Guys-

How does the outside door handle come out/go in. I thought it was just the allen screw in the side- removed it and pulled. Now it won't come out or go in!!!

If anyone has a W124 cd and can tell me the proceedure number- I can pull it up on my mac.

Thanks for the kick panel removal advice- got it out and these wires are fine. Which means- I've got a short some here else.

Michael

Remove the two plastic plugs on the rear edge of the door, the large upper plug holds the alarm system ellectrical connectors, pull them out and disconnect. The smaller plastic plug below the larger hides the 3 mm Allen head set screw, this screw can sometimes be quite difficult to break free. It has blue threadlock on it and heating it with a pencil type totch will soften the threadlocker. Remove the set screw completely.

The next step is to insert the key into the lock and turn it while gently pulling it outwards, the key will usually have to be turned both clockwise and counter-clockwise to free the operating stem from the door's latching mechanism. Wiggling things with the key turned in the lock will allow the lock to eventually pull free and be removed from the door. There is a plastic type grommet under the handle and the lock that will require a little manipulation to get theings apart.

The exterior door handle should now be loose in the door, pull it slightly rearward and then lift the rear out and then the front's hook rearward/outward freeing the handle from the door.

Thanks Larry-

The problem was I couldn't get it back together after ward without reversing the proceedure. The lever inside needed to be pushed a bit to get the outside handle to engage.

But it's done .. thanks!

Wish it was that easy on my electrical gremlin.

M