Sorry, I've been away for a while..but here's what happened.

On the 93 500SEL, I was locking the door with the key (instead of the button on the key remote) and in turning the key, something broke inside. Now the key just turns freely, without locking the doors. The passenger side lock is fine, and the door still locks with the remote.

I am able to do all the disassembly work of the door panel and lock (I've done many stuck windows). But once I get there, what should I look for. And possibly, is this a part that I can get through Part Shop.

Thanks for the help. Now I have something to do this weekend.
Chris

I have no experience with the W140, but I think is pretty much engineered like the other models...
Pry out the door rubber near the doorlock/handle and partly unscrew the "imbuss" (I don't know how they are called, but it has the 6-edges inside the head) bolt that you can see (using a flashlight). Don't turn it out all the way, but just turn it a little until you can shove the door lock far enough to pull it out. The door lock has to be pushed away from the handle after which it can be taken out (if the bold is unscrewed enough).
You probably don't need to turn the key anymore to get the lock out (normally you would have to turn it to get out a pin that is stuck inside the door locking mechanism itself) after which you can see what broke off.
If you need the pin only, you might end up going to a car recycler because I think that mercedes only sells complete locks. If you need to order a new lock, you will have to go to the dealer to get a new one by VIN# or chassis# (fitting your original key).

greetingz,

Fixed!!!

Turned out to be an easy job...15 minutes. The bolt you mentioned it a "Torx" bit. The pin that connected the key mechanism to a turning rod was broken. Just put them back together and used a nail of the right thickness as a pin. just bent one end and cut it. Not a professional reaplacement...but it is probably stronger than the original one anyway..hey, that one broke! I lubed the insides too...works great now.


Now if only a new closing assist pump will majically appear at my doorstep.