interior grab handle/pull handle replacement on the Coupe
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
W201
interior grab handle/pull handle replacement on the Coupe
Dear All,
I have a 2004 pre-facelift Coupe. I want to replace the interior grab handles (pull handles) on the doors but I'm unable take them off. Actually I don't have the replacement grab handles yet. I have idea what the part number would be, but I want to check for sure and get the color code as well before I order new ones (if I can get them at all...).
Door panel removing is OK, that is covered. But removing, replacing the handle... there are videos and threads about how to do it on the Sedan, but the Coupe is different. I've removed some screws from the handle, but one still holds it in place (at the lower, thicker end of it). And the head of that screw is not accessible. I have a suspicion that the handle itself might have to be taken apart. W203 Sedan owners has to take off the "cover" of the handle when they want to remove the door card. On the Coupe there's no need for that. But maybe you can do and supposed to do that on the Coupe too, if you want to separate the handle from the door panel? Can someone confirm this is the case?
I'm worried about trying to take off the handle cover without knowing that it's designed for that. It is very prone the scratches and damages. I've tried it quite gently with plastic trim removal tools but still did some damage to it, without sign of any success (it didn't look like it would come apart). I don't want to break it or damage it further because I may not be able to get new ones. I need to know that it is the genuine way of the handle removal...
Can someone tell the secret?
I have a 2004 pre-facelift Coupe. I want to replace the interior grab handles (pull handles) on the doors but I'm unable take them off. Actually I don't have the replacement grab handles yet. I have idea what the part number would be, but I want to check for sure and get the color code as well before I order new ones (if I can get them at all...).
Door panel removing is OK, that is covered. But removing, replacing the handle... there are videos and threads about how to do it on the Sedan, but the Coupe is different. I've removed some screws from the handle, but one still holds it in place (at the lower, thicker end of it). And the head of that screw is not accessible. I have a suspicion that the handle itself might have to be taken apart. W203 Sedan owners has to take off the "cover" of the handle when they want to remove the door card. On the Coupe there's no need for that. But maybe you can do and supposed to do that on the Coupe too, if you want to separate the handle from the door panel? Can someone confirm this is the case?
I'm worried about trying to take off the handle cover without knowing that it's designed for that. It is very prone the scratches and damages. I've tried it quite gently with plastic trim removal tools but still did some damage to it, without sign of any success (it didn't look like it would come apart). I don't want to break it or damage it further because I may not be able to get new ones. I need to know that it is the genuine way of the handle removal...
Can someone tell the secret?
Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 151
Likes: 7
From: Carbondale Illinois
2002 mercedes c230 kompressor coupe (CL203)
on my 2002 c230 that last screw was under a little plastic plug directly under the end of the handle kinda in the part that you cant see from a normal seated position. check there for it and whatever you do dont pull hard because the absolute buffon who had my car before me just ripped it off and broke it 
Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 151
Likes: 7
From: Carbondale Illinois
2002 mercedes c230 kompressor coupe (CL203)
nopee, unfortunately theyre just broken now so I have to close the door by pulling ok the lip by the window as to not rip the panel off every time. I havent got a clue how to fix it especially when more plastic breaks every time I remove it
Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 151
Likes: 7
From: Carbondale Illinois
2002 mercedes c230 kompressor coupe (CL203)
if you were asking just about taking it off then yes, theres a plug and screw below the handle, one behind the airbag label thing, and the one by the latch. Besides those its all those damn clips
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 49
w203cl
Sorry, my question was the interior handle only not the whole panel. It was available as a part A2038101251 (right) A2038101951 but looks like discontinued. So in general it must have been changeable.
Last edited by 112233; Sep 17, 2024 at 07:46 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
W201
If your handle starts looking ugly, I see three possible ways:
1. remove the rubber paint completely and have it repainted (but no rubber painting)
2. remove the rubber paint completely without doing any kind of damage to the plastic under that (no idea how to do that), and use it without the painting
3. replace it with a new part
"A2038101251" is right side, but "A2038101951" is left side. The corresponding right side is "A2038102051" I think.
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
