350SL R230 CENTRAL LOCKING.

[Mantaraman]

I have a 2003 350SL R230 with, I believe, a vacuum problem. The key fob will unlock the doors but it won't lock them. I believe it activates the alarm/immobiliser. I need to use the interior button to lock the passenger door (from the inside or outside) and the emergency key to lock the driver's door - from the outside. When closing the boot lid, I need to gently slam it to close fully - there is no vacuum pull-down. The only way to open the lid is with the emergency key. Fuses are intact.
Some time ago, water accumulated in the spare wheel well - until I cleared the drain holes under the C-pillars. Now it stays dry but I wonder if the pump has been damaged.
Any advice would be much appreciated before I start to remove/inspect the pump.

 

[SL63Mark]

Sometimes the vacuum pipes can leak, otherwise its likely your PSE pump.

 

[oldguy57]

I have a 2003 350SL R230 with, I believe, a vacuum problem. The key fob will unlock the doors but it won't lock them. I believe it activates the alarm/immobiliser. I need to use the interior button to lock the passenger door (from the inside or outside) and the emergency key to lock the driver's door - from the outside. When closing the boot lid, I need to gently slam it to close fully - there is no vacuum pull-down. The only way to open the lid is with the emergency key. Fuses are intact.
Some time ago, water accumulated in the spare wheel well - until I cleared the drain holes under the C-pillars. Now it stays dry but I wonder if the pump has been damaged.
Any advice would be much appreciated before I start to remove/inspect the pump.

Very common problem with the 230 . Could just be a leak from the boot soft close mechanism or as Mark says damage to the PSE pump often caused by water ingress. Plenty of posts on this forum and YouTube vids if you do a search.