As a new 123 owner, is it correct operation for the drivers door to be unlockable when the door is open? I've removed the latch from the door and examined it, and I don't see a way it can work any other way. It locks just fine when it is latched, but when its unlatched, there's no way the key or the inside lock knob can move due to the detent slot. The rest of the doors are free to lock when the door is open.

Yes that is how it's designed.

It greatly reduces the chances of locking your keys in the vehicle.

I am told all German cars are designed that way. I know Audis are.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Not a dumb question...yes it is normal. It reduces the chance of locking yourself out of the car because you need the key in your hand (not forgotten in the car) to lock the door.

If you need to lock it without the key, open the rear door, close the front one, lock the front one from the rear door opening and then shut the rear door.

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Zacharias is a fast typer...I am not

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

UH... does this need one of those warnings about making sure the plug to fill the axle is not stuck before taking out the drain plug ?

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html