spyked

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?

spyked

nothing?

global33

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...

spyked

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?

Uncle

Both of mine broke, about 6 months apart. There was absolutely no misuse. Poor design, material choice, and repair option.

global33

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.

Uncle

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.

Carsy

Hello Uncle ,

Are you working undercover ?

Where are you from ?

Cheers, John/

corkshoppe

big problem with w203's as well, but $35 bucks to fix! poor location!

Uncle

Not undercover Carsy, from South Louisiana. Cajun County

Sportstick

We folks of a "certain age" might have thought you were the Man from UNCLE....Napoleon Solo, Ilya Kuryakin, et.al.!! If you're a kid in your 40s or younger, you might have to look them up!

Uncle

I remember them well, no need to look them up. Great program.