Broken interior door handles - preventable?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 583
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2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
Broken interior door handles - preventable?
Hi all. I've noticed that some W204 owners have complained of broken interior door handles that result in a very expensive fix (apparently entire door panel needs to be replaced).
* Is there a way to prevent them from breaking? Squirting some lithium or silicone spray into the handle hinge or something?
* Is there a way to prevent them from breaking? Squirting some lithium or silicone spray into the handle hinge or something?
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 107
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2011 C300 4matic sport
I've noticed this issue across several MB forums online, including Germany. There's an apparent poor choice of material of a connection part between the handle and the cable pull mechanism. The cheap plastic eventually breaks and renders the handle useless. Many DIYers come up with a solution by replacing the small part with a homemade metal version. I don't see how this issue would be preventable with any sort of sprays or such. I'm not looking forward to the day my handle will inevitably break, too...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 583
Likes: 24
2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
Thanks for the reply. Sort of makes me wonder if the W204 is a car for the long-term. I mean, when W204 production stops soon, the door panels will surely stop being produced as well. How many spares do we expect MB to keep on hand over the next decade?
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 107
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2011 C300 4matic sport
No question, someone made a poor choice of design and material when it comes to this particular issue. On the other hand, the W204 as a whole has proven to be a mostly solid car and the issues I can see so far across forums and from my own experience are rather minor in nature and usually fixable. The question of replacement parts availability is not an issue at all; MB will always have parts. Just look at the "Classic Center" MB runs in California, they either have parts for virtually any MB ever made or know exactly where to get them, or in the absence of that, they can build a part to order as needed. I still consider the W204 a long-termer and I'm sure there will be plenty of them driving around 20 years from now, still looking and running great.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 71
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2010 C300
I do like my 204, but I hope all is now sorted. This is after: 1) both door handles 2) Both front struts 3) Power steering pump 4) Center console radio control 5) Lots of bulbs and a few other things.
MB should have a repair kit for the doors; i.e. a new handle and pin. Ridiculous to have to change the entire door card to the tune of $600+ USD.
MB should have a repair kit for the doors; i.e. a new handle and pin. Ridiculous to have to change the entire door card to the tune of $600+ USD.
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