I was able to get much more snappy action on my 87 300TD by pulling the mechanism, cleaning, and re-lubricating.

Granted the 124 has an electrical assist for the latch and unlatch but it does also have the vacuum pod for lock and unlock. BTW if anyone does this to their 124 *watch your fingers* that motor will snap your finger clean off...

The FSM for the 123 should have the procedure for removing the latch assembly and adjustment.

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech