When my gas charged hood support failed, I looked through the forum and found some suggestions, the least expensive was about $60 dollars or so and would work just fine. However, after looking around at different sites and retailers. I discovered a safe, inexpensive, and just as reliable replacement which cost about $22 with free shipping on Amazon. If it is just the gas charged shock that needs replacement, an Evan-Fischer EVA1393011639 Hood Lift Support for Mercedes SLK230 98-04 and SLK320 01-04 works. Just remove the hood support strut. Slide the gas charged shock all the way out the sleeve by pressing the extension button. Unscrew the extension button. Screw the extension button on and slide sleeve on new shock. Make sure extension button locks in place. Re-install Hood support strut.

 

Like I said in another thread, this "heads-up" on replacing the hood strut shock is really great! Thanks again!!