1988 560SL door handle

[rocky raccoon]

I need to remove my driver's side door handle. All of the forum threads and procedures I have read (I have a repair CD and also subscribe to ALLDATADIY) refer to two screws that have to be removed. Those screws reside under the door seal. My car does not have those screws. There is a single hex head bolt in that approximate location. I have removed that bolt and attempted to slide the handle forward after doing so with no luck. I have tried this on both doors.

I can't be the only one with this door lock mounting configuration. Any experience out there?

[donbryce]

The removal procedure on my '86 560SL is the same as for my '85 380SE, since the 560SL door handles were adopted from the w126. After removing the bolt/screw, after pushing the handle forward, insert the key and turn it to about the 2 o'clock position (or 50 degrees as in the shop manual). Remember not to tighten the screw in the backside too much when replacing. If it's too tight the handle will be very hard to push forward next time. The shop manual specifies tightening to the thickness of the sheet metal.

[rocky raccoon]

Thanks Don. I guess someone (probably me) tightened that bolt too much. I'll try a bigger hammer tomorrow.