W210 door latches... yes,no,yes,no...
 

I've been having an annoying time with the driver-side door latches on my '96 E300D. Seems that, in closing the door the latch engages sometimes, but other times I must re-open (and re-close) the door in order for the latch to engage. I've tried to discern if it happens more when I open the door for the outside or inside, but it doesn't seem to matter. Does anyone have any insight to this problem? Is it an adjustment issue or is something worn/broken. I am concerned that one day I will try to close the door and it's not going to stay closed (oh, how I hate the look of bailing twine wrapped around the door and pillar to keep the door closed!)

Thanks in advance!

-l-

Start with the simple and obvious things. Is the door seal distorted, torn, or otherwise interfering? Is the door check binding or noisy? FWIW, a little sunroof paste on the striker can work wonders. You can also visually check to see if the front door is flush with the rear door when closed. This is how to tell if the striker depth is correct.

If it doesn't need lubed and everything is lined up and fine,,, get a new latch. Latches are like seat belts,,, you don't try to repair them.

Uh... not quite sure what a door check is... I looked up the part, but still don't know it's function. I'm fairly confident that the door seals are fine and the alignment of the door seems to be flush with the rear door. The opening action seems fine, but closing (sometimes) feels like you've tried to close the door with the seatbelt in the way. I don't know what sunroof paste is either (sorry...), but I'm assuming its a silicone based grease?


I'll play with it more....

Thanks!

-l-