AkaSigFreak

I just got these from Jerry at formymercedes.com http://formymercedes.com/mb_results....Door+Lock+Pins
They were listed under the w203 and the CLK but they looked just like the European Mercedes pins I just got so I figured I'd try them. PERFECT FIT and I love them.
Of course they don't fit the rear pins due to the integrated cable but at least the fronts don't stick up anymore.
I just ordered the Aluminum surrounds. Should have got them in the first place.
BTW pics do NOT do them justice.

dalazernet

How do the front ones go on - does it require removal of the door panels?

Too bad the rears are so darn difficult. I'm surprised at Mercedes for this one actually -- whats so hard about them all being twist off? Or at least the same type?

AkaSigFreak

NO panel removal for fronts. Just unscrew BY HAND. I wore my mechanics gloves so I could grip them better. When I installed the old plastic pins I wrapped my vice grips with a towel to prevent damage but the plastic is so soft it ruined them anyway. I think it took me less than 1 minute to replace both.

narky

Do you mind posting a step-by-step list of instructions? Appreciate it!

I think formymercedes just might have a mad rush of orders for this item... The door pins don't bother me that much, but just enough to warrant a switch.

AkaSigFreak

1. Put on gloves
2. Put key in ignition and roll down window
3. Unscrew oem pin by turning counter-clockwise (righty tighty/lefty loosey)
4. Put old pin down
5. Pick up New Aluminum Pin
6. Place pin on lock shaft
7. Screw on new pin by turning clockwise
8. Take off gloves
9. Roll up window
10 Enjoy

Jerry said the Surrounds were harder to install. He said they have thread-like ribs that hold them in place and can difficult to remove and install. I'll take my time and be careful.
I know I'm an A$$- I don't care

Hazemonster

Shouldn't we do step two BEFORE step one?

Good find..thanks for sharing.

$60 + shipping for two door pins and surrounds is a bit much though.

AkaSigFreak

I wear my gloves All the time. It makes me feel "sporty" like a race car driver

narky

Thanks. I didn't realize it was a simple unscrew-screw ordeal. I'm a semi-moron. I thought the process was a little more involved, but I guess that was just the back pins? I keep hearing about people snapping off pins and such... didn't wanna do that.



*** WARNING *** BELOW

On the gloves though:

http://www.silverstaroutfitters.com/...d=4945&cid=154

or

http://www.silverstaroutfitters.com/...m?NewSession=1

I'm thinking of ordering one of the above. Can't decide which one. I, too, always have liked wearing gloves while driving--kinda makes me feel old school racer.

Or I'll just wear the motorcycle gloves that I have:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...love_Black.jpg

But the bike gloves are kinda thick and overkill. I shoulda gotten the perforated version (for ventilation), but I thought all those holes would compromise the structural integrity of the glove, decreasing its value in the case of a fall (while on the bike). At least it has nice and strong knuckle pads, just in case I have to get out and punch someone in the face while driving my M-B.

AkaSigFreak

Sorry Narky. You do realize I was just kidding. Those are sweet driving gloves though.

narky

Yeaaaahhh... of COURSE I knew that!

I kinda never grew up. Gloves are cool. I'm gonna start wearing my bike gloves starting today... until I get a set of thinner ones.

Ron Jr

I stopped wearing driving gloves in the early 80 when I stpped driving MG's.

narky

When I was in middle/high school, my dream car was an MG roadster. And a driving glove with those roadsters just fit quite right. I guess that's why I still like driving gloves...

micropower99

The chrome ones on the formymercedes site looks pretty good. It's like that chrome AMG pins that guy on the forums put on a while ago except these don't have the AMG logo on them.

micropower99

Maybe something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...spagenameZWDVW

Except if buying on ebay we have to make sure the chrome locks are not cheap thin plastic.

RickP330

Just please tell me that the threaded rod doesn't fall inside behind the door panel when you take the knob off.....
RP

AkaSigFreak

No. It doesn't fall inside the door. It is as simple as it sounds.

narky

Stupid question: these lock pins you've installed are actually metal/aluminum, and not just aluminum-look plastic, right?

AkaSigFreak

They are REAL Aluminum with a somewhat brushed finish. I am not sure what the chrome versions are made of. Jerry sells nice stuff so I almost definite they are NOT plastic. Besides- what kind of idiots would put plastic lock pins in a German Luxury car?

Azn_C300

haha, this is funny cause I was thinking of getting driving gloves and driving shoes....

Azn_C300

hmm, if w209 pins fit, then I'll probably have to pick up a pair of the chrome pins and surrounds. Be sure to post how hard the surrounds are to replace

micropower99

Yea, I'm just going to wait to see how hard the surroundings are to replace. If their not too difficult (doesn't involve taking the door apart) then I'm going to get the chrome pins and surroundings from formymercedes.com (Hopefully they aren't plastic chrome plated)

narky

ehh.. the guys that manufactured the car?

I already have the driving shoes.

My gf bought em for me when she went to Vegas w/ her friends. Ferrari F1 team shoes wannabes. Puma-made.

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c..._2006_12901888

I only wear em when I wanna feel like a pro. I'm looking for a Mercedes team shoe because... well, I don't have a Ferrari. Yet.

Azn_C300

You're lucky...my gf openly mocked me when I pointed out driving shoes to her....this coming from someone who has like 20 gazillion pair of shoes for any occasion :p

AkaSigFreak

I've got 3 pairs of Puma Speed Cats (the suede ones) and a pair of Piloti Monacos.
http://piloti.com/
Freakin great driving shoes. No body knows about Piloti- thats why I love them.

narky

I've worn Pilotis before. Nice, proper driving shoes. The pedal feel and such with them are great! Highly recommended.

The Pumas I have are actually street shoes that look like driving shoes. They took the F1 team shoes and beefed up the bottom a bit so that they can be used for streetwear, but they do the job all right. Soles are still thinner than most street shoes (dress or casual).

The key with these shoes is the rounded heel area that allows for easy pedal action.