240D driver's door extremely hard to close
 

I just bought a '78 240D, and the driver's door is very hard to close. I have to slam it so hard that I'm worried I'll break the glass. Is there any way to fix this? As far as I can tell, there seem to be no obstructions that would cause this to happen.

Your description of "hard to close" is somewhat vague - like stiff or wont latch properly without slamming? If it's the later look at replacing your door strikers - inexpensive part that gives you that solid "I am closed sound".

Most likely it is a simple matter of adjusting the striker. Loosen the allens enough so that you can tap it out a little, retighten and test. Repeat until it shuts easy with no wind noise.

Good luck,

I would also suggest checking the condition of the check strap and greasing the hinges.

You don't say if it is hard to close throughout the swing or only at the end of travel. Keep us posted.

I had this problem and it was the check strap binding... glad I spetn the 15 dollars to replace it...

Sorry I wasn't more clear, but by hard to close, I meant I have to slam the door to close it. The swing is smooth, it's the latching that's a pain. I think I'll try to move the striker out a bit and see if that works.

Thanks!

This also happens sometimes when the weatherstripping is replaced.

Len