87 420 SEL (126) with a drivers door lock that wont turn. Since I can’t turn the key to remove the cylinder, I’ve got to remove the door lock to get the cylinder out. Got the door liner off, removed the 4 screws holding the door lock in place, removed the arm actuator and have the door handle screws removed. Manual says I have to be able to rotate the whole door handle for removal since I can’t rotate the key. Problem is I cant pull the handle mechanism out enough to rotate it. There is still something holding the whole thing is place. I see several pins that could be pushed out on the door handle for further disassembly of the door handle but they look like a PITA to put back in if I can’t move the door handle to my work bench. Some one else posted the problems he had mucking with the components accessible through the inside of the door, breaking a white plastic drum that I can clearly see. His post:
>>In order to disconnect the door handle I had to pry a small plastic drum which fit inside a keyhole to rotate, then release the lock/handle assembly. BOTH of these plastic pieces snapped off at this keyhole junction when carefully prying them up.<<
No one ever responded to him if he followed the proper procedure, so I’m not gonna mess with that just yet.

Any one know where I go from here? Its either start popping out some of those pins in the door handle or go in via the inside door panel and start breaking things!

I have the same problem on my 1983 300SD. The drivers lock does not really turn. It only turns a little bit and will sometimes get stuck. I'm going to remove the panel tomorrow to try and rehab the lock. Does anyone know how I can remove it if I am unable to turn the key in the lock and without damaging anything?

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W126 1983 300SD 286,000 miles and ticking
Baby blue exterior Grey MB tex
Recent work:
Replaced air cleaner mounting brackets and heat shields
Replaced alternator, fan and power steering belts
Replaced positive battery terminal
Replaced negative battery terminal and cord
New Duralast Battery

My car needs work.