SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Door handle question

Old Jul 28, 2017 | 09:10 PM
  #1  
Silver Light's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
From: Central Virginia
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Door handle question

How do I remove the top section of the exterior door handle? My driver's side is loose and I'm cautious not to break it. There is a small torx set screw which seems to be stripped since I can't back it out. The top section at the rear of the handle can be lifted up a little but I don't know how it connects to the front.

Thanks for any helps.





Reply
Old Jul 29, 2017 | 10:17 AM
  #2  
gafitanu's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 64
From: Dartmouth, MA
1967 250SE, 2022 GLC300 2023 EQB300, 2018 AMG GT
Why do you want to do that. As far as I know that is a one part. I tried to take mine apart when the Keyless-Go let go of the ghost but you cannot replace any internal components. In the side of the door there must be a hole, you insert a torx screwdriver, loosen a screw which will release the lock tumbler piece. Then the handle will come out relatively easy.
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2017 | 01:16 PM
  #3  
mercy-me's Avatar
Senior Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 96
From: Just north of Detroit,Michigan
2012 E350 4Matic P2
Originally Posted by gafitanu
Why do you want to do that. As far as I know that is a one part. I tried to take mine apart when the Keyless-Go let go of the ghost but you cannot replace any internal components. In the side of the door there must be a hole, you insert a torx screwdriver, loosen a screw which will release the lock tumbler piece. Then the handle will come out relatively easy.
No direct experience to share but handle does appear to be one piece per above, see attached EPC parts list and WIS instructions.

Good luck,

Bob
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
Door Closing system R230.pdf (69.2 KB, 286 views)
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2017 | 02:58 PM
  #4  
Silver Light's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
From: Central Virginia
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Originally Posted by gafitanu
Why do you want to do that. As far as I know that is a one part. I tried to take mine apart when the Keyless-Go let go of the ghost but you cannot replace any internal components. In the side of the door there must be a hole, you insert a torx screwdriver, loosen a screw which will release the lock tumbler piece. Then the handle will come out relatively easy.
I thought it was a two piece hand, top and bottom. I'm thinking to just glue the top in place so it will not break off from use.
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2017 | 03:00 PM
  #5  
Silver Light's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
From: Central Virginia
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Originally Posted by mercy-me
No direct experience to share but handle does appear to be one piece per above, see attached EPC parts list and WIS instructions.

Good luck,

Bob
Thanks I have seem these diagrams before. It could be the top was not designed to be taken apart from the bottom. I think I might glue it in place to prevent breakage from use.
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2018 | 09:26 AM
  #6  
Leej's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 34
From: USA Tennessee
2008 SL550 R230, 2004 E320 W211
@Silver Light, did you get this resolved, I have the exact same issue on the passenger door of my 2008 SL550.

The top plastic trim portion of my exterior door handle is coming up from the handle (just like in the original post pictures). On mine, I believe the little tab is broken (the one that the small torx screw goes into). When I was shopping for my SL, I saw others where this trim piece was completely broken off and gone so I presume this is somewhat common?

Did you figure out how to replace this or glue it, or secure it some other way?

On mine, the problem is on the passenger door, so there is no "key" hole, only the handle and the "buttons". I'm wondering if I could buy a used handle on e bay (painted to match), and then simply swap out the whole handle (although there is no guarantee that the replacement handle won't have the same problem)...

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Lee
2008 SL550
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2018 | 06:59 PM
  #7  
Silver Light's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
From: Central Virginia
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Originally Posted by Leej
@Silver Light, did you get this resolved, I have the exact same issue on the passenger door of my 2008 SL550.

The top plastic trim portion of my exterior door handle is coming up from the handle (just like in the original post pictures). On mine, I believe the little tab is broken (the one that the small torx screw goes into). When I was shopping for my SL, I saw others where this trim piece was completely broken off and gone so I presume this is somewhat common?

Did you figure out how to replace this or glue it, or secure it some other way?

On mine, the problem is on the passenger door, so there is no "key" hole, only the handle and the "buttons". I'm wondering if I could buy a used handle on e bay (painted to match), and then simply swap out the whole handle (although there is no guarantee that the replacement handle won't have the same problem)...

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Lee
2008 SL550
Lee,
I did a simple fix using super glue.

Do the following;
1. Pull the top of the handle up and with a damp paper towel clean the edge surfaces top and bottom
2. With top of the handle held up (Better if two people work on it but I used a small wooden shim to hold it) use a toothpick to apply a very small amount (Emphasis on small amount) of super glue on the edges, top and bottom inboard side and outboard side.
3. Reset the handle cover into normal position then temporarily taped around the handle to hold it overnight as the glue cures. I used electrical tape as it adheres well and is easily removed the next day.

Haven't had a problem since. Hope this helps you.
Enjoy your ride.
Bill
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2018 | 08:37 PM
  #8  
Leej's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 34
From: USA Tennessee
2008 SL550 R230, 2004 E320 W211
Bill
THANKS for the tip and the detailed instructions. I used some JB Weld Plastic Weld, because it was what I had . It is a 2 part epoxy that sets in about 5 minutes, cures in an hour (I also had JB Plastic Bond, but it sets in 15 minutes, and I thought the 5 minute stuff would be better).

The JB Plastic Weld was a little thicker than super glue (similar to super glue gel), and I applied a few dabs along the edge (inboard side and outboard side), and taped it up with some blue painters tape. I only used a very small amount; I'll see how I did an a few hours once it is good and cured. I suspect this will take care of it, and if not I will simply apply a little more glue. Thanks again for the suggestion.

Lee
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:27 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE