[mountainredneck]

guys, got some issues inside my doors that need att. what is the procedure for removing door panels from the 123 chassis? please advise if different for the rear doors. thanks

 

[79Mercy]

Not I don't think there is. Remove all the chrome plates on the door(around the inner door handle), remove the handle, reomve the door lock stud, pry out the window switch, and then pry the door panel off just like the front. This is how I thknk it is removed not 100% sure because I have a coupe.

 

[JamieK]

Be careful of the door pocket on the front doors. It has a tab that slips into a hole in the door itself, so after you pry the outer edges of the door panel loose, you have to lift and rotate so the tab will release. Don't worry, it just sounds harder than it is. But be careful; it's very easy to break.

Jamie

 

[mountainredneck]

so, is it like a 124? once hardware is removed do you lift up then out? or is it like a GM car and you pry the panel away from the door? hence needing new clips because they always break.

 

[123 Benz]

The pics at the end of both post 1 and 2 show the clip locations. You need to login to see the pics.

DIY 300TD (w123) Door Panel Removal - Schuman Automotive /Forums

 

[MBeige]

Be careful of the door pocket on the front doors. It has a tab that slips into a hole in the door itself, so after you pry the outer edges of the door panel loose, you have to lift and rotate so the tab will release. Don't worry, it just sounds harder than it is. But be careful; it's very easy to break.

Jamie

Agreed, this took a whole hour because I didn't want to break mine and couldn't figure it out...

Putting it back on is a whole new issue. I couldn't get the tab to clip onto the door...

 

[rrgrassi]

Lets not forget the phillips head scew that holds the top of the arm rest on all but the driver's door.

 

[MBeige]

Oh yeah, don't forget that one. Actually on lower models (from other countries perhaps0 with the armrest having no diagonal part, it's like the driver door. But ours have this feature except the driver's door.

 

[Nardo]

yes all i can say is be very careful about trying to remove it as the door pocket clip can be a bit of trouble. you almost have to give it a good thump with the palm of you hand upwards (and to the left) to release it from its location. do not try to pull it forwards or try to pry it away with a screwdriver or similar impliament. you will break it. patience and a little application is needed.

 

[p100]

I recently removed and reinstalled the driver's side panel on mine. There is a screw under the black cover under the inner door handle. Pry the plastic cover carefully by inserting a flat bladed screwdriver under the edge on one side.

The clips around the edge of the panel are just like GM car slips - they need to be pried out, preferably gently with a special removal tool (available at all parts stores).

The front of the door map pocket is retained by a special L shaped clip, which is a part of the door panel and cannot be replaced if you break it. All other clips are replaceable. The L clip is dislodged by moving the panel straight up, slightly rotating it, after all other clips and screw are loose or removed.

Re-installation is a little more tedious as you have to slip the L clip into the slot. But once you see how it is shaped, you'll figure out a good way to get it there. First insert the L clip, then worry about everything else.

I did not break my L clip! But I did ask hot to remove the panel without breaking it.

 

[SoundFlick]

I just want to thank everyone who posted on this thread. I had a regulator issue on the front passenger door of our sedan.

I used a paint scraper to pop out all of the clips, without breaking any. (It was a lot easier than most made it sound.)

I actually got it all back together after fixing my problem without breaking a single piece. That must be a personal record, for which I owe thanks to those who have posted their solutions here.