Drivers door won't budge----74 450SL

[winecountryone]

I had just finished putting a new door panel I picked up last weekend on the drivers door.
While walking to the other side of the car to retrieve some needed tools,a gust of wind blew the door shut.
Now the damn door won't open by either the inside or outside handles
I can lock/unlock using the key or the lever inside but the latch appears to be "stuck" and I have no idea how to get in there with the door closed.
I'm reluctant to just pry on it as it feels like the latch is "engaged"
Can anyone offer ideas or assistance??
I'm mad as all get out right now and am fresh out of ideas

[meltedpanda]

Hmm, I had this problem, you actually can separate the panel enough once all the hardware is off and see the guts. YOu may have a lever disconected or simply have anadjustment issue. Also try this true blue method
Get inside the car and brace your foot applying strong pressure to kick open the door, then try snapping the unlock mechanism up briskly while pulling the latch firmly fraction of a second later with your other hand. All you should need is one lucky shot. Could be a locking rod that will not releas, central locking mechanism? Or more likely something sticky at the catch plate. The way the striker arrangement works, with a cone-type piece inside another unit.Kick or push as close to the striker arrangement as possible.
BTW - they will not pry open!
have fun

[winecountryone]

I did some "experimenting" late last evening.
I can move the drivers door inward/outward by pulling on it a fraction of an inch,but I can't do this on the other side.
There is adequate resistance when pulling the handle.You can hear the linkage moving.I think the problem is either with the striker plate or the release mechanism.The door fit pretty tight before,I'm wondering if the chrome trim around the edge and latch is causing it to hang up a bit.
I'll give the "boot to the door" idea a try.I was also thinking of trying some plastic wedges like they use on exterior trim.
If I do get it open I'll remove the trim plates to see if they are causing a too tight fit.

[winecountryone]

My mechanic got the panel off even with the door closed.He was able to pry on the latch and get the "roller" to pop like it should.The latch mechanism was gummed up with old grease/dirt and wouldn't release.
It appeared to have been only a coincidence that this happened after I replaced the door panel.Removal and serious cleaning of the entire latch has the door closing better than ever!
I plan to do the other door as a precaution as well.

[RadioTek]

It's always good when you can fix a problem on the exposed bodywork without resorting to a sawzall.

Or explosives.