Where oh where does the trunk wire run

[Jonny B]

This is more a cosmetic item than an electrical item. On  what side of the hinge does the wire for the trunk light run. Is yours behind the hinge, as you look at the open trunk from the rear of the car, or in front of the hinge??

[Tyler S]

On my 250sl, it is behind. I have seen it both ways on cars that haven’t been messed with. I think it depends if Hans or Frans was working that day.

[49er]

 Not sure Hans or Frans did mine but here is a photo(taken in my cold, dark garage a few minutes ago)

John

[mbzse]

On my 250sl, it is behind. I have seen it both ways on cars that haven’t been messed with.../...

All I ever saw on original cars was "behind", just like in 49'ers photo

[Tyler S]

Itl looks as if the motoring investments “holy grail” as well as Ian Fitz-Simon (BLTZKRG) early original 250sl both show it behind.

[Pawel66]

I did not know these clips were there. EPC says 5 of them.

Happy this thread started - will do the clips.

[Tyler S]

Pawel, dont forget the rubber grommet as well. If yours is missing. They are split as this is the only way to install it. Which also makes it easily lost.

[Garry]

I did not realise there was a rubber grommet, will have to get on for mine that’s missing.

[Jonny B]

I just installed the grommet and the clips in my 250 SL. I did not split the grommet. I carefully took apart the plug that connects the wires at the trunk light. The two halves of the plug are secured with a small machine screw and nut (be careful to not lose the little nut - I used a piece of tape to hold it in place). Then I was able to feed each of the two wires through the grommet. Then re-assembled the plug - done!

[mbzse]

.../...I carefully took apart the plug that connects the wires at the trunk light.../... Then I was able to feed each of the two wires through the grommet. Then re-assembled the plug - done!

What Jonny B describes here is the correct procedure for when you would want to remove the trunk/boot lid away from the car.
Sadly, most often the technician simply snips the cable (cuts it).
Then, when lid is re-mounted the cable is spliced in an unsightly manner... I have seen this on so many Pagoda cars.

I attach pictures of the light fitting with its switch, and the Kostal 2-pole contact (plug)

[Pawel66]

Pawel, dont forget the rubber grommet as well. If yours is missing. They are split as this is the only way to install it. Which also makes it easily lost.

That one I have, thank you!

The wire was put through in a civilised way, no issue. But it is just hanging there in the lid frame profile, without the clips. I ordered the clips, hopefuly correct ones.

[mbzse]

Clips look like this. There are barbs on the lower fold.
(Photo from SLS)
SLS part No : 254071
Mercedes part No : A0009881678

Edit: Part No added

[Pawel66]

I will post what I receive.

[Jonny B]

That is what I got, and I ordered it through the local MB dealer.

[Pawel66]

I am not sure if I ordered the correct PN. The only reference to these clips I found was for 113042, when it was an option. Maybe the clip changed later? If you have a diferent number, please let me know.

I have A0009881678, clip, wire to trunk lid, 5 pcs needed. Picture attached. The width is ca 13mm.

The one on the picture from 49er looked bigger, like the one on the other picture I attached, but I may be wrong.

[mrfatboy]

You have the correct PN and clip👍

[Pawel66]

Ok, thank you!

[Pawel66]

I just wanted to mention in case it is not known: the rubber grommets for license plate wire routing (lamp-license plate), A1139970381, come cut when you buy them from MB today. You do not need to disassemble the plugs to install them.

[mrfatboy]

Must be new. I just bought 3 of the grommets 2-3 months ago from my local MB dealer.  They had to order from Germany.  They were not cut.

[Pawel66]

Yes, could be.

However, for the PN I quoted EPC says 2pcs and calls them grommets for license plate wire. That makes me think the grommet in the trunk lid may have a different number. But I cannot find it in the new and improved EPC...

[Jonny B]

There are two grommets - one for the wire that runs up to the trunk light, and another (same grommet) for the wire that runs to the license plate lights, this second grommet is located to the left of the left side tail light.

[Pawel66]

Aha!

I thought you need two grommets for lamps wiring and a third one for the trunk lid wire. On both sides of the license plate I have the same holes in the rear panel and wires coming out of them to the lamps. Maybe there is something wrong with my wiring...

[mrfatboy]

Aha!

I thought you need two grommets for lamps wiring and a third one for the trunk lid wire. On both sides of the license plate I have the same holes in the rear panel and wires coming out of them to the lamps. Maybe there is something wrong with my wiring...

You are correct 😜

[Pawel66]

Well, I looked at wiring diagram again as well as at parts lists and I am not so sure...

At least in 280SL left license plate lamp gets power from left lamp and right license plate light gets power from the right hand side lamp. Both through the 2-pole connectors. Both wires go into the rear panel through the same holes on each side. Logically they require two grommets and that is what parts list is showing under the PN below. Today these grommets come pre-cut (Iwas surprised as I disassembled the connector on the lamp to install grommet, then took the grommet out of the plastic bag and I found out it was pre-cut).

The grommet in the trunk lid - in the old EPC I had the trunk lamp option part list, in the new EPC I cannot find it, I hoped the grommet will be listed there - but I cannot check the part number.  It is indeed very likely, like you say, that it is the same grommet as the two in the rear panel. If so, chances are it will come pre-cut unless there is some old stock there.

[Jonny B]

I stand corrected about the two grommets, but the grommet I bought from the dealer was not pre-cut.