Door not closing

[turbocefiro]

Hi guys, what's responsible for the left front door on my E430 '99 not closing normally? I have to slam it really hard.

[Check Codes]

Check first to see if the door hinges are loose, open the door, have someone lift it up and down while you look at the hinges first to see if they are secure and second to see if there is play in them (worn out). If that's okay then check the door strike to be sure it is secure, last but not least make sure it's in alignment with the latch mechanism. And of course lube the latch mechanism.

And turbo if you don't mind please click user cp and add your vehicle and location to your profile as that's often useful information.

[raymond-]

my brother's 00 E320 suffered from same ailment for 3 yrs even after visits to
the dealer. when he went to Kabul, I was left to care for the car. one day,
apparently nothing better to do, I pulled out a large Torx bit and loosened the
two fasteners on the door strike. i moved the strike a hair towards the out-
side of the door. it now closes with normal effort.

bear in mind that this adjustment requires a careful balance. the adjustment
to the strike can be made too far/much that the door loses positive contact
with the door switch....which controls the dome light, alarm, door locks, etc.

so keep an eye on strike plate and door switch and balance any tweaks so
that all systems continue to function properly.

i'm not concluding that my fix is suitable for your anomaly. something like this
can be initiated when the door is slammed against an obstruction like the
metal end of a seat belt, or some other.

in the end....just a possible cause/effect for you to consider

[turbocefiro]

Thanks, I will look into what you both suggest. I will also update my profile, that's certainly not a problem.

[turbocefiro]

Thanks guys for the advice, it was indeed the striker, had it adjusted today and the door is now closing fine, we adjusted it slightly outward and it worked!!