replaced trunk struts on the SLK and M3.
also replaced the cracked fog lights on the SLK.
parts came from rockauto; quick as usual.
new trunk strut for the Merc came from Stabilus, OE manufacturer.(original that came off the car also has "Stabilus" printed on it, along with Merc logo; new one missing Merc logo though) $28~ for the pair.
fog replacement was easy. just need to find a clear plastic film i can put on it so it won't crack anymore, hopefully. matching PIAA part #, $80.
M3 trunk structs were actually still in decent shape surprisingly for 20 year old original... i think i could have got away with just greasing the connectors, but oh well. new struts went on super quick, and now trunk practically jumps open. $22
Merc struts though... FACKING PAIN in the A$$... tiny little struts, so strong, it won't even move with my entire body pressing down on it. why would it matter, you say? well... the uncompressed strut is like 5mm too long for connectors to pop in easily, so i tried very hard to compress the struts a little bit, and that's how i found out how strong these trunk struts are.
in the end, i had to take the trunk lid off the car, (heavy as FACK) pop in the new struts, and ...had a heck of a time trying to put the trunk lid back on...
the original ones that are worn and hardly keeps the trunk open, even that one is still strong enough for my body weight and still won't budge. no wonder merc weighs a ton...