Got this today from a friend who has contacts at Mercedes Benz, it's a test guide for the door handle on Mercedes Xentry diagnostics.
I've sent off an email to MB, I'll let you know the outcome when I get it.

 

Hi, same issue here too with new Mercedes handle for driver side (front) of my 2005 E55 Wagon (see package label scan below).

There is no question that on the new part, which I tested with a DVM, the pull (open) switch engages the (nominal values) 470 ohm resistor, and the push (lock) engages the 300 ohm resistor, which is the reverse of what it is supposed to be, and the result is indeed that the open/closed functions are thus reversed. I pulled the old non-functioning handle apart—lots of corrosion inside—and found the two "old-school" discrete axial resistors (guessing 1/8W high precision type). This confirmed that the problem with the new part is that the resistors were installed swapped. I wondered briefly if the connector wires were reversed but from other posts/threads here, the simple two switch, two resistor circuit has no polarity.

I'm going to live with this odd arrangement... for now. It's clear this cannot be fixed in the external wiring, and it appears from posts above there is some skepticism from M-B that this is in fact a manufacturing error.

Will be interested to see what transpires. Is it too much to expect that M-B will eventually acknowledge/confirm there was an issue with a certain batch of parts, and they would then issue free replacements (with appropriate proof-of-purchase)?

Doesn't say much for the QC procedures with the OE supplier! Perhaps someone loaded the production rig with the strips (rolls) of resistors in the wrong order—if so there have to be quite a lot of these back-a$$ward handles out there!

 

Hi, same issue here too with new Mercedes handle for driver side (front) of my 2005 E55 Wagon (see package label scan below).

There is no question that on the new part, which I tested with a DVM, the pull (open) switch engages the (nominal values) 470 ohm resistor, and the push (lock) engages the 300 ohm resistor, which is the reverse of what it is supposed to be, and the result is indeed that the open/closed functions are thus reversed. I broke into the original "dead" handle—lots of corrosion inside—and found the two "old-school" discrete axial resistors (see pic below). The 5-band color code shows they are indeed 470Ω & 300Ω, both 1% tolerance, and the Lock (470Ω) resistor (on left in mage) is the one nearer to the microswitches/rear of the handle, the Unlock (300Ω) resistor (on right in image) is nearer to the connector end/front This strongly suggests that the problem with the new part is almost certainly that the resistors were installed swapped. I wondered briefly if the connector wires were reversed, but on seeing from other posts/threads here it is just a floating two-wire output (no third ground/return connection), it has no polarity. So swapping the wires on the connector, or any external additions (that wouldn't be insane), can't fix this...

I'm going to live with this odd arrangement... for now, as 1. it cannot be fixed with simple mods to the accessible wiring, and 2. it appears from posts above there may be some skepticism to overcome from M-B shops and maybe corporate CS that this is in fact a manufacturing error.

Will be interested to see what transpires. Is it too much to expect that M-B will eventually acknowledge/confirm there was an issue with a certain batch of parts, and they would then issue free replacements (with appropriate proof-of-purchase)?

Doesn't say much for the QC procedures with the OE supplier! Perhaps someone loaded the production rig with the strips (rolls) of resistors in the wrong order—in which there have to be quite a lot of these back-a$$ward handles out there.

Thread: Reverse Controls Keyless Go Reply to Thread
Logged in as BarryJB
Title:

Both labels on the new handle bag


Resistors (both 1%) revealed in old dead handle: On left, lock 470Ω. On right, unlock 300Ω

 

Hello Barry. Welcome. And thank you for your post.
I've been trying to reverse the vires in the plug, and it didn't help to solve the problem. As you mention "It has no polarity".
Now when we start to get the same feedback from more and more people the situation becomes clear.
Hope some MB employees will find this topic and comment on the situation.
Here is the vid where I reverse wires.

 

Hi Barry,
As Jacob says, thank you for your informative post.
The more people that come forward strengthens the point that it is now beyond doubt there is/was a fault in the manufacturing process of these handles.
I'm looking forward to the response from MBUK and if needed will provide them with a link to this thread.

 

Hi to Everyone.
Today I've installed the eBay door handle on the car and it works properly! Finally! Thank you to everyone. TOGETHER WE WERE ABLE TO PINPOINT THIS ISSUE.
Here I filmed the video of how I tested the used eBay door handle.

 

Hi Jacob,
I'd be interested to know what your dealer/ part supplier says when you return the faulty handle.

Cheers
Chris.

 

I've contact them yesterday via email. And put the link to this topic.
And they just say ok. They didn't comment on the situation. In the USA you can return almost everything with the reason "I just don't like it" or "I don't need it anymore" "It doesn't fit". Here we have "It's defective". = something even more serious.
The companies rather will take a loss than make the client upset. They not every company, but most of them. I feel bad for them, but I hope the MB will reimburse them for the all losses. Also so far not sure if I need to pay for the back shipment. I'll update when I'll receive the refund.
Anyway, imagine the situation you already painted the handle, pay the Bodyshop for the labor, and later discover it works backward. Likely I've tested it before.
I've been ordered from this parts store a few items. All was perfect: The prices, Fast delivery, OEM genuine parts. Basically, this situation is not the fault of any parts store. It is the manufacturing fault.
I wish problems like this were the biggest problems with the car ever).



