I was dreading this job. I’ve owned the SLK for 5 years now and over that time the gas struts have degraded to such an extent that the boot lid would slam shut from fully open if you let go of it (and it’s heavy…)

I searched the various MB owners forums and found loads of posts saying how difficult it was and that it was a two man job (one to hold the boot lid open and force it up to relieve the tension on the strut, while the other removes and replaces said strut).

So here’s the low-down.

Firstly, move the car so that you don’t get wet (it was raining)

Next, tie boot lid to garage door using a bungie strap (now it’s a one man job!)

The struts are fixed to a ball joint (top and bottom) and held on by a spring clip.

 

Gently slide a screwdriver blade into the spring clip and pull the strut away.

Same with the bottom fixing.

Take one new strut and offer up to the two ball joints

Hey! They match (thank God for that…)

Slightly different design but the same principle. Lever spring clip with screwdriver and drop onto ball joint.

Snap into place.

Bin the old parts.

The whole job (including moving the car) took me less than 10 minutes.

Eat your hearts out MB Forum members!