SL/R230 2005 SL500 R230 Door handle Replacement

03-03-2013, 01:19 AM

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groves73

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2007 CL550, 2005 SL500, 1984 380SL 1985 Mustang GT

2005 SL500 R230 Door handle Replacement

I searched but could not find how to remove the exterior door handle on my sl. I took on the project today and it took me way too long so I want to post a simple how to to save somebody some time.

first DO NOT REMOVE THE DOOR PANEL.
Remove the metal end cap on the door panel. seven screws.
pull back the weatherstrip at the top rear of the door but dont remove. the lower portion fits into the upper portion.
there will be a T20 screw recessed in a hole. undo it all the way. it looks to be in a casing so it wont fall out into the door so just leave it there. no need to remove it from the door
pull the lock piece out and let it hang. tape up the exterior of the door to avoid scratches
pull the handle out and toward the rear of the car. it made a loud snap when it released from the interior parts. it should all pull out
unplug the connector from the front of the handle
connect the new handle and tuck the wires in so they are not in the way. put the gasket on first
the handle slides in from the back to the front. not just straight in.
put the lock piece back in and tighten the screw back.
replace the metal end cap back and you are done. this piece needs to be back for the handle to work or it wont know the door is shut. this part took me about 30 minutes to figure out why it was not working properly

Good luck