Just joined this forum because I just inherited an 86' 300e which I am really excited about (even though I have owned Saabs and Jags in the past, please don't hold that against me)

The problem is that it sat for 25 years and I cannot get any of the doors open but I did get trunk open. I have the original "Reserve" blade, it fits into the doors, I got it to turn in both front doors, the locks are popping up,.......but the handles do not open the door. I have lubed the hell out of them but handles dont seem to have any resistance to them.

From what I have been reading sounds like broken linkage in both, maybe from just sitting? Original owner said the locks did work when he parked it.

Being a new MB owner I would appreciate any help I can get. Thank you so much!

Try applying vacuum to the trunk release vacuum hose or the gas filler door lock inside the trunk. Apply vacuum to lock and unlock them.

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Thanks, I have been reading about this. The knob is going up and down on both doors with the key, but do you think that is not a true sign of being unlocked and vacuum may really unlock them? Thanks for responding so quickly!

Tough to say for sure but I would definitely try vacuum cycling the lock system open/close a few times.

I'm guessing you've given the doors a real tug in case the seals are stuck...???

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

It happened on my 190D on occasions but not on all 4 doors. The problem is the latch got stuck and does not release. It has been sitting for a long time. The door will open from the inside, if you can get inside through 1 door.

You can try using a rubber mallet and bang on the part on top of the car handle where the latches are. Making sure the knobs are all in the up position and bang the door gently. It may work. Or if you can put a long wire through a window slot ( if possible) and pull the inside release of the opposite door. Good luck.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

Thanks for the wire idea!

Have you tried pulling really, really hard on door while trying to open?

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Jim