My window does not operate properly and would like some help in the form of detailed instructions on removing driver door panel on a 1987 300SDL.

Thank You derick

126 door panel, piece of cake.

Unscrew the lock knob. On the outer trailing edge of the window surround is a very small phillips head screw, remove it and lift up on the inner trim piece. You also have to remove the two phillips screws that retain the striker trim piece, a chrome u-shaped piece at the door latch. Gently pry out the black plastic insert behind the inside door latch handle and remove the phillips head screw. That will allow you to move/remove the leading piece of trim, which will gain you access to a large phillips head screw that retains the upper portion of the arm rest.

Next remove the two phillips head screws that are accessed from the botton of the arm rest. Arm rest should now come off. There is also a small phillips head screw or two at the lower edge of the panel that need to be removed. Now you should be able to simply push straight up on the panel and it should come loose. Do not try prying ourward on the panel as there are "cam" levers that pull the panel tight to the door when it is pressed down into place.

There will be a couple electrical connections for the courtesy light, the seat adjustment switch is attached to the steel of the door and will not come out with the panel. The only other thing you should have to remove to access the regulator/sliding jaw is the moisture barrier. Be sure to use care when removing the barrier and reinstall on assembly.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

First check that the switch is okay. If you have to remove the door panel, it's something like this:

- pull the lever as if opening the door from the inside
- pry off the plastic cover behind the lever
- remove the screw behind the plastic cover
- pry off the lever trim and slide it down the door handle
- pry off the seat control panel
- disconnect the wire terminal
- remove the upper door handle screw
- remove the two lower door handle screws
- remove the door handle
- remove the striker chrome trim
- pry off the door jamb light
- disconnect the wire terminal
- unscrew the door lock button
- lift the door panel a couple of inches; be sure to clear the lever
- the door panel should be free of the door

I don't think there is any window trim in the way in the front doors.

Peel the plastic off carefully so you can reuse it.

When reinstalling the door panel, make sure all the clips go into their pockets and align the door lock rod with the hole.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

You beat me to it and provided some good shortcuts, Mike.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD