Second Hand Mercedes-Benz SL Bonnet Strut

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz SL uses gas-charged bonnet struts (also called bonnet lifters or gas springs) to prop the bonnet open - this is a genuine part on this model across all generations. Unlike some cars that use a simple metal rod, the SL relies on these pressurised struts on both the NS and OS of the bonnet to hold it up safely. When they fail the bonnet will drop unexpectedly, so replacement is an important safety job.

The R230 SL ran from 2001 to 2011, with a facelift arriving in 2008, so a 2002 strut and a 2008 strut are from the same generation but either side of the facelift boundary. In many cases the strut itself is unchanged across a facelift since it attaches to the inner structure rather than the styled panels, but you should confirm with the breaker using your registration to be certain the attachment points and length match. A good breaker will cross-reference both reg numbers before supplying the part.

Yes, you need to match the strut to the correct SL generation - the R129 (1989-2001), R230 (2001-2011), and R231 (2012-2022) are distinct platforms with different bonnet structures, so their struts are not interchangeable. Always tell the breaker which generation you have, and giving your registration is the quickest way to make sure they pull the right part. Cross-generation fitment is not something a used strut from a different platform can be assumed to achieve.

Trim level does not affect bonnet strut fitment - the strut attaches to the bonnet and inner wing structure, which is shared regardless of whether the car is an AMG variant, an SL 350, SL 500, or any other specification within the same generation. You may find AMG-badged cars look slightly different under the bonnet but the strut mounting points are the same. Focus on matching the generation and confirm the year with the breaker rather than worrying about trim or engine designation.

The R231 received a facelift in 2016, and while the bonnet strut itself may well be identical across that boundary since it is part of the inner structure rather than the restyled panels, this is exactly the kind of fitment question you should put to the breaker rather than assume. Give the breaker both year references and your registration so they can check their stock against the correct part number. Do not take it on trust without that confirmation.

Give the breaker your full registration number, which tells them the exact generation and build date without any guesswork. It is also worth mentioning which side you need - NS (nearside, passenger side) or OS (offside, driver side) - though on most SL models the struts are handed as a pair and often sold together. Confirming the year and generation (R129, R230, or R231) as a double-check alongside the reg is good practice and helps the breaker locate the right part quickly.