Been going on for over a year now, the rear driver's side door will not open. I have tried everything obvious. I have tried with a bit of force. I have tried spraying some lube.

Here's where it gets weird: the control panel seems to not work. The reclining rear seat is in the forward position and won't go back.
I checked all the fuses in under the passenger rear seat, and they checked out fine. I checked power, and they all have power, including and especially the suspect fuse, F72.

I've searched other threads on this, and mercedes' unreliable door actuator seems the likely culprit.

I have found these links:
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post7165118

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/w2...issue.3061099/

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/w2...panel.1581788/

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/st...-s430.2756977/

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post8932838

I haven't tried the WD40 and pushing method, I will try that in due time.

In the meantime if someone has another suggestion, it's starting to get desperate.

Most people have to destroy the inner door panel to reach the actuating mechanism. Fortunately, the inner door panel is not very expensive on eBay

that will change in the future as parts supplies dry up.

You're going to have to open the door and see what's going on. Likely your door actuator is seized and has to be replaced. I did this last summer and I'm not going to lie, it is not fun. You have to be patient and careful not to break things but the good news is there are a lot of videos which will walk you through the process.

The panel not working makes me think there might be damage from whatever broke in there that hit those wires, but there is no way to know without opening up the panel.

I managed to get the door open after several years, and the solution was so stupid it hurts.

Basically exactly what this guy did:


I used the passenger side door to find where the latch mechanism sits (relative to the outside). Went with a spray can of kroil and inserted the straw approximately there. Gave a spray. Door instantly opened.
Like instantly, not "oh with some fussing". No. Instantly. If you have a stuck door, first try this. I've now gone ahead and lubed all the door latch mechanisms with some lithium grease.

Do the trunk latch and hinges as well.

Rear passenger on my S430 hasn't opened in 2 years 🫤

Try what I suggested. I recommend Kroil, but WD40 or a different penetrant would also work.