How the heck do u get w124 wagon rear door panel off?
 

Its very different than the sedan...

I took off all the normal stuff like latch following the FSM and pulled the face off the ashtray, but I can't seem to get the back part of it off. Does it come off? I didn't want to press against the cardboard-backed vinyl as any sort of pressing ruins it. Unfortunately the FSM only says "remove ashtray" and nothing else. No pictures either so I'm not sure how the back comes off.

I'm guessing that was the reason why it wouldn't budge at all. Any idea how to get it off?

1988 300TE

Thanks,
Robert

its not at all different... i've been removing mine with no problems... same as a sedan's.

remove the plastic "c" thing at the door catch... remove the plastic trim from the latch... remove the hex bolt, unlatch the rod from the latch, push the latch assembly forwards(towards the front of the car) to dislodge it from the door... remove/disconnect the "light" at the bottom, lift UP on the door card... DO NOT pull towards you... the speaker will still be connected so don't rip out the door card just yet...

the hardest part to dislodge is the strip where the window felt is. sometimes the rubber/felt gets left behind on the door sheetmetal.... sometimes it doesn't.

but don't force anything... the cardboard backing is stiff.... but once it bends considerably it'll be soft at the crease for life....

So you did not remove the ashtray at all?

I did all that you said, but it did not seem to want to budge. Maybe its just being stubborn. It seems as if something is still holding it because it wont push up.

nope... never had to remove the ashtray on mine. if that particular panel has never been removed i suspect its the window felt part that's being stubborn. From my observation that's the only part where there's friction enough to make removal difficult. try to carefully pry at the trailing edge near the rear quarter glass... there are actually 2 separate window felt pieces if i remember correctly... once you get a corner to budge it'll be easy... just apply a steady even force... no yanking

While on the topic -- is the sedan and wagon rear window motor + regulator the same?

You know of course that the panel comes off by lifting up and NEVER by pulling out.

yes... the doors are identical for the most part... the only difference is the window frame for the rear quarter glass... and of course the weatherstrips

Awesome. I bought a set off a guy on this forum for my 260E...but I remember him saying it won't fit the wagon. But I came home and my dad found me a set of motors @ junkyard so I have a spare set. I'm glad they will fit. Perfect.

i remember reading somewhere that the 124 window mech was updated at least once... don't know if it applies to both front and rear... pretty sure the front ones were.

Section 72 - Doors of 124 Maintenance Manual shows location of door tabs. I can email to you. Very slight up and down movement at front of panel might free rear tabs.