Mercedes-Benz E300 W213 Power Trunk Retrofit Review

Completing Your Mercedes-Benz E300 W213 with a Power Trunk

Did you recently purchase a Mercedes-Benz E300 W213 and find yourself wishing it came with a factory power trunk? You're not alone. Many owners discover that manually opening and closing the trunk becomes a daily inconvenience, especially when carrying groceries or on rainy days. This was precisely the situation for the owner featured in this review, who decided it was time to enhance their driving experience. They sought out a specialist installer to add this much-desired feature to their E-Class.

Why Some E300 Models Lack a Power Trunk

While higher trim levels of Mercedes-Benz vehicles often include a power trunk as standard, it's surprisingly common for the E300 base model to omit this option. Owners might initially think it's a feature they can add later, only to realize during daily use how much they miss it. This exact sentiment drove the decision for the E300 owner in this case.

Pre-Installation Checks for the E300 Power Trunk Retrofit

A primary concern during the consultation was ensuring the installation would not compromise the vehicle's original wiring or body integrity. Given the E-Class's sophisticated engineering and premium price point, any damage to the existing electrical system or chassis could lead to complex and costly repairs down the line. The installer assured the owner that they use specialized kits designed specifically for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The process involves safely removing the factory mechanical springs and installing electronic actuators in their place.

Detailed Analysis of the Power Trunk Installation Process

The installation begins by carefully removing the trunk's upper trim panel. The original mechanical springs are then meticulously detached. This step requires precision and the use of appropriate tools to manage the spring tension safely, preventing accidental release or damage.

Following the removal of the old springs, two electronic shock absorbers (actuators) are symmetrically mounted on either side of the trunk. These actuators operate by extending or retracting a rod based on electrical signals. Achieving a smooth operation and long-term reliability hinges on the precise torque settings and installation angles of these components, showcasing the installer's technical expertise.

The electrical wiring is integrated by utilizing the vehicle's existing internal wiring harness. The installer identifies the specific wires responsible for the trunk open/close signals and connects a new control module (ECU). This setup allows for control via the original factory remote, a button on the driver's dashboard, and a dedicated button located inside the trunk itself.

Achieving a Factory-Look Finish for the Trunk Interior

A crucial aspect of the retrofit is the interior finishing. Leaving the new control button exposed can make the installation appear incomplete. To address this, the installer used a custom E-Class-specific trim piece. This piece perfectly matched the color and texture of the existing interior panels, creating a seamless look that makes the power trunk appear as if it were a factory-installed option.

The Importance of Safety Features

While a power trunk adds significant convenience, safety is paramount, especially for households with children or when carrying fragile items. The installed system includes an obstacle detection sensor. If the trunk encounters resistance while closing, such as an object or a finger, it immediately stops its motion. This safety feature is a critical component of the upgrade.

The control system offers multiple convenient operation methods. The factory remote can be used to open the trunk remotely before you even reach the vehicle.