Hello all, I had to replace the outer door handle on my 2005 SL55 as the keyless Go button had failed (the rubber was ripping on the micro switch). I searched all over for a DIY to no avail. I took a few pic's while replacing the door handle hopefully this will help someone else.

1) Remove the trim panel which covers the rear section of the door. There are 5 or 6 small torx bits holding this to the door:



2) carefully pry the upper section of the door weatherstrip out of the door:



Now remove the Toex bit residing in the access hole in the door which was covered by the weathestrip:



Now pull the door handle out slightly while simultaneously working/pulling the door lock out and towards the rear of the door. It will dislodge from the locking mechanism within the door:



PLEASE NOTE: In the pic above the door handle is removed and hanging. This pic is for illustrative purposes only. At this point in the disassembly your door handle will still be attached to the door.

Disconnect the electrical connector to the door lock and remove completely.

Now pull the door handle towards the rear of the door and out. This will remove the door handle from the door.

If your car is equipped with KeylessGo you will have electrical wires protruding from the front of the door handle into the door. The connector to the handle is located inside the door and is tucked in behind the door (see pic):



The connector is routed back and out of the way to ensure smooth operation of the door handle. GENTLY pull/persuade the connector around the back of the door handle carrier and out the hole in the door:



Now you can remove the connector from the door and disconnect the handle.

FITTING NEW HANDLE:

Remove the rubber door handle seals from the old door handle and install on the new handle.

Connect the new door handle to the electrical connector inside the door and carefully push it back behind the door handle carrier as per removal.

Insert the door handle into the door and slide towards the front of the door to re-engage the door handle mechanism inside the door.

Reinstall the door lock into the door. If you look into the door you will see how the door lock mechanism rod engages the door lock mechanism inside the door. Re-connect the electrical connector and place the door lock into the door. It may help to pull slightly on the door handle while fitting the door lock mechanism into the door.

Once the door lock is reinstalled into the door reinstall the torx bit that secures the lock to the door.

Reinstall door weatherstrip

Reinstall rear door cover

 

Just made use of this tutorial. Thanks!!!

 

Thanks dude, my keyless go button on drivers side (RHD car) has just done, now I can fix it!

Cheers!

 

Great post! My problem is my infrared sensor for retracting the top on the drivers side is only working on rare occasion. Can I fix this also via your method? Do I have to replace the whole door handle? I was worried the entire door panel would have to come off to get that sensor out

 

Thanks. My drivers door handle is cracked and the replacement has arrived. Your procedure is much simpler than the one documented by Mercedes. I appreciate your sharing this and saving me all that time.

 

Just did this on my '03. Took me about 15 minutes to swap out the door handle and I can finally lock the doors with KG. Excellent write-up. Thanks!

 

Just purchased an 04 SL55 with keyless, there is corrosion around button as rubber cover had completely deteriorated.
Pressing little button inside does nothing but if I walk near car with fob in pocket it unlocks. If I press passenger side without fob it says key not recognized which I believe is normal. Pressing little button drivers side does absolutely nothing.
Am I wrong to assume the button is corroded with the contacts closed (always pressed), would this explain walking near car and it unlocks?
will a new handle have to be coded to key or car? Or a used eBay one will be fine?
Any help would be appreciated!

 

Thanks for the DIY.....I need to remove the handles to vinyl wrap the doors. Excellent...thank you for the post.