Response from the parts specialist. (I hide the person's name for privacy purposes.)

 

Dear Mr #######

Mercedes-Benz Model: E-Class E 500
Chassis No: ###############
Registration: #####

Thank you for contacting Mercedes-Benz Customer Service regarding an issue with your keyless door handle. I am sorry to hear of the issues that you are having. As I was unable to reach you by phone today I thought it best to follow up here in writing to outline our investigation.

After reaching out to Mercedes-Benz of Stratford-Upon-Avon our Retailer has explained to me that they investigated the fault and spent a long time working through various options. They purchased another handle as they have believed the fault was within the handle itself, but this did not cure the issue. Next, they advised that it was potentially a wiring issue or software issue and that they could continue to investigate the nature of this, but would charge per hour for the time taken. I understand that you declined this option.

Mercedes-Benz Customer Service cannot raise a Technical case and this would need to come from one of our Retailers Technicians to do this after all options have been explored. Until they have exhausted the diagnosis path put forward this cannot be raised. Mercedes-Benz of Stratford-Upon-Avon would need to get your authorisation to continue diagnosis at their set labour rates.

While I understand this may not be the outcome you had hoped for, that would be the next step to take for Mercedes-Benz to provide any further assistance on this issue.

If you are unhappy with this final decision or feel this matter is unresolved, you can seek advice with a CTSI Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution provider, including The Motor Ombudsman who may be able to resolve your complaint in appropriate circumstances. Details can be found at www.themotorombudsman.org, or alternatively their telephone number is 0345 241 3008 selecting option 1.

Should you have any further requirements please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely

 

Looks like the MB dealer doesn't really want to recognize this problem. That is sweet. More than that they want you to pay for the diagnostics.

Now I understand a little bit more THIS GUY:

 

I feel his pain, and I'm sure the dealer would be over the moon if I took that approach!
I can't believe MB didn't pass this on to their technical department, it would take 5 minutes with someone who knew what they were looking at to see the blatantly obvious!
But if MB wants me to waste everybody's time and money I will, because at the end of the day I'll be claiming all the diagnostic charges back from the dealer, who in turn will claim it back from MB.
So as my hand is being forced I'll book it in again, I'm sure the dealer will be delighted

 

Well, good luck my friend. I wish the dealer finally will accept the fact that the replacement part is defective.
I finish my "door handle project " yesterday. Installed that used eBay door handle after Bodyshop has repainted it.
By the way, did you send them the link to this topic? Interesting, what they will say on that.

 

Hi Jacob,
No, I didn't include a link, but it won't get to anyone technical unless it comes from a dealer!
It's their loss!

 

Hi all,
new member here, felt that I need to register here specifically for this thread. Am from Germany but living on the east coast of the US for ~10y. Am mostly active in a German Mercedes forum.

Anyway....I have the exact same problem, too. My 2007 CLK 350 (C209) also uses the W211 handle and I observed the same behavior. A quick internet search revealed this great thread. See a photo attached of my first handle that has the problem. I then went back to the local MB parts guy and he ordered a new handle for me. Today I picked it up and went to the service manager to do the resistance test and I also showed him the screenshot from the Star Diagnosis test instructions above. At first he was a bit grumpy but he then did the test for me and confirmed that the new handle has the same incorrect behavior. But he also mentioned that this screenshot is not matching what he is seeing in his software and that it's not the correct test and I would need to bring in the car to really test this, etc., etc. But it sounded more like excuses to me.

So I will go back to the parts guy (which I know very well) and return the second handle to get a refund and ask him if there is a process to report faulty parts batches. I will also ask the guys in my German forum if they know who is producing those handles and if there is a way to figure out which batch was affected, etc.

Also...I saw that one of you had posted a video on how to open the handle. So I wanted to know if there is a realistic chance to open the handle without destroying it, swapping the two resistors and putting it back together? I would prefer doing that vs. getting a used handle from eBay which then might break again soon, esp. if I would need to (re-)paint it before installing it. Not fixing my handle at all is not really an option....I hate having to get the key out of my pocket. :-) Keyless Go is really a cool feature.

Thanks,

Sven


Bad handle #1

 

Guten Tag.
Yes, this problem continues to appear here and there.
To be honest with you. Trying to change the resistors inside the door handle is a bad idea. You will destroy all inside in order to get to the resistors (it is molded inside the plastic). It will become a nightmare.
My advice: Find a good used door handle. Focus on the condition of the rubber around the inner button and push button. If the resin is in a good shape = no water is there = no corrosion = will last a long time.
I've done the same. It works already 3d months. No issues.
Good luck.

 

Hi,

so 4 months later, I have now in total ordered 3 used handles from eBay, all "tested and fully working" according to the website. Only to find out that none of them had both buttons working once installed. So I returned all of them and luckily got all my money refunded.
But this week, I gave it another try and ordered the handle again at the local MB parts counter. He saw two handles available, one in the New Jersey warehouse and one in California warehouse. He picked the California one and....it's working!! And not not only that, he was suddenly able to order one of the (older) handles that come pre-painted (those ones have the 4-digit color code at the end). Those were not supposed to be sold anymore, the new handles all come in primer coating only and have to be painted manually. :-)

Greetings,

Schoerny