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Old 08-14-2010, 03:32 PM
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Renntag Renntag is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kona, Hi
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Thread here:
94 w124 door panel removal, door check replacement, map pocket fix - DIY

shows how to do this.

Sounds like you are almost done. Once you remove the offending strap you can drive again until the new piece arrives.

The third bolt is easily accessed.

Note of caution though: I just did 2 of these on our W124 and the replacement strap had a slightly larger bolt spread. By this I mean, lets say the distance between the two exposed bolts is 75mm. The new strap had a spread of 75.5mm. The bolts would NOT go in.

Solution:
I used a die grinder with a 5mm (roughly) metal bit to fit into the hole. I ovaled the holes another .5mm (+/-) and it was good.
you could also use a drill bit angled up and down to make the same oval.

Just be prepared. Dont let the inaccurate bolt spread ruin your day.

Removal of the door panel is the most difficult part of this job. Once all offending pieces are removed, it simply lifts up, but mine was hanging on for dear life ! I thought about giving up after the first couple 15 minute fights with it.

Note: dont forget the trim at the door catch and the trim around/over the door release handle and the seat switch.

handle must have release cable popped up and then slide it forward to remove.

Seat switch, carefully pop all the button off (be ready to catch them, the first one went flying for me). Note that there may be a retaining ring around the center pin of the seat switch. You must remove this prior to removing the trim. I just did this last night so its fresh.


Advice for reinstall:
with the panel loose from the car, take little bits of painters tape and place them on the finish side of the panel to mark where each of the "J" clips are located. This will help re installation of the panel.

best of luck.
have a beverage of choice on hand, hold all calls, take a deep breathe, and dont be in a hurry.

Tools needed:
plastic trim tools (if available) (cheap from harbor freight).
small pick or screw driver with some tape on it to reduce scratches.
Phillips screw driver (#2).
10MM socket (Short extension and ratchet also needed, 1/4" drive is best).
drift/punch
hammer
Short stool or 5 gal bucket (to sit on).
small box for hardware and little bits.
Beer to soothe nerves.
Camera to document your success.

Good luck.
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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.
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