E350 estate tailgate actuator replacement

[Frimbo]

Hello

The tailgate actuator on my E350 estate (2011) has failed and needs replacing. The pushrod mechanism has sheared inside the unit and now moves freely by hand. The tailgate itself still opens/closes by hand and the locking mechanism is ok.

A new MB unit is about £700 with VAT but there are plenty of salvaged units available for less than £100. However, I'm unable to find an independent who is prepared to fit a customer-supplied part therefore I'm considering doing the work myself. I understand the headliner needs removing. I have instructions for this which look straightforward if time consuming; however, I wondered what the reality is and whether it's a difficult job if anyone can share experience? Once the headliner is removed is the replacement of the actuator unit itself easy? I can't find any instructions or videos for this particular job out there.

Thanks

 

[Frimbo]

An update on this if it helps anyone in the future...

I found instructions on how to do this job here. Crucially the headliner in its entirety does not need to be removed which saves a lot of time. You only need to remove the rear near side trim to allow the headliner to drop sufficiently to access the unit. It's easy to access at that point. The trim on the vehicle in that link was slightly different to mine but essentially similar enough to give you an idea.

Oddly MB gave both an original manufactured part number and an updated part number for the engaging dog - however, neither of these was the part number that was on my vehicle and not the same as the new one I fitted...but it worked.

All in this has saved me about £1000 in parts and labour and in total only took me 2 1/2 hours to do.

Hope this helps someone in the future.