I have a 1976 Mercedes 450SL coupe. I've had it in storage for about a year, and of course, the battery is dead. Unfortunately, I can't recharge it because the battery is in the trunk - and I can't get the trunk open. It's one of those Vacuum actuation systems Medcedes used to have, and I think the battery ran out of juice when the trunk was locked. In any event, the trunk will not open. The flange where you place the key is currently popped out, but pushing it in, pushing it in with the key in it, pushing in with the key and lifting the lid, just lifting the lid, or doing all of the above with all the doors either locked or unlocked will not open the trunk. Is there any way to get the trunk open without boring out the lock? I'm not sure the trunk will not open just because the battery is dead - you should be able to open the trunk anytime manually, regardless of battery status, but nothing works. Help!

LD

 

I have the same issue with my '78 450SL trunk. It's locked and I can't get it to open with the key. It's been sitting outside for a year. How did you get yours open?