Hi,

I am back again with my problem child. I have a 97 S320 and the trunk will not close completely. It is very annoying. People stop me all day to tell me that my trunk is open. There is enough space in between the trunk, that I can stick my hand down in it. Three of the dealers I have been to said that it is going to cost over $1,000 to fix. Does anybody know what this problem is, and can it be fixed under $1,000.

 

its probably the vacuum. You may need a new pump. Try searching eBay or local junkyards, pumps aren't that expensive

 

Is that something I can put in or does a shop need to put it in?

 

any good mechanic should be able to put it in.

but, remember....chances are an average mechanic at a local Shell or Amoco station has not seen a vaccum systems in Benzes. (because most other normal cars don't have crazy things like this.)

 

You need to check a few things, does the latch "pull in " on the lid at all when you close it, If so the bottom mounting could be out of adjustment, or loose.
If it does not pull in, pull out fuse 9 in the trunk wait a moment and put it back, try closing it again, if it works you have a pump that is worn. I would not get one from E-bay or a junk yard!, get a rebuilt I have seen them in the $300s. Programma seems to be the rebuilder
I would read Brets writeup http://v12uberalles.com/ I was about to replace mine for the thrird time, adjusted the screw and it has been months without a hitch.