door problem

[380sl-'85]

Hi, has anyone tried to repair the driver side door lock? I used to have to pull the handle while holding the key in the unlock position to open the door. Today the handle just got unstuck, or rather stuck in the pulled-out position, and I could no longer open that door from the outside. Rest of the locking system seemed to work. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks,

Terry
'85 380sl

[slfan]

Terry,

I had the same problem on mine. Any door handle problem sucks because it will put you in a bad mood before even starting the engine. Fortunately it is probably no big deal. Remove the two screws "hiding" behind the door seal. Push the handle forward and you can take the whole unit off the door. Look at how it works. You'll see the moving parts. Clean them and re-lubricate.
Simple and satisfying job. Bet you'll do the other side as well, just for fun.

[380sl-'85]

Thanks Duke,

I will try as you suggest. Please tell me where the hidden screws are. Thank you very much.

Terry

[slfan]

Open the door, look at the area where the rubber door seal is attached to the door. at door handle level you'll see two screws behind the seal.

[380sl-'85]

Thanks, Duke, I found them and successfully got the handle out. Will clean it and see what happen. Cheers,
Terry