hi i have a 1983 300d turbo and my passenger door i can lock and unlock with the key, but the drivers door i cannot unlock or lock with the key. I just finished up disconnecting the vacuum locks in all the doors but it didnt work before and it doesnt work now. Any clue on why the key cannot unlock the drivers door...its almost like its jammed or something like that thanks guys

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what a day

clean out the cylinder; i had the same thing happen with my 420sel. crud gets in there and will make some of the wafers stick. i used some electronics cleaner and followed it with some dry lubricating spray (don't use graphite; it'll just jam it up again)

The vacuum door lock system has no bearing on whether the key works or not.

Shadetree's advice is good, assuming (1) you know you have the correct doorhandle and (2) it's installed correctly.

(1) A previous owner might have had the driver's door handle fail from wear (not common, but it can happen, and the driver's is the first to go normally) and installed a junkyard replacement with no key.

(2) If the door handle is taken out for some reason (for example, bodywork), then put back, if it isn't installed correctly the lock won't turn. (Don't ask how I know that. )

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

so should i take it apart

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what a day

Take off the inside door panel and see if the locking rod is connected to the handle and can be moved up and down by hand.

If it doesn't move, something is bent or seized.

Does the door lock/unlock with the door pushbutton, from the inside, when closed?

Is the key going all the way in?

If so, have you gently moved the key in and out just a little, so see if it will turn when not fully inserted? Sometimes as the cars age the lock gets loose and you have to insert the key just SO far for it to work. My wagon is that way. If it's an aftermarket key blank (not in a plastic Mercedes sheath) this will be more common.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

you're from alaska, aren't you.