MB W221 boot mechanism problem

[jhorn]

Hi All

I have sorted my S class W221 boot mechanism problem. It was not closing correctly. I had to press handle and mechanism was clicking and clicking untill getting in to position to close it .
MB said of course to change the locking mechanism .... about £500. Though I can live with my issue without spending £500 quid. it was nearly a year with it...
Just have been in Poland and visited MB specialist to do service, I have asked guy to check the boot as well.
After checking all the elements and cleaning it he realised the problem is happening when the boot is fully open .he pointed strait away to a link of cables which is on the right hand side under all the boot carpet covers and plastic boot hinge cover .
The problem happen because the MB factory used cable tights and did it to tight causing 6 cables already cracking or near cracking when the boot was in movement .
took some time (1-2h) as he realised what is the problem after removing all the boot elements and putting it back.
If this will not be fixed afterwards the lighting in the boot ,number plates lighting will stop working

 

[mbenz1]

Thanks for this useful post. I just helped my dad in changing the numbet plate lightsin his W221 and had to open the boot trunking etc...

Would you suggest any preventative fix for those 6 cables, so that they wont crack in future?

 

[E270 Owner]

Very common problem across many MB's

Takes out the number plate lights and boot locking.

Extend the wires is the solution.

 

[mbenz1]

Very common problem across many MB's

Takes out the number plate lights and boot locking.

Extend the wires is the solution.

Ok.

Is there any specific time length, after which, the wires start cracking or is it purely random?

 

[jhorn]

W221 boot mechanism problem

what need to be done is removal of the factory tights ,welding the broken cables covering all in protective soft tape and let it loose or put the tights with some looseness , not like they do them in factory.
To check it - open the boot fully and make sure wires are loose in fully open and fully closed position. it is quite obvious

Thanks for this useful post. I just helped my dad in changing the numbet plate lightsin his W221 and had to open the boot trunking etc...

Would you suggest any preventative fix for those 6 cables, so that they wont crack in future?

 

[jhorn]

W221 boot mechanism problem

no not really ! the cables are long enough the problem is only the factory tights
I have given solution in next post

I have decided to write here as there is not much information about the MB W221 anywhere as MB is keeping their secrets and most of the owners are spending big ££££ in dealerships changing parts which in many occasions are in good working order. If the problem occur again they just say sorry and ask to spend even more ££££ with them without warranty they will solve a problem!
W221 is getting more affordable and more peoples will like to do some DIY and there is not much information in the internet

Very common problem across many MB's

Takes out the number plate lights and boot locking.

Extend the wires is the solution.

 

[mbenz1]

what need to be done is removal of the factory tights ,welding the broken cables covering all in protective soft tape and let it loose or put the tights with some looseness , not like they do them in factory.
To check it - open the boot fully and make sure wires are loose in fully open and fully closed position. it is quite obvious

Thanks. When we removed the carpet lining on the boot, tge grey tap clips got damageed and need replacing. When they get replaced, i will also try to losen the tights, as you mentioned.

 

[jhorn]

W221 boot mechanism problem

I have uploaded picture of the boot wires. as you can see 3 wires already cracked

 

[Slimrich1]

Hi All

I have sorted my S class W221 boot mechanism problem. It was not closing correctly. I had to press handle and mechanism was clicking and clicking untill getting in to position to close it .
MB said of course to change the locking mechanism .... about £500. Though I can live with my issue without spending £500 quid. it was nearly a year with it...
Just have been in Poland and visited MB specialist to do service, I have asked guy to check the boot as well.
After checking all the elements and cleaning it he realised the problem is happening when the boot is fully open .he pointed strait away to a link of cables which is on the right hand side under all the boot carpet covers and plastic boot hinge cover .
The problem happen because the MB factory used cable tights and did it to tight causing 6 cables already cracking or near cracking when the boot was in movement .
took some time (1-2h) as he realised what is the problem after removing all the boot elements and putting it back.
If this will not be fixed afterwards the lighting in the boot ,number plates lighting will stop working

Is it easy to remove the boot linings are they press studs ?