Hi, I would like to know what needs to be done in order to remove the external driver's side 1986 300E front door handle and locking mechanism.

I see there is one hidden screw on the outside bellow the front of the handle when I pull it out to open the door. Last night I successfully removed the inside door cover but it's really hard to get a good look to the area where the handle is attached from the inside.

Has anyone done this procedure to remove the handle that could give me some insight? Or maybe point me to a step by step guide? I've searched the web (google) and this forum but have not found any articles/posts dealing with this particular procedure.

Thanks.
-Alex

Not a very useful forum this is, didn't get a single response to a topic that it seems now should be rather simple to answer.

But in the spirit of cooperation and for the benefit of future readers, just learned this from the 72-240 sheet of the service manual:

There is a 3mm Allen screw under a small cover on the side of the door that needs to be loosened 4-5 turns, then insert the key and rotate it 60 degrees to the right (same direction as locking), and then you can pull out the whole lock and tumbler assembly towards the back of the car. Removing the handle after that is then very simple by grabbing it and pushing it also towards the back of the car. No need to remove the door cover at all.

-Alex

Sorry no one got back to you right away, but timing is everything, and the people who know must not have seen your post as quickly as you needed an answer. There are many, many good knowledgeable people here who will usually go out of their way to help anyone out. You will see if you hang around.

__________________
95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

Hi Pete, yeah I guess you're right. Got a little frustrated when I saw how my post got buried seemingly unnoticed in such a short time. Anyway thanks and I'll be around.

-Alex