One problem with getting a new SL55 is that now I have to go through all the other things I had to fix on the old SL55.

A common issue seems to be that the trunk lift supports start to fail. In both the service records for The Shark and The Banana I saw that they had been replaced, but when I got both cars the trunk lid struggled to stay open.

This can be a pain since the Mercedes OEM replacement parts are well north of $100, plus labor if you get them done at the shop. However, they are incredibly easy to replace, and I found a third party product that works just fine on Amazon for less than $25.

I try to use OEM parts whenever possible but these were so much less expensive and they are still working fine on The Shark so I figured it would be a good fix on the new car.

Installation is a breeze. First note the orientation of the lift (the thicker part is on top). Next, remove the two retaining clips from the existing lift. They just pop off when you insert a small screwdriver into the little slot in the middle of each clip.

Once the upper and lowers clips are removed you can just pull off the lift. Note that the trunk will now be completely unsupported on that side so you’ll need to hold it up while you install the replacement lift. It should just pop on with minimal pressure.

Repeat on the other side.

Now the trunk lid should be easier to open and close.