tgingrich,

There are a couple of possibilities. The T-handle sits in a neatly shaped depression in the roof liner when "stowed" in either the open or closed position. This little shaped depression shell is held in place with a screw if I recall correctly. If the screw has fallen out or is about to fall out, the whole shell can fall down and interfere with the operation of the handle pivot. In that case you will need to push it back up into the roof liner so the pivot can work freely. Right at the pivot I believe the shell has a plastic collar that makes seeing the pivot joint difficult. It is this part that causes the problem I just described.

There is also the possiblility that the pivot joint detent pin and spring are worn out and have been caught in the play from that wear. To fix this you have to remove the T-handle, and to remove the T-handle you have to drive a pin out of the pivot joint. Be ready to catch the spring and ball or pin that clicks to hold the T-handle folded up or pointing down. I am on travel at the moment and cannot go look at my 1982 240D, but I think this only works with the T-Handle folded up, inside the recessed shell. In any case it is not complicated but can be a little frustrating. I imagine the factory uses some special tool to assemble or disassemble the pivot joint, but you can manage if you look carefully. Good luck and I hope this helps. Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)