i got everything replaced and the donor handle works great, just have a different key for the door. the rod on the lock cylinder must be turned by a key to allow the handle to be removed from the door. on later models I guess you need a key to get the handle out.
the rod goes into a little plastic thing that miraculously didn't break when I forced the handle out. hope that makes sense.

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'82 240D automatic to manual (sold)
'84 300D (sold)
'12 MINI CooperS Coupe
'71 Triumph Stag
'76 MGB
'08 BMW 535XI wagon
'12 VW Golf TDI