How Do I adjust door catch on W126?
 

My driver side door has been recently acting up as when I close the door, it wont close the first try and I will have to slam the door to get it closed. It wasnt like this before. I am thinking I need to adjust the door catch. How can I perform this? I have a 87 420sel

my 1989 300se does the same thing....i just slam it and it shuts tight

Just try to adjust the striker plate on the door jamb ( 4 Allen bolts ). This worked for me on my 78 450SEL

I adjusted the driver's side door on my 94 E320 by loosening the striker and moving it inward about 1/16", and the noise stopped. As a guide to keep the correct alignment. I put masking tape on the body along the top and bottom of the strike. Also put tape on the body at the leading edge of the strike to show how far in I moved it. The tool neded was a T40 Torx.
regards,
Mark

Thanks. Will try tonite and keep you guys informed

i tried to adjust the striker and still have same problem. my 89 560sel with 150,000 miles never had this problem. My 420 now with only 55k on it does. What else can I do?

if that didnt
 

solve the problem, you may need to go other direction(s) with it. you were smart to mark your starting spot, so you can always go back to it.

have you lubed everything?

tom w

Make sure that the 2 screws holding the latch mechanism to the door are tight. Clean the old petrified grease out of the latch mechanism and re-lube. If you can't find a good adjustment, you may need to replace the striker.

Check and make sure the main door hinges have not allowed the door to sag.
You might, as is also suggested have to replace the striker plate.

Mine is not a T40 (and its not a size I have). Anyone? EPC didn't give the spec.