part of what the Key actuates on the linkage that unhooks the trunk catch break.

He used the method of having some one lift on the lid firmly but not hard while he put a 2/4 just to the right side of the Trunk lock and struck it with a hammer. Does that damage anything? I don't know.

If he has an alarm system there will be a pull cable at base of the rear seat on the drivers side.

vwnate1 · #3 12-26-2020, 02:08 PM

A '76 that's a W115 ? .

Before taking any drastic measures I'd go in person and try the key, I've found that in w123 owners any don't grasp the concept that if the vacuum locking has problems you'll have to turn the key all the way and hold it there as you depress the release button....

gmog220d · #4 12-26-2020, 02:33 PM

Yeah, it's a W115. I too am thinking about vacuum-related trouble here. If you can get a tail light (RH?) out I can see the possibility of working it through the hole. Maybe first try to figure out how to isolate its circuit and apply vacuum using a pump to see if you can get it to work. And all this only after wiggling and holding the key this way and that while turning it to see if you can get it to catch.

resago2000 · #5 12-26-2020, 02:36 PM

I second that.
and sometimes you have to move the key in and out by a mm or two to be able to turn the key far enough.

j-galap · #6 12-26-2020, 04:13 PM

In reference to the method I suggested, I found it at this post: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vintage-mercedes-forum/319695-locked-out-re-key-w115-trunk-lock.html

The car is not currently running and a lot of the vacuum system is disconnected. To be brutally honest, the owner has an excellent track record of ruining pieces on the car (example: he somehow snapped the gorilla knob metal cable clean off his 240D - I didn't even know that was possible without some serious work! I replaced that for him last week) so I just want to fix it before he takes a prybar to the trunk or something ridiculous. Sadly I'm not kidding when I say this!

gmog220d · #7 12-26-2020, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

I am not at all following you on the parts highlighted in read. I have no idea what the pushing out the round trunk floor insert is? The only thing I remember being round is the recess the spare Tire goes into and that is full of my spare tire.

True for W123 and others, so the confusion is natural. The spare's on the RH side in the W114/W115 trunk.

gmog220d · #8 12-26-2020, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j-galap

In reference to the method I suggested, I found it at this post: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vintage-mercedes-forum/319695-locked-out-re-key-w115-trunk-lock.html

Would removing the LH panel and tail light provide the needed reach? I forget on what side the vacuum pod is located.

j-galap · #9 12-26-2020, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmog220d

Would removing the LH panel and tail light provide the needed reach? I forget on what side the vacuum pod is located.

I'm not too sure - I have some doubts - but it could be fun to find out. I'll head there over the next few days and see how it goes

j-galap · #10 12-26-2020, 05:08 PM

Just went out to my car to have a look. It does look fairly simple actually...

- Push out the panel (hammer and a piece of wood)
- Unwind two rear light attachments + 4x 8mm nuts
- Pull the light out and unplug
- Reach from the rear light to the lock itself is pretty close

I'm also left-handed so that'll help

Edit: I just went out and removed my rear light. It's pretty easy to reach the cover for the vacuum mechanism

gmog220d · #11 12-26-2020, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j-galap

Just went out to my car to have a look. It does look fairly simple actually...

Edit: I just went out and removed my rear light. It's pretty easy to reach the cover for the vacuum mechanism

Ah, sweet indeed! Hopefully it doesn't go that far with the 300D.

vwnate1 · #12 12-27-2020, 04:38 AM

Maybe a picture of the hole you opened to reach the taillight ? .