Exterior door handles not unlatching door W116

[kerry]

If you are having problems with the exterior door latches not unlatching the door on your W116, the problem probably lies in the adjustment of the 'drive screw'. Here's a copy of my post from another thread. It was buried pretty deeply in the thread so I thought I'd also post it here with a different thread title. I'll also attach a link to the thread since the other thread includes a link to a pdf of the 116 workshop manual on the door locks.

Ok, here's the answer. The 'Drive Screw' is indeed adjustable and it is what determines how far the handle has to be pulled out before the door unlatches. The drive screw can come loose and if it does, it will slide out to its longest adjustment and make the door extremely difficult to open. The exterior handle is held in by two 5mm allen screws accessible behind a rubber cover on the back of the door. Takes 5 minutes to remove the handle and adjust the drive screws. Now my doors are all opening effortlessly.

door issues 83 300sd