This probably should be sent to the tech help forum but I get my best help from the DIESEL GUYS. I am trying to get the seat adjusting switch out of the door on the passanger side of my 1983 300SD. Do I need to remove the door panel to do this and if so how do I get the trim off around the door handle with out breaking it?

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1983 300SD
200000miles

phil, I'll try and help you. This is how I get to the switch. Sit in the pass. seat +with a small sharp pick in hand, pull the chrome opening lever as far open as possible and stick the pick next to the base of the lever and gently pry the plastic piece out, towards the right. This will expose a small phillips scew head, remove that screw.This will loosen the whole trim piece.Next get down on your knees and look up under the arm rest, you will find two more phillips head screws, a large screw driver works best.Remve them and go back to the switch trim. You should now be able to remove the trim over the switch. Go very easy, it breaks. Next you will see a piece of sponge at the top of the arm rest, pull it back gently and another phillips head screw will apear, remove that and the arm rest will release. Now go to the window and stand facing the lock mech. Look up the door edge and you will see a small ss srew. Remove it and the window trim piece will release by sliding it up gently. Now unscrew the lock button. Now remove the u shaped chrome piece at the lock. Now gently, slowly try to slide the panel up the face of the door, It may take a little force but it will release, Once you have it off be careful of the wires to the foot lites at the bottom of the panel. Once you have the panel off the switch can be removed by the two phillips srews right and left. Two remove the plastic wire holder under the switch, pinch the piece with two hands to the center and it will release and alow you to service the switch. Hope this helps. Anyone, did I miss any steps, if so jump in. steve 83sd

When putting the panel back on....it is a pretty decent ***** of a job.
Its REALLY easy to break the tabs off the back of the door too that slide into the holes. Also getting all of them to line up isn't too much fun heh.
Mine has reached the point that I have to really reef on it to get it back on (lots of broken parts inside)..

It sucks becuase my drivers side window has been deciding to give up the ghost lately. Silly window...

(I've had my panel off and on about 10-11 times...its gettin old heh)

I broke one of the plastic hooks on the back of the door panel. I put it back on with epoxy.
Worked great.

Danny