Hi folks...I'm a newbie here to the forum, having just purchased my first MB, a 93 300E with 179K. My central locking system, in terms of the electrical and vacuum components, seems to work fine. However, there appears to be an issue with the mechanical linkage in the drivers door, as it can still be opened from the outside, even when the button is down, thus activating the alarm.

Can anyone tell me what I might expect to find inside the door? Is it likely that something is broken, or maybe just bent? If anyone has experienced anything similar on a 124, I'd love to hear about it...thanks!!

Ok, assuming the key assembly is the same as my 92 w123, you'll find the lock cylinder/assembly has a T shaped connector that fits into the latch assembly. If you shear off the pot metal T connector the lock cylinder will turn but not affect the latch. The latch then has I think a electrical connector(s) that indicate if the assembly has been opened/closed thus telling the convinence relay to close the sun roof, or the alarm system the state of the lock/unlock state.

The maintenance manual has instructions for removing the door handle and lock cylinder.