Mercedes SL 350 soft close boot problem

[Lhsags]

I have a 2003 SL 350, soft close boot has stopped completing fully. Can still close and lock boot but soft close will not complete.
Local garage replaced boot latch mechanism which worked for about three open and closes now problem back.
Any one any ideas?

[Monkeylegend]

You will probably get a better response on one of the dedicated Mercedes sites. I use MBclub UK, a lot of knowledge and some good people over there, I am sure somebody will be able to point you in the right direction.

Other clubs are available.

I have a 2004 350 but have yet to experience your issue. Not sure if there are any sensors for the soft close. I had an issue with my E class with random opening of the boot, all down to a faulty sensor.

[JohnnyAMG]

Lhsags said:

I have a 2003 SL 350, soft close boot has stopped completing fully. Can still close and lock boot but soft close will not complete.
Local garage replaced boot latch mechanism which worked for about three open and closes now problem back.
Any one any ideas?

It's a common fault with these cars.

If your door central locking is still working then the air pump in the boot is ok, if not the pump might be knackered. However If the central locking is still working then it is mostly likely the plastic case of the boot locking mechanism which has 4/5 small air outlets. The casing cracks over time and you get air leaks which cause the control mechanism to trip out the boot lock. If you remove/install the fuse for the pump which is located under the storage box behind the drivers seat it will reset the control mechanism and it should start working again. However this is normally short lived and you will need to replace or repair the locking mechanism soon. There is a DIY on the MB forum mentioned above. I did it on my car and it solved the problem. Cost me about £5 in glue. I think a new locking mechanism is several hundreds pound.

Edited by JohnnyAMG on Tuesday 29th August 08:02

[JohnnyAMG]

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r230/355467-ha...

[Lhsags]

Thanks for the advice I removed fuse and also disconnected and reconnected the consumer battery, worked, even got the roof down and back up again. However short lived for about 6 boot opening and closings, now back to the fault. Could keep resetting like this or try glueing, but love the car so I will bite the bullet and go to a Mercedes dealership.