I began to break down my SDL as much as possible to ease the cost of the impending paint job.

I was told that the door handles can be removed without taking off the door panel by removing a screw in the door jamb. I tried it and while it does feel looser, I cannot get it to move.

Ideas?

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

A new handle costs $350 and has to be ordered direct from Germany to fit your current key.

Now describe the break? Mine was coming off at the pivot point. Their is a pin that the handle pivots on. I pulled the door panal and popped the pin back in. $350 saved.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I didn't break anything. What I meant when I said "break down" was take apart.

I'm trying to figure out how to get the exterior door handles off.

Too cold for you?

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

Sorry I am freezing to death up here I can't read anymore!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

On w126...door panel HAS to come off.
THere is a little screw on the left end of the handle. It screws into the handle from insdie the car/door. Its phillips head. This holds that end in place.
THen on the other end you have the door jam one which you already got. Metric allen head.
Then you have to put your door key in, turn it left or right, and remove

I"ve done this about 20 ZILLION times becuase my 300SD had door lock issues.
If you need any help, drop me a pm.

Brandon

EDIT: by left end of handle I mean the end opposite the lock end.
Also make sure the window is up first

the door panels do not have to be removed to remove the door handles, the single screw at the end of the handle wedges in as the screws at the door handle are tightened, so on the same note when you remove the screws at the door handle at the door latch area, you will need to loosen the two screws most of the way and before you are completely loose on both, tap the tool you are using to push the handle back into the door, this will loosen the wedged screw at the end of the handle, completely remove the othe two screws and pull the handle back, you may need to turn the key or pull the handle like you are opening the door to get it out completely. but once again save some time and don't remove the panel.

News to me!
Thats cool though...would have saved me a crapload of time.
Thanks!

I managed to get the two fronts off, now I have to get an allen wrench to complete the job.

The rear one do not seem to budge when I remove the single screw, are you telling me that I have to remove or loosed the two by the door latch in order to get the handle to come off? If so, why did the front ones come out so much easier?

Thanks

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

remove the plastic plug, and unscrew the phillips bolt a few turns, (mine is phillips) and then tap on the screw driver to un wedge the handle, then remove the bolt the rest of the way and pull it out.

Is it much different for a W123? I spotted some chome door handels on a parts yard '84 300D.

that's the trick. I thught of that earlier, but didn't want to chance it on a 17 year old car.

The rear ones were cake after the tapping.

Thanks!

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

i believe they are all pretty much the same,