Mercedes W123 300D Door Handle & Trunk Lock Removal Install

After I swapped in the ignition switch from the parts car, I need to swap out the door handles and truck lock from the parts car so the key matches.

[@kayakesq]

On some w123s there is a 3rd Phillips screw, located on the backside of the door handle ( inside the door) that needs to be accessed by removing the door panel. Easy to do once you know. few minutes. Takes me longer to empty the pocket. Your video was helpful. thanks.

[@astrasfo]

Very nice video - clearly shows the handle mechanism. I am currently unable to unlock or lock my W126 '85 300SD with a key on the driver's door handle. The key turns but without grabbing the locking mechanism inside the door. I must unlock/lock with a key in the passenger side door handle. Or, I can lock all doors by pushing down on the inside door lock on the driver's door panel. This happened without warning or obvious cause. Apparently the locking shaft inside the driver's outside door handle has disengaged. Is this a common issue with an easy solution? All other locks, etc. work flawlessly on the car, including the vacuum system.

[@danialk8387]

Good video. Helpful. Thanks

[@mjmcomputers]

Glad it helped!

[@williamgrissom9022]

Thanks, since that black plastic cover wasn't obvious on my black car, appearing as a sheet-metal bulge. My 1985 300D has a 3rd Phillips screw on the fwd side of the handle. You must remove the door panel to get it. Must do that anyway because there is also a little motorized assembly on the key shaft which much be unplugged inside the door (2 release fingers which are hard to get at). It has 3 -terminals in the connector, perhaps lock, unlock, and com. My guess is it is used to lock the doors when the seat-belt tensioner actuates (as bumpers are hit hard?), though perhaps it unlocks the door so someone outside could extract you. I only removed the driver's door handle so unsure about the others. That was to repair sheet-metal damage after a thief pried above the lock with a flat screwdriver to open the door. The trick to removing the door panel is to knock it upward to release the inner fingers on the plastic bin, after prying slightly to pop loose the plastic push-pins and remove the handle, lock releases, and stainless latch trim (youtubes)

[@mjmcomputers]

Odd I’ve never run across any with anything like that on the handle assembly. Maybe some optional feature?

[@williamgrissom9022]

@@mjmcomputers The 1985 300D began many components which continued on later sedans. Another example is the KLIMA AC relay and "blue saucer" vacuum amplifier for the transmission modulator. My CA model is even more different, with a catalytic converter on the exhaust (required other changes like air filter, heat shields, and even AC hoses) and has the 1986+ transmission. I also have a 1984 so can compare. I removed the other door handles. The passenger door lock has the same small electrical actuator but the rear doors don't. If time, I'll make a youtube showing all the trim removal tricks I found in prepping to paint the outside and door jambs.