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Hi all, 3 out of 4 door handles on my E63 stopped working one after another. It might have been a coincidence but could also be something to do with circuit resistance -- I don't know. My car is iridium silver and each handle is 295 USD Don't want to buy used off Ebay (there are 1 or 2 in my color) for 100+ USD, as they may fail soon too.
I searched the forum before posting. Most threads are old. I wonder if anyone has figured out how to repair the handles? I am thinking about taking the handle to local electronics repair shop and hoping they can fix them. Or is everyone OK with spending so much money on handle?
Hi all, 3 out of 4 door handles on my E63 stopped working one after another. It might have been a coincidence but could also be something to do with circuit resistance -- I don't know. My car is iridium silver and each handle is 295 USD Don't want to buy used off Ebay (there are 1 or 2 in my color) for 100+ USD, as they may fail soon too.
I searched the forum before posting. Most threads are old. I wonder if anyone has figured out how to repair the handles? I am thinking about taking the handle to local electronics repair shop and hoping they can fix them. Or is everyone OK with spending so much money on handle?
electronics repair shop sounds like s good idea. I would reenforce handle with some RTV or water resistant substance around the sensor’s covering to prevent moisture from jacking them up again. Going to look for a elect shop. Thanks!
This is apparently a commonplace occurrence. In my W211 E63 I replace Keyless-Go handles--those that are used often--approx. every 2.5 years. And my car is garaged. I believe that the design and construction of the handles is one that allows moisture inside the componentry. Of course, in areas with more precipitation and/or power wash, the failures are probably more frequent.
I researched the issue and even attempted to repair. It is very difficult, but the handle can be taken apart to reveal the core electronics. I am looking at one right now. The problem is that during the disassembly, it is extremely difficult to not damage the fragile plastic (tabs, edges) and rubber button cover. The former can be partially rectified with more glue, but the rubber button cover rips easily and must be replaced. I am reasonably handy with a soldering iron, etc., In the end of the day, I concluded that the repair is possible, but not worth the effort, cost, and resulting looks. So I have been paying the piper. These Keyless-Go handles in my (rare) color went up from roughly $170 some 5 years ago to $206 today. I used to source many MB parts from Skyland (oediscountparts.com), but they sadly went out of business. The most recent order was from https://www.mercedesbenzpartscenter.com/
I have an 09 E63. Ignorant question, but is the car supposed to lock/unlock using any of the 4 door handles? Also, are the rear and front door handles interchangeable?
I bought a pair of door handles last month (L/R) based on the many threads about these failing. Got mine already painted (Sienna Black).
I just called MB or Arlington VA, about my drivers side rear door handle, and was quoted $363 for a painted one, or $337 for a un-painted one.
I recommend to shop around. There are places online that sell genuine parts (including these handles) for around $200 +/- 10%. The replacement process takes 5-10 minutes. Pull the weatherstrip/plug to reveal 1 torx screw. Most paint codes are available without needing a custom paint job. Let me know your VIN or paint code, and I can lookup the correct part number in EPC.
Originally Posted by W126AMG
...is the car supposed to lock/unlock using any of the 4 door handles? Also, are the rear and front door handles interchangeable?
Yes, any of the 4 door handles shall unlock/lock the car if the keyfob is in proximity. Sadly, the front and rear Keyless-Go handles are not interchangeable.
I recommend to shop around. There are places online that sell genuine parts (including these handles) for around $200 +/- 10%. The replacement process takes 5-10 minutes. Pull the weatherstrip/plug to reveal 1 torx screw. Most paint codes are available without needing a custom paint job. Let me know your VIN or paint code, and I can lookup the correct part number in EPC.
Yes, any of the 4 door handles shall unlock/lock the car if the keyfob is in proximity. Sadly, the front and rear Keyless-Go handles are not interchangeable.
I'm confused. The handle on top is my rear door, front door handle is below. Are you suggesting the mechanical bits inside the door are interchangeable, because the outer handles certainly aren't. Or maybe I just didn't install it correctly because I couldn't make it work.
I'm confused. The handle on top is my rear door, front door handle is below. Are you suggesting the mechanical bits inside the door are interchangeable, because the outer handles certainly aren't. Or maybe I just didn't install it correctly because I couldn't make it work.
Maybe the passenger side are interchangeable. Driver’s handle have locking mechanism which is different. Sorry...
This is apparently a commonplace occurrence. In my W211 E63 I replace Keyless-Go handles--those that are used often--approx. every 2.5 years. And my car is garaged. I believe that the design and construction of the handles is one that allows moisture inside the componentry. Of course, in areas with more precipitation and/or power wash, the failures are probably more frequent.
