The driver's door lock on my 1983 380SEL just lost its spring resistance. If I turn the key to lock/unlock the doors and then let go of it, it doesn't snap back to vertical. I have to move it back manually and then remove the key.

Locking/unlocking works fine, and it doesn't really bother me, but I was wondering if this is a warning sign of worse things to come.

I know that it's prudent to replace the ignition lock as soon as it exhibits odd behavior to prevent costly repairs later. Is that the same situation with door lock? Or should I just leave it go until it finally gives up the ghost?

--Josh
1983 380SEL 88k mi

Yes it has a return spring in door lock.
ignition lock will cost $$$ to replace if it
won't turn over....16 years ignition lock y it has been serviced you for thousand
thousand time...don't wait to long (towing charge,labor to replace and the time you lost)

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MB STARS Master Guild Technician,12 years MB tech
5 years independent shop owner

Thanks MB Stars. I did have my ignition lock replaced recently to avoid just the problems you describe.

Should I do the same with the driver's door lock? Or is it possible to just replace the return spring which seems to have broken?