Dumb engineering in Merc e500 Trunk won't open; 3rd Brakelight, License Plate lights won't come on

Issue: Trunk (boot) will not open using key fob or remote release; 3rd Brakelight will not come on and the License Plate lights don't come on either
Comments added based on feedback that showing the fix would have been helpful. I hope this helps - thanks for the feedback
Fix: There was a frayed wire and I reconnected the broken wire then wrapped it with electrical tape. (I didn't go into details of how to fix frayed wire (note, in my car it was the brown wire, so check this wire first); intention was to show how to get to the frayed wire that caused the trunk not to open) A visual inspection was all it took because it was visibly broken and my fix was exposing some wire, twisting the exposed wire and insulating with electrical tape)
W211 Series

[@abosarh5521]

I thank you very much, my friend. You helped me a lot in solving my problem with E 2007. This manufacturing defect may cause fire and death. I don't know how the German manufacturer did not notice. There are other disadvantages. After experimenting with the Mercedes, I discovered that it cannot withstand the climate of my country, Saudi Arabia, and that the best cars that succeeded in the experiment were cars. Japanese, Korean and the worst American, German and Chinese cars Thanks again🤝

[@thegamerboi7034]

Excellent vid , but mine the licence plate lights work but the 3 brake light and the trunk only opens by the spare key (it's doesn't open from the remote or from the inside button) and the trunk lights don't work

[@debradurling317]

Me to 114.00 just to find out what wrong god knows how much yo fix it . Good luck

[@abosarh5521]

أقدم لك جزيل الشكر يا صديقي. لقد ساعدتني كثيرا في حل مشكلتي مع E 2007. هذا العيب المصنعي قد يسبب الحريق والموت. لا أعرف كيف لم تلاحظ الشركة المصنعة الألمانية. هناك عيوب أخرى. اكتشفت بعد تجربة المرسيدس أنها لا تتحمل مناخ بلدي السعودية وأن أفضل السيارات التي نجحت عن التجربة هي السيارات. اليابانية والكورية وأسوأ السيارات الأمريكية والألمانية والصينية 🤝شكرا مرة اخرى

[@tamisonsresources3396]

Great video and explanation. Showing the wire would be helpful

[@danygits]

Great suggestion! I updated the description to mention I didn't address this and will look to include it in future video

[@danygits]

I have a new video showing the wire and soldering it but can’t add it here…it’s on my channel

[@budrobadre]

Good video man, thanks for this!

[@1stGenStunter]

The lower end of that plastic hinge cover is where the broken wire will be. You will need to remove the tape and wire loom on that end. I suggest solderind a slightly longer piece of wire into the connection and use heat shrink over it. No crimping. When you're done, there is a strap-like attachment that holds the harness to the side. Remove it, as it aids in restricting the harness movement when the trunk closes.

[@moondarck]

Common problem, it's usually the thicker brown wire that is actually the ground wire for that loom, that breaks first. That's why several things stop working.

[@clayday1010]

Exact same problem, the thicker brown wire was cut. Very easy fix thank you

[@edwardsantos5798]

I was hoping this was a more permanent fix for this problem. I had to do this twice with about a six-year gap between the repairs. Unwrap the wires and it should be obvious which wire is the culprit.

[@danygits]

I'm going to experiment with the connectors used for offroad applications; they are designed to hold even as the vehicle flexes. If it works, I'll share the fix here

[@danygits]

I used a flexible clamp connector, then I taped the wires together with electrical tape. I’m hoping having the wires move as a batch will reduce likelihood of fraying. I have the video and will try link it here

[@debradurling317]

​@danygits did you do a video of how you prepared the wires thanks

[@mrs.lisagcarter4705]

Thank you very much!!!

[@FredandNoi]

Thanks for pointing out the issue, but why wouldn't you show us how you completed the actual repair!

[@danygits]

I did a video of the repair…check out my other video.

[@whateverhappens7216]

Why criticizing German inginering when we all know that this was the only way to run those wires. Show us how else should be done.

[@danygits]

I have had the W211 for 20 years and admire the engineering; I will still call out what I believe is a flawed design. Toyota for example runs the cable through the rigid frame, where the movement is limited