I researched the issue and even attempted to repair. It is very difficult, but the handle can be taken apart to reveal the core electronics. I am looking at one right now. The problem is that during the disassembly, it is extremely difficult to not damage the fragile plastic (tabs, edges) and rubber button cover. The former can be partially rectified with more glue, but the rubber button cover rips easily and must be replaced. I am reasonably handy with a soldering iron, etc., In the end of the day, I concluded that the repair is possible, but not worth the effort, cost, and resulting looks. So I have been paying the piper. These Keyless-Go handles in my (rare) color went up from roughly $170 some 5 years ago to $206 today. I used to source many MB parts from Skyland (oediscountparts.com), but they sadly went out of business. The most recent order was from https://www.mercedesbenzpartscenter.com/
Hope this helps.
Thanks for sharing your experience with repairs. I called few electronics repair places around. Nobody has done it (no surprise) but said that they would take a look if I brought the part in. Since you are saying that it is PITA they probably will charge a lot too if they attempt. I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and buy new.
I recommend to shop around. There are places online that sell genuine parts (including these handles) for around $200 +/- 10%. The replacement process takes 5-10 minutes. Pull the weatherstrip/plug to reveal 1 torx screw. Most paint codes are available without needing a custom paint job. Let me know your VIN or paint code, and I can lookup the correct part number in EPC.
Yes, any of the 4 door handles shall unlock/lock the car if the keyfob is in proximity. Sadly, the front and rear Keyless-Go handles are not interchangeable.
I think in some cases you need to remove the door handle. I pulled mine out and put it back. You right in that puling it out was easy. But now the female connector is getting in the way of the window I am afraid I might brake the wires, and not using the window until the new unit comes in. I will have to remove the door panel and install it properly.
In case anyone else needs iridium silver handle I found and bough the cheapest on Ebay for 187 USD. https://www.ebay.com/itm/163280002517 They still have 4 available.
Yes, this is my conclusion. With lots of practice and access to handle components (resistors, click-switches, rear rubber diaphragm, and rubber button cover), it is possible to drive the repair effort down to 2 hours with testing. Unless the parts and labor is cheap, I do not see the refurbished product to cost less than $100 with no guarantee and no looks. Math does not add up to a viable proposition. There is a video on YouTube,com with some (I think) Romanian dude repairing the handle. He got the electronics to work and even put the handle back together, but the looks are unmistakable. Main problem is the button cover, which is an external glue-on cover, not an OEM integrated seal. Despite all the effort, the handle will unlikely to be properly sealed and will not last. Like I said, seriously looked into it, but had to accept Mercedes pricing. Oh well...
Another point is that some of us may accept using the vehicle with a failed Keyless-Go handle. I mean the electronics, of course. We shall not forget that even in that condition, the handle performs its main function to open the door just fine. The driver's door is the tough one to bear... other doors perhaps easier to tolerate.
I search junkyard for them, $11 a pop if you get there before everyone else. I recently found a whole set and two rear handles. I sell them cheap. Works for me!
I search junkyard for them, $11 a pop if you get there before everyone else. I recently found a whole set and two rear handles. I sell them cheap. Works for me!
Well, I'm in need of the drivers side rear keyless go door handle, and I don't want to gamble. So I will just purchase the handle from Mercedes, that way I'll know that it work correctly the first time.
I had two on marketplace for over 3 months with no inquiry. Then I posted on Facebook for $50 each and sold four handles within 30 minutes. I’ll try to find more and post em up; test them first of course!
Also picked up seat switches too sold them for $30 each. Selling like hot cakes!
The handles were silver, I used one for my car which I painted it black to match. Sold two to a guy in UK Picked these Used Chrome insert shields selling for $25; still available
Click click!
Well, I'm in need of the drivers side rear keyless go door handle, and I don't want to gamble. So I will just purchase the handle from Mercedes, that way I'll know that it work correctly the first time.
Yuille, please don't go to the dealer, a waste of money You can find them online from other OEM Mercedes parts sites for cheaper. I've found many of those MB online sites are simply a network which the parts are sourced from MB dealerships anyhow. Going directly to the dealer you'll pay much more.
I think that may be correct. I've read on here about them being interchangeable before.
I've only had to replace the driver's door one on mine.
I've read the same thing. I think it depends on the year. I think either it was the pre-facelift or post facelift that was interchangeable from front to rear. Maybe it was only the passenger side. Mine were replaced about 4.5 years ago. They're still working but occasionally they seem to glitch. Some old threads refer to replacing the switches with one from an old fax machine, but I tried taking one apart and as others said, it's very easy to rip the rubber. When/if mine go, I'm just going to do the driver's side door as that's probably the one I would use the most often.
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Don't want to buy used off Ebay (there are 1 or 2 in my color) for 100+ USD, as they may fail soon too.
You can find them online from other OEM Mercedes parts sites for cheaper. I've found many of those MB online sites are simply a network which the parts are sourced from MB dealerships anyhow. Going directly to the dealer you'll pay much more.
