I have two problems both with the door. One is the front driver door handle brook up where it enters the door near the latch handle. I tried getting the panel off but felt like i was going to break someting, any advice on how to remove the panel safely. The secound is the rear passenger door holder is stuck open. I tried removing the pin on the door fraim and also tired unbolting the two bolts on the door nither of which helped me get the door shut. The window will roll down on this door but not up without helping it up about half way could this be part of the problem or a completely seperate issue. Any idea on how to fix this or how to get the rear door panel off to check what the problem is. Thanks.

To get the door panels off, you remove the plastic insert behind the door handle, remove the screw that holds the trim piece in. Remove the seat switch knobs, then the trim piece for the seat switch, pull back the trim around the door handle and remove the screw that holds the arm rest in place. Remove the other 2 screws holding the arm rest and remove the rest. Remove the chrome trim around the latch assembly, remove the trim piece at the rear of the window. Now to remove the door panel, pull up on the panel, not out. Same for the back door.

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81 300SD daily driver/project
86 420SEL (sold)
85 380SE(in the graveyard)

81300sd's description is 99% complete but if you've never done it before finding some of the screws can take some time. The one item overlooked is that you want to remove the bottom light underneath the trim first. Here's some hints to speed up the rest:

The panel is locked in place by the arm rest/door pull and the chrome trim piece around the latch assembly. The chrome trim is obvious on how to remove. But note that it is handed - the left side is not the same shape as the right. So if you remove both note which side is which.

The arm rest has 3 screws. The top one is behind that trim piece that is behind the inside door unlatch handle. This is the hardest part (though it isn't very hard) as you have to unscrew it, pull the handle back to slide it out, but then it won't slide very far down the arm rest and so you have to push it aside a bit to see the top screw. It is a little awkward the first time but after that brief learning curve it will only take a couple of seconds the next time. All the screws are Phillips head.

The next two screws on the arm rest are reached from underneath the arm rest. If you look from the bottom you'll see them. The last one in the rear needs a medium size or longer screwdriver. It is back there a ways.

The seat switch parts you need to remove not because they hold anything in place but because they'll break off if you don't remove them . Note that you remove the knobs and the trim in front of the seat switch. You don't need to remove the switch itself.

Don't forget that thin trim piece on the rear of the window sill. The panel cannot be lifted up with it in place. There's only one screw and the rest is held by clips. Also you'll need to unscrew the lock knob.

As 81300SD stressed the panel pulls up, not out, to remove. Just give it a quick jerk and it should pup right up. It doesn't take a lot of force.

When reattaching it be sure that you feed the door lock shaft up through the hole in the top. You may have to press firmly against the door while pushing it down to allow all of the clips to engage. It helps to have someone on the other side of the door bracing it.

When reattaching the arm rest I do not go in reverse order. As with removal I start with the top screw and work down.

The first time you do this it will probably take 10-15 minutes as you go slow and see how everything works. After that it will take just a few minutes to do.

Good luck!

I followed these instructions and they worked. I was concerned about removing the nobs for the seat controls but they did pop off. The cover was stubborn about coming off at first. There was something binding at the front of the cover. But a tap moved it and it came off.

Ben

This might help you....
http://benzguy.piczo.com/windowrunchanelreplacement?cr=7&linkvar=000044
Good luck
Big Dan
Vancouver Canada

Good work Dan!

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83 SD

84 CD

Thanks Bob...
And happy new year by the way!

Thanks again for this, I used it last night.

I too am working on the door panel - lefet side front0 but I am looking for the cover that goes over the seat switch that fits in with the other side trim. I cannot find one. Is there any hope in finding one? It would be for a late model 83. masha1@aol